Senorita AweSUMO

est 2012

I grew up and still live in Waitati, Ōtepoti. Connected closely with nature and environmentally minded, my beliefs are reflected in my zero waste textile designs.

Senorita AweSUMO is my response to workplace-related harm.

In 2008 I suffered a toxic overload and my body did not cope well, overloading my brain with a constant migraine for years afterwards. A recovery and healing journey continues but after a re-examination of my own beliefs and that working experience I took myself and Senorita AweSUMO into a new phase of life, growing a holistic lifestyle, nurturing and nourishing the whole. <3

I believe that designers can serve their community by providing solutions to problems. Witnessing the amount of waste created in commercial fashion production, I set about creating a solution.

An opportunity to create unique garments and provide a local solution to a problem facing the fashion system globally.

Reducing waste without compromising style. My designs aimed to mitigate environmental harm from modern fashion production. Up-cycled garments minimised the impact on the environment from disposable consumer items.

Utilising a textile resource recovered from landfills, commercial off-cuts, and recycling centres, adding value to otherwise discarded materials. Only purchased ethical fabrics and was transparent about where and how they got to me.  

Senorita AweSUMO offered a zero-waste lifestyle brand for ethical and conscious consumers.

And has always been vocal about environmental and social injustice in society.

Encouraging conscious consumption by spreading awareness and giving an environmental choice.

I also promote and work with other like-hearted brands such as The Cacao Ambassador. I understand the need to create a safe space for humanity to heal and flourish. I share brands and products that work for me in my healing journey, the ones that have changed my life and enabled me to stay a functioning member of society.

I couldn’t do what I do without this medicinal daily support.

Global problem, Local solution.

He hononga mahi iti!

<3

Fiona Clements

Bachelor of Design, Fashion 2011

Graduate Diploma Sustainable Practice - 2018

Kaiwhakaara - Res.Awesome Ltd

The Cacao Ambassador

Founder of Ka Kā Wā confectionary

Previous:

EatNZ Kaitaki 2022/23

Founder Just Atelier Trust 2015 (Stitch Kitchen)

Fashion Revolution NZ Working Committee

Chair of Resilient Dunedin Inc 2018 - 2022

Founder of Dunedin Designed Inc - Guild Dunedin