EIMEO Heritage: Weaving Mana into Fashion and Tradition

Under the warm glow of a September sunset, the sacred grounds of Marae Arahurahu in Paea came alive. On September 27th, EIMEO Clothing presented its inaugural fashion show, EIMEO Heritage, a moment where creativity, legacy, and spiritual energy converged.

 

This was more than a runway. It was a homecoming. A tribute to Polynesia, to the strength, elegance, and timeless beauty of its people.

 

Around Marae Arahurahu, nearly fifty guests observed with admiration as Tahitian orchestra and dance resonated through the air, while skilled artisans showcased lei-making, tapa crafting, and other traditional savoir-faire, revealing the rich symbolism behind these timeless practices.

As a gesture of hospitality, attendees were offered fresh coconuts to sip from and carefully curated gift bags, tangible keepsakes reflecting the brand’s spirit.

 

The festivity began with a powerful 'ōrero by our radiant ambassador, Hinatea Colombani, whose words set the tone for a celebration of culture, artistry, and ancestral wisdom. At the heart of the experience was Matavai, EIMEO’s new collection, a luminous dialogue between heritage and contemporary design. The collection revealed Heritage mu‘umu‘u dresses, flowing with elegance and nostalgia, alongside modern silhouettes that reimagined Polynesian style for today.

 

Fourteen women and three men brought these creations to life, each outfit telling its own story and every fabric infused with the essence of the islands. The show also featured EIMEO’s signature styles, honoring the brand’s identity while embodying its evolving creativity, a vision shaped by legacy yet also inspired by modern perspectives.

 

EIMEO was deeply honored to collaborate with Robert Wan for this first show, as they generously lent us their prestigious pearl jewelry.

The show reached its crescendo with graceful choreography, accompanied by the evocative song Ahiri, performed live by Urarii Berselli. Written for EIMEO several years ago, the song bridged music, movement, and memory, echoing the sacred force felt in every gesture and every detail of the occasion.

Through EIMEO Heritage, the brand reaffirmed its purpose: to craft fashion that carries meaning, connecting modern expression with ancestral roots. The moment was surely alive with mana, that unseen strength binding people, place, and purpose in harmony.

As the final notes faded into the last rays of sun and the fragrance of Taina flowers lingered, one truth was undeniable : EIMEO Heritage was not merely an event. It was a journey, a heartbeat of Polynesia woven into fabric and grace.