Native Style

High fashion and corporate Polynesian and Maori inspired garments of quality and distinction.

Native Style specialises in limited edition, top quality, Polynesian and Maori inspired garments targeted at the corporate and high fashion end of the market. 

Tutina Pasene founded the business known as Tribal Fibres in 1996. Tutina's design flair, creativity and personal interactive skills helped Tribal Fibres to become a well known brand in the Maori and Pacific Island clothing market. So as to gain recognition in the national fashion market, in 2003 Tutina chose to pursue her own individual business goals and created the label "Native Style". 

Tutina has undertaken training in business and management planning while developing and manufacturing an unique range of clothing. Native Style currently provides garments exclusively for Kura Art Gallery in Wellington and Auckland, and retails her garments through well known high fashion stores The Frock Shop in Raumati and Ihi in Palmerston North.

Tutina's life and business partner, Denis Grennell, is co-director of Native Style. He has his own successful training consultancy business, Te Aratiatia, and brings years of proven business acumen and contacts to Native Style from the private, public and corporate sectors. Their son, Rerehau, a graduate in Art and Design from Te Wananga O Raukawa, is the main Maori tohu designer.

Native Style has also been able to access the expertise of Suzanne Tamaki to assist with implementation of the strategic direction at an operational level. Suzanne worked in advertising for six years and also has a strong arts and design background. She has produced, directed and co-ordinated several highly successful fashion events in Auckland and Wellington since 1992, giving her extensive networks within the national fashion industry. She has also won a number of fashion and design awards throughout New Zealand.