In a groundbreaking collaboration with Specsavers, renowned Māori tattoo artist Mokonuiarangi Smith, widely known as Moko, unveils a distinctive eyewear range that transcends traditional boundaries. This unique collection, part of Specsavers’ partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, is a fusion of art, culture, and philanthropy that resonates with the expansive Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa community.
Nearly two years in the making, Mokonuiarangi Smith, or simply Moko, has embarked on an ambitious journey with Specsavers. The collaboration marks Moko’s first brand partnership and introduces an exhibition featuring a unique notching detail, setting it apart as a trailblazer in eyewear design. The collection seamlessly merges the ancient art of tattooing with contemporary elegance.
Tasked with crafting frames seamlessly transitioning from reading spectacles to sunglasses, Moko’s creative ingenuity has resulted in a series of firsts. The eyewear reflects his style and contributes to a broader cultural resurgence, aligning with Te ao Māori values in a modern context that embraces weaving, carving, language, music, and fashion.
In the realm of brand collaborations, where marketing agendas can sometimes overshadow authenticity, Specsavers’ annual limited-edition frames in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ (FHFNZ) stand out as a harmonious blend of art, fashion, culture, design, and philanthropy.
Moko joins an esteemed roster of artists who have previously collaborated with Specsavers and The Foundation, illustrating the brand’s commitment to supporting indigenous artistry. Noteworthy collaborations include Aboriginal artist Sarrita King for the Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program and Samoan artist Fatu Feu’u (ONZM) in 2022.
Drawing inspiration from the traditional Māori and Polynesian hand tools known as the Uhi, Moko’s artistic approach pays homage to the roots of tattooing while incorporating his unique style. The notching pattern, a motif seen across the Pacific, becomes central in the frames, symbolizing genealogy and unity across Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa.
Moko’s journey in tattooing, mentored by prominent artists Croc Coulter and Inia Taylor, has shaped his distinctive linear and geometric pattern style. Balancing hand-tapped and hand-poked methods, Moko’s tattoos connect the past, present, and future, embodying a profound respect for cultural heritage.
The eyewear collection features the taratara notching pattern, a recurring motif in Pacific tattooing, representing ancestors, current generations, and future descendants. Another notable design, Karu o te Whenua, pays homage to eye health, intertwining cultural practices, land stewardship, and knowledge preservation.
This collaboration showcases Moko’s artistic evolution and underscores the importance of giving back to communities. $25 from each purchase contributes to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s mission to end avoidable blindness in the Pacific. The funds support eye consultations, surgeries, education, and qualifications for eye doctors and provide glasses to those in remote areas.
Moko’s foray into a brand partnership sets a positive precedent for indigenous artists, emphasizing the significance of respectful collaboration. The transparent and healthy communication between Moko and Specsavers paved the way for a partnership aligning with his principles and uplifting the Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa community.
As Moko’s distinctive designs grace the limited-edition frames, this collaboration symbolizes more than just eyewear; it signifies a cultural exchange, a celebration of heritage, and a commitment to creating art with purpose. For Moko, it’s a journey beyond ink on the skin – a form of artistic expression that inspires, heals, and connects communities.
Specsavers’ goal to raise $1 million for The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ aligns with the ethos of this collaboration. By choosing Moko’s frames, individuals contribute to their style and a more significant cause, echoing the essence of art as a catalyst for positive change.
Embrace the fusion of tattoo artistry and eyewear elegance as Mokonuiarangi Smith’s visionary ink takes center stage in this limited-edition collection. Visit Specsavers.co.nz from November 24 to secure your piece of authentic, culturally rich eyewear that transcends mere fashion, becoming a testament to the power of art in making a meaningful impact.