FORMER Fiji national Rachel Bulatiko is set to debut her label Jewel of the Jungle with her maiden collection RachaelsiHeartDesign at the FJFW15 Resort Wear Show on May 28 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Ms Bulatiko moved to New Zealand in 2008 to pursue a career in the hospitality industry; joining the Crowne Plaza Auckland in the Food & Beverage department.
After the untimely passing of her mother in 2013, Ms Bulatiko did a lot of soul-searching about her purpose in life.
“There were three serious questions I asked myself before transitioning into a new career. One is what is my passion? Two, am I going to work hard at designing? And three is can I see myself in this career 40 years from now,” she said.
She then chose fashion and she’s now chasing her dream.
“I love dressing up and putting outfits together. I am very creative and designing is an outlet for me to express this creativity.”
Ms Bulatiko’s swimwear collection draws on inspiration from the animated movies such as Tarzan & Jane, George of the Jungle and Mowgli to name a few.
“It is a Resort Wear Collection with a theme where wilderness and city life glam come together, imagine the movie/animation Tarzan and Jane. Jane who is a city girl, meets George who was raised in the jungle and the integration of lifestyles, Glam meets Jungle.”
Ms Bulatiko attended St Anne’s Primary School and St Joseph’s Secondary School.
Tickets for the show can be purchased at the FJFW Office at 72 McGregor Rd.
