Despite being a country with less than 0.012 per cent of the world’s population, Fiji has created a brand that is synonymous with quality, high standards, and exclusivity associated with our pristine environment -– which definitely includes our fashion industry.
This, according to Commerce, Trade and Tourism Minister Faiyaz Koya.
While officiating at the Fiji Fashion awards and anniversary dinner on Thursday, he said since its inception in 2008, Fiji Fashion Week had grown in its capacity as an organisation and continued to reach new horizons.
“They have provided a platform for local designers to show their creative skills and encourage the proliferation of globally competitive fashion design,” he said.
“This, in turn, will drive international demand and recognition for our local designs.” Mr Koya said Fiji clearly punched above its weight when it came to creativity.
He said with nominations which ranged from “Designer of the Year” to “Model of the Year”, “People’s Choice Award” and “New Face Male Model” and many more, he was confident the industry would give rise to new and aspiring designers to carry the Fijian brand forward.
“During the pandemic the industry worked with the protocols provided by the ministry, which enabled them to continue operations. “This meant people continued to be employed.”
Mr Koya said the Fijian fashion industry had huge potential to become very successful, but for that to happen, all stakeholders would need to work together towards a common objective.
