PerfectFit
It’s not every day a designer agrees to create a bespoke dress for you, but that’s the reality for one of the world’s best young violinists, Ioana Cristina Goicea. Part of her prize for winning last year’s Michael Hill International Violin Competition — widely recognised as one of the most sought-after prizes and career launchpads — is to be dressed by Kiri Nathan in a gown she’ll wear on her winner’s tour across the country. This is the second time Kiri has designed the competition winner’s dress, and she’s become attuned to a violinist’s unique needs. “The performance is beautiful, theatrical and dramatic and the gown needs to support that. It’s not about what they’re wearing, it’s about how the gown can fully support their entire performance,” says Kiri. During the fitting for the gown at Pah Homestead, Kiri is focused on making adjustments that allow for ease of movement. “Ioana is a vigorous performer so I’ll hand weave the beading in the front in the style of a korowai and attach that section to the waistband. For me, I love being involved in groundbreaking work and arts excellence, and the energy and relationships around that. I think it’s really important for creatives to support creative sectors and this competition is so prestigious and so well done.” Ioana will appear at the Auckland Town Hall with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra on October 25, 8pm. Visit Ticketmaster.co.nz