Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Nikirei is a conceptual and experimental stylist working within the realm of sustainable fashion. Whether styling or directing, her process is intuitive and emotionally driven. She approaches fashion as a medium for storytelling - constructing personas with an aesthetic that blends softness with sharp conceptual clarity, curating visual narratives that draw from emerging designers, contemporary artists and creatives whose work feels immediate and real. Her multifaceted approach to fashion seamlessly extends into various disciplines, including fashion journalism and design.
Currently, she’s developing her graduate collection, 2025x—an exploration of digital decadence that unravels the personal mythology that is endlessly looped in the digital sphere. It evokes the psychic allure of belief, beauty, and connection as glamour becomes both sanctuary and armor.
Alongside her design work, she contributes in fashion journalism with a focus on interviews, subcultures, and the ways fashion can reflect community dynamics.
“This year, I’m prioritising consuming media more intently, especially when looking for inspiration. I love hunting for niche references that are made by artists from the current zeitgeist. Also learning how to critically look at images more; what do I like about this photo? - the composition, the choice of colours, specific styling choices, makeup choices and art direction.
My friends always say I have the best references and it got into my head so I’m finally ungatekeeping my favourite independent magazines and show my recent favourite editorials! (I never usually do this, I hope you feel blessed)” - on Substack
Everyday Extravangance. Photo / Sicky Magazine
BTS at an Āhua fitting. Photo / Abigail Dell'Avo
“Photographer Abigail Dell'avo and Nikirei went along to a pre-show fitting to capture the chaos, creativity and magic, and catch up with organisers Kwon, Nina Bailey and Billy Blamires to hear more about their vision – in their own words.”
For Ensemble Magazine
A curated list of brands and designers based in Aotearoa New Zealand that aligns with Sauce’s passion for craftmanship, sustainability, creativity - especially to promote conscious consumerism.
For Sauce Magazine