We have an exclusive chat with Miriama Kamo, star of the Dance For Me Endometriosis Seminar at NZ Fashion Weekend with FREE public entry…
We have an exclusive chat with Miriama Kamo, star of the Dance For Me Endometriosis Seminar at NZ Fashion Weekend…
What can people expect from the Dance For Me Endometriosis Seminar at NZ Fashion Weekend?
Dancing with Endometriosis NZ Ambassador, Nerida Cortese, I’ll have a chat about my experience along with Deborah Bush, there’ll be spot prizes, and everyone gets a fabulous goodie bag.
For people who aren’t aware, can you give us a bit of a rundown on what endometriosis is? In lay mans terms, what is it and why is it important to know more about it?
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows in other places in the body, for eg, on the ovaries and bowel. My own case was fairly extensive and caused extraordinary pain with my periods. Even the mere act of walking or sitting down could be excruciating. However, for others, it can be even more severe than this, and some women suffer extreme pain outside of their cycle as well.
How did you get involved with raising awareness and the profile of Endometriosis New Zealand? What’s your history and experience with the organization?
I met Deborah Bush (CEO Endometriosis New Zealand) through my work as a journalist. I attended one of her seminars thinking that this ‘awful sounding’ condition might make an interesting current affairs story. As I listened to her, I realized she was describing all my own symptoms. About a year later I rang her to tell her that I’d been diagnosed with endometriosis, thanks to her work. The fact that I lived for 20 or so years with such pain, thinking it was just ‘a woman’s lot’ shocked me, when in fact, it wasn’t normal and could’ve been treated. I joined the ENZ Board for two years and then became an ambassador.
Do you believe Kiwi women are more or less aware of endometriosis than other women around the world?
Awareness and diagnosis is a global problem. There is still a lot of work to be done raising awareness in medical circles, let alone among women. However, it seems this is improving, not least because of the work of people like Deborah Bush (Deb’s work has been recognised across the world). ENZ is the world recognised and leading organisation.
Are you going to be attending some of the shows this year? Who is your favourite New Zealand designer and who are you keen to see?
I’m a huge fan of NZ fashion designers. I wear a lot of TK Store. Turet Kneufermann makes clothes for all women. Her style is classic and elegant. My closet is packed with her pieces. I’m also a huge fan of Pacific label, Mena. Alive, flowing, and bursting with colour.
You’re a bit of a style icon yourself and certainly have some amazing outfits on TV. What simple advice would you give to women when it comes to fashion? Some simple dos and don’ts?
Have fun. I’m fairly classic in my taste, I like a clean silhouette and unfussy styling. But I love colour. That’s where I push out the boat. Fun, couldn’t recommend it more.. within reason.
How much input do you have into your outfits on screen? Do you get to keep any of the clothes?
We have fabulous guidance through Michiko Hylands and Clifton Piper. They source the outfits. Sadly, no, I don’t keep them, they belong to TVNZ.
What’s your worst ever fashion faux pas?
Tights with denim shorts, circa 1989…
What do you think it is about NZ Fashion Week and Kiwi fashion in general that sets us apart from the rest?
We use our isolation to our benefit and we’re unafraid to push the limits. We all come from daring adventurer and navigator stock, no matter our origin, and that ability and willingness to bend and flex the world to our shape shows in our fashion industry.
DANCE FOR LIFE SEMINAR AT NZ FASHION WEEKEND
Dance is life enhancing, celebratory and relieves pain. With this in mind, Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) is launching DANCE FOR ME for women who experience chronic pain and wish to make positive changes to their general well-being through dance as an exercise of choice.
Get FREE tickets to Dance for Me at iTicket to attend at New Zealand Fashion Weekend 2013! The show tickets are free as ENZ wants more people to learn more about Endometriosis and it’s such a fun way using dance. It’s a great offering too because you can also get into Fashion Weekend if you see the show!
Steven Fernandez
22 August 2013
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