Showcasing her story through fashion

A proud Kiwi with roots in Kuwait and India, Dhanak Humayun has turned her multicultural journey into a powerful design narrative. 

HerStory was launched with a runway event on July 12 at Papakura Museum, marking the debut of the Matariki Couture Collection — nine gowns inspired by the nine stars of Matariki. 

“Each gown was thoughtfully designed to reflect both the traditional meanings of the stars and the unique energy of the models who wore them.” 

The exhibition spans three walls, each reflecting a chapter of Dhanak’s life.  

She said that one wall honours her upbringing in Kuwait, where her creative journey first began. The second celebrates her Indian heritage, including her work designing for Bollywood celebrities. The third represents her New Zealand journey, where Rakshi’s Design was born and nurtured — grounded in community, made with local hands, and rich in cultural depth. 

“This collection isn’t just about fashion. It’s about storytelling through fabric, through heritage, and through the strength of women. Every gown is a chapter, every model a star.” 

Dhanak is not only a fashion designer with her label Rakshi’s Design, but also a master’s graduate in computer science, a community organiser, and a member of the Pōkeno Community Committee. 

Through her platform DH Events, she aims to curate impactful fashion and charity shows that empower women, youth, and cultural celebrations across New Zealand. 

A second exhibition is in development, this time dedicated to South Auckland, where Dhanak has lived for over a decade. It will pay tribute to the people, colour, and culture of a community that continues to inspire her work. 

“This is more than a fashion exhibit; it represents my evolving journey as both a designer and community leader. Since stepping into my new local board role, I’ve had the privilege of working more closely with cultural institutions like the Papakura Museum to bring accessible, meaningful art to the public.” 

• The HerStory exhibition will be on display at Papakura Museum until mid-August.