SWAMI YOGAMANI SARASWATI YOGA AND MEDITATION INSTRUCTOR AND MARRIAGE CELEBRANT AUCKLAND
What items of clothing always put a smile on your face? The Ray-Ban sunnies I’m wearing here were purchased en route to my ashram in rural India, where I was doing humanitarian work. Every year, I lead groups from around the world who graciously donate their time to others, and this trip we were working at a medical camp for two weeks, as part of a team who that year helped restore sight to 1350 people from the local farming community. At the time I had cataracts myself that needed to be operated on, and in transit at Singapore Changi Airport it dawned on me that perhaps I could begin taking better care of my own failing eyesight — starting with a new pair of sunglasses. Four years on I still love them as they fold up to palm size, are awesome for travelling light, and remind me of the wonderful smiles of the patients at the camp — some of whom were seeing for the first time.
I also love these Blockout jeans, which cost me $20. They were a pattern sample, one of a kind, and fit me like a glove, as if they were made for me. I bought them on a family holiday in Brisbane, so every time I wear them they bring back very special memories.
If we were to open your wardrobe right now, what would we find? Natural textiles, cashmere, silk, cotton, linen, handweaves, wool. Bespoke pieces and block colours, from elegant, timeless gowns and fake fur for my celebrant work; to functional, comfortable activewear from Lululemon — I’m one of their ambassadors and wear them when I’m teaching yoga and meditation; to my traditional ashram clothes hand-dyed from the earth; to funky, upcycled, boho streetwear.
What’s been your most fulfilling fashion moment? Back in the day, I was involved in the conceptual beginning of Brent Lawler’s stellar career as a hairstylist. I was blessed to be a friend, a colleague, and his model at the L’Oréal Hair Awards one year, where we swept up many of the awards. I wore a gown by Adrienne Winkelmann, which the late Angela D’Audney went on to purchase.
How does fashion affect your mood? Hugely. I adore observing people and their fashion vibes throughout the day, and it often brings a smile to my face or inspiration and gratitude to my heart, or maybe even a “Go girl, you’re rocking that number!” into my mind. What I wear is also influenced by my vibe. If I’m feeling fun and cheeky, I might choose to add in something a little random and unexpected. If I’m a bit tired or moochy, I might wrap up in a cosy cashmere throw, or a handweave made with love by a friend. It’s like wearing a hug.
Who embodies happiness for you? I’ve been fortunate enough to spend sacred time with the Dalai Lama. He’s often child-like happiness in motion, innocent, gentle, kind and compassionate, as are many of my great teachers. Is there something of cultural significance that has inspired and stuck with you? I have a taonga pounamu — greenstone treasure — that was handed down through my fiancé’s whanau and is more than 200 years old. It was worn by his great, great, great grandmother from the iwi Ngapotiki, a sub-tribe of Ngati Awa of Matata, in the Bay of Plenty. I was extremely privileged to be adorned with it during my last trip to India and it was amazing to feel the ancestry of Aotearoa with me in rural Bihar and imbibe it with the incredible energy of the rituals I was lucky enough to be a part of.
Where do you feel most at peace? It might sound clichéd, but I experience a deep sense of peace wherever I am. However, if I were to choose a geographical location or a time, I’d say at sunrise and sunset, by the ocean, in the Himalayas and anywhere in nature. And, of course, around sacred ritual, whether ancient churches, fire ceremonies or the chanting of mantras.
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