The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is proud to be supporting a fashion exchange program with the Wearing Fiji Project.
The ministry’s support includes the attendance of NZ international designer Karen Walker to come to Fiji to conduct a masterclass with the project’s current students and alumni.
“As a designer, I’ve always believed in having a unique point of view — being clear on why your label exists and telling distinct stories, offering great experiences for your community. This exchange program is an opportunity to inspire emerging talents to fearlessly explore their own unique perspective” said Karen Walker.
Wearing Fiji Co-founder Samson Lee said the project was grateful to the NZ government forgiving their students the opportunity to gain knowledge from a powerhouse designer like Karen Walker through this exchange program.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, said “There is so much talent and creativity here in Fiji, and it is amazing to see this shining through in the areas of design and fashion. I’m delighted that we are supporting this fashion exchange program through the Wearing Fiji Project, which will create long-lasting connections and a two-way exchange of ideas between Fijian and Kiwi designers”.
In exchange the winning student designer will go across to New Zealand for a one week exchange under the mentorship of Karen Walker.
Co-founder Samson Lee will also go across to New Zealand to give a masterclass on Pacific fashion. Karen Walker will also sit on the panel of judges with Hupfeld Hoerder and NZ stylist Makaira Leeto determine this year’s winning student designer.
“I am looking forward to doing my masterclass in the Pacific community in NZ and taking the winning student to experience another country’s fashion industry but one that is very rooted in the Pacific diaspora,” said Samson Lee.
The project has seven mentors this year, Samson Lee, Hupfeld Hoerder, Robert Verebasaga, Natalia Larsen, Neisau Tuidraki, Andrew Powell and Temesia Tuicaumia. Wearing Fiji will be held this year at the HFC Bank Stadium on October 7, 2023.
Tickets are online for sale at Ticketmaxfiji.com
ABOUT KAREN WALKER
- Karen Walker’s eccentrically elegant style has established a stellar international following for her ready-to-wear, eyewear, jewelry, bags and fragrance.
- Karen’s signature energy and optimism define the label. Her designs cleverly play with cultural subtext, juxtaposing luxe and street, masculine and feminine, folk and utility, creating pieces that are both directional and wearable: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Adele, Lorde, Priyanka Chopra, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga count themselves among the formidable roster of celebrity fans.
- Her influence has seen her consistently ranked for the past seven years in The Business of Fashion’s powerhouse BoF 500, reflecting her position as a global industry figure shaping the future.
