Quincy Tikotikoca has once again demonstrated exceptional talent, securing the top honors in the Anuanua 2025 Wearable Arts designers’ competition. The event captivated the audience last Friday at Bergman’s Gallery.

Eight designers in the event showcased their amazing pieces to the public at the official opening of Anuanua – a celebration of pride, unity and resilience, established to promote the human rights, wellbeing and interests of all LGBTQI+ in the Cook Islands.

Her latest jaw dropping phenomenal creation, inspired by the popular tiare taina/gardenia flower, highlighted her incredible talent, attention to detail and innovative vision.

This year, her design not only celebrates the beauty of the gardenia but also highlights a cultural significance, transforming nature's elegance into a stunning wearable masterpiece modelled by Kelera Ratu.

“Winning this award for the second consecutive time was an incredibly rewarding experience,” says Tikotikoca.

“It's hard to describe the feeling of accomplishment that comes from that kind of recognition. The journey to get there involved many late nights, some sacrifices, and a lot of love, passion, and dedication. Seeing my wearable art celebrated on the night was truly gratifying.”

The positive response towards the garment and the award itself proved that all Tikotikoca’s hard work and effort was worth it.

“My motivation for creating such a beautiful wearable art piece, the ‘Gardenia’ dress, came from a wish to capture and show the beauty of the natural world. I wanted to take the delicate, intricate, and vibrant qualities of flowers and turn them into something you could wear. A gown was a great way to make this a dramatic and expressive design. I wanted to create something that was not only visually appealing but also made people feel something, celebrating the beautiful, though sometimes fleeting, and power of nature.”

Tikotikoca says, the Gardenia design “is a gown that personifies growth within myself and embracing of all the elements of life from joy to sorrow. My wearable art portrays the transformative power of love and acceptance because with every experience and every downfall I still manage to grow just like a Gardenia.” Each designer was allocated a flower to display in their design: Ginger – Ifraan Khan, Heliconia – Stormy Kara, Tiare Taina – Quincy Tikotikoca, Frangipani – Saro Taia, Bird Of Paradise – Maanga Taripo, Tiare Maori – Daniel Fisher, Hibiscus – Kirsten Le Bon and the Anthurium – Pouarii Tanner.