At just 25 years old, Shane Pickering has defied all odds to turn his passion for fashion into a full-time career.
Three years ago, having achieved personal milestones, Shane founded his own fashion line called Laborial, and he’s already on his way to making a serious name for himself in the world of fashion.
Pickering is originally from Lomanikoro in Rewa and shares maternal links to Nanumea in Tuvalu.
His insatiable love for fashion pushed him to pursue designing out of a field of mainly traditional academic pursuits and choices. In the early years of his life, he was inspired to use his skills and to never be idle by his late grandmother Tase, a skilled weaver.
However, it all truly crystallised at the tender age of 20 when he was approached to be the designer for the then Mr Hibiscus, Manasa Navara.
“I was given the chance to dress Mr Hibiscus Manasa Navara during the Hibiscus Festival in 2018,” Pickering said.
“After receiving compliments and positive feedback from the public, I decided to take my passion for designing to the next level.”
Pickering studied fashion design and technology at the Australian Pacific Coalition in the hope of furthering his knowledge of design and pattern-making.
He later joined a mentorship program called Wearing Fiji that was founded by the experienced Samson Lee and Neisau Tuidraki, under the watchful eyes of Hupfeld Hoerder, who guided and supported him.
“They helped me tremendously in my business and career choices,” Pickering said.
“It would have not been possible without their help and the help of my family.”
Having carefully navigated his path through the rough waters of skepticism and traditional taboos, the young lad is determined to make it count.
“It was difficult at first, I had to work odd jobs and sold baked goods to fund my fashion dream.
“It was a challenge to source good quality fabrics and invent something that is unique and different.”
Then Pickering finally founded his own line at the age of 22. Laboriel is a product of his creativity, a reflection of his God-given talent and a testament of his hard work. His style is an infusion of contemporary chic and traditional wear, paying homage to his roots.
A tailor-made success, Pickering’s work has been recognised regionally and internationally.
His story serves as a source of empowerment, encouraging young dreamers to stitch their own path to success even against the pins and needles of societal expectations.
