The Prime Minister of New Zealand bid farewell to the Parliament this April 5. A moving speech she delivered in an outfit that also carries a strong message.
At 37, she was the youngest woman to head a government. On April 5, Jacinda Arden appeared at the New Zealand Parliament to say goodbye to the latter. She appeared in a gold, elegantly cut cape worn over a white dress, a piece that could almost pass for a fashion choice. However, its significance is far from purely aesthetic. Jacinda Ardern, to say goodbye to the post of Prime Minister, chose to wear a cow. It is a traditional Maori dress, usually woven and decorated with feathers. It can take an experienced weaver over a year to make, and is a symbol of greatness and respect.
Traditional dress
THE: cow is a ceremonial and family garment, originally passed down from generation to generation. There are several types of cloaks. They are named after their weaving techniques and each has meanings. And if from the beginning the dress is special for the Maori, then in the last twenty years everything has changed. Typical capes are sometimes given to honored guests visiting the country, such as dignitaries and politicians, as a sign of equality, or even more widely worn by New Zealanders for occasions. Jacinda Arden’s character wears the mantle of authority. And this is not the first.
Jacinda Ardern salutes Maori with a hongi. (Sydney, July 6, 2023) Don Arnold – Getty Images
Why such a choice by the former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has always fought for the rights of the Maori and the preservation of their culture? In 2018, he even announced that his daughter would learn the lost Maori language. That same year, he wore the cape to a dinner in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, to the delight of well-wishers.
On this April 5, the style act was connected with an exciting speech. “I hope I showed something completely different. That you can be restless, sensitive, kind and show your feelings. You can be a mother or not, an ex-Mormon or not, a badass, a crybaby, a hugger—you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here, but you can lead.” And even do it korovai.
Source: Le Figaro
