FRANCMARIE - TUPU

Help us fund  TUPU - A live production presented by unisex streetwear label FRANCMARIE. A synthesis of Fashion, Music & Dance, showcasing the travels and hard labour of our Pasifika immigrants.

About FRANCMARIE 

FRANCMARIE is run by Frankie Lolohea, whose influences are heavily based on her Tongan culture as well as her father’s line of work. Since 1985, her father Ma’ake Lolohea has and continues to embody our blue-collared Pasifika community as a printer.

His dedication to his craft has inspired Frankie to adapt his work ethic into garments that are made to last; Creating looks that outlive the trends.

This idea inspired Frankie to create her own platform of opportunities for experience within the fashion industry. Thus, the beginning of her unisex streetwear label - FRANCMARIE. From 2015, she produced her first three-part fashion series under the mantra - “We, The Brave”. A motto that spoke to the underrepresented communities within New Zealand’s Eurocentric fashion industry. It's all about shaking up the norm with her Pasifika influenced cast and crew. 

Since COVID-19, FRANCMARIE came to a halt, allowing designer Frankie Lolohea to reassess her career path and the future of FRANCMARIE.

In 2022, Frankie is proud to present “FRANCMARIE - TUPU”, a powerful three part series now infusing fashion with dance and music. 

About TUPU

To grow, or sprout. To come into existence.

TUPU, a live production of a three part series by FRANCMARIE fuses fashion with dance and music to depict the journey and labour of Pasifika immigrants to Aotearoa. An extension of learning through performance art to all generations benefitting from the first wave of our blue collar Pasifika workers.

SO, WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO?

Donating to the FRANCMARIE BOOSTED campaign allows Frankie Lolohea and her core team to pay all artists involved, and cover venue hirage, rehearsals, transportation, a complete new set design and fabric/materials and to bring FRANCMARIE’ vision to life - TUPU.

As the daughter of an immigrant father, my hopes are to: 

• Spark conversation within immigrant famili / families
• Offer a creative alternative to learning about Pasifika history within Aotearoa. 
• Remind all Pasifika of my generation and those to come that we are products of our Pasifika immigrants who contributed significantly to New Zealand’s economy.

Any contributions to this campaign during these uncertain times, big or small, is greatly appreciated.

Mālō ‘aupito.