Testarotta (my mother’s family name, meaning ‘broken head’ in Italian) is a nod to my heritage. I work from a small home studio in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), New Zealand. All aspects of production from design, pattern cutting, samples and final manufacture occurring within this small space.

Minimising the impact of fashion production is central to the ethos of the brand, which uses otherwise discarded resources such as textile waste from local manufacturers, second hand textiles and deadstock fabrics. Although this approach provides challenges, it results in garments characterised by jolts of colour, strong silhouettes and playfulness. They go beyond the trend cycle, and are made to be worn and appreciated for years rather than a season.

Waste minimisation techniques such as zero waste pattern cutting, made to order and custom made are also important aspects of production, as a means to limit waste.

I am a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) at the Ara Institute. During my studies I was awarded the Longbeach Holdings Awards for both Technical Excellence and Academic Excellence and the Art and Design Contact Art Award/Fashion in 2019. During 2021 I was also awarded the Ara Excellence Award in Fashion Technology and Design.

I hope that my designs can inspire some fun in your daily life.

Michelle