Demand has doubled for MENA’s ‘Salamasina; Collection following their first in-store fashion show which was held in their new Grey Lynn store, Auckland recently.
MENA is a Pacific fashion label owned by sisters, Agnes, Jackie, Gina and Charlene Loheni. The sisters established MENA in Samoa in 2002 and expanded into New Zealand in 2006. Their new store opened in Grey Lynn and they own a fashion retail store in Onehunga.
“The Salamasina collection has been very popular,” MENA co-owner Gina Loheni said.
“Our sales have actually doubled in the last 2 weeks! We are now having to re-stock a few popular styles such as our Petra puletasi which have sold out, as we lead up to our busiest time of the year,” she said.
“The Salamasina collection has a selection of kaftans which is popular for this time of year along with the off the shoulder styles such as the ‘Lanuola’ dress,” Ms Loheni said.
MENA’s new season designs walked out before a packed audience eager to see the latest ‘Salamasina’ collection highlighted by their signature vibrant print dresses, kaftans and separates.
It was also a collaboration with local jewellery brand Shahana Jewels created by Shehana Kimiangatau who provided a matching jewellery range. The audience were treated to Ariki Vodka from the Cook Islands and cocktails and giveaways.
MENA’s owners, sisters Agnes, Jackie, Gina and Charlene, first met Ms Kimiangatau in 2016 when she offered some of her pieces to accessorise a MENA fashion show fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
This time round, Ms Kimiangatau wanted to design some pieces to specifically complement one of MENA’s signature prints in the Salamasina range. This collection is aptly named after the Samoan Queen Salamasina (15th Century) – one of the most famous female figures in Samoan social history.
It’s a fitting name as the brand has always been about strong women, respect of their Pacific heritage and service to others. It is also the values they have inherited from their mother Mena Loheni, Ms Loheni said.
‘We love the intricate pieces that Shehana designed. They are very unique and sophisticated pieces that complement our new prints so well,” she said.
MENA’s new collection is now available in-store and online and they will also be selling the Shehana pieces as well while stock lasts.
Photo source MENA/Facebook. Caption: MENA collection