Since sashaying onto our screens in Project Runway New Zealand in 2018 and capturing the nation’s attention with his striking Pasifika couture, life for designer Beau Louis Takapu has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
Launching his own fashion brand, suff ering through a divorce and fi nding solace in charity work, Beau says he’s grown as an individual and is dedicating his latest collection, Forever Grateful, to the people who’ve been with him on this wild ride.
His television debut on season one of Project Runway New Zealand came as a surprise, with his then-husband secretly applying for him, and Beau was quickly shortlisted and accepted onto the show.
“Being on TV filled every spot in my mental health that was possible,” recalls Beau. “I was thinking, ‘Am I good enough? Are people going to think I’m too Tongan or not Tongan enough? What if people think I’m weird?’“ But I can honestly say I’ve learned to love and accept every part of myself. There are a lot of growing pains and learning lessons when you open yourself up to the public.”
Denne historien er fra June 05, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 05, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK