THE Fiji Fashion Week show tonight sold out completely yesterday, after weeks of slow ticket sales that almost forced organisers to close the event.
Fiji Fashion Week managing director Ellen Whippy said the show’s 19th year had been one of the most difficult for the organising committee, with rising fuel and living costs putting pressure on ticket sales.
“Three weeks ago, we were about to close everything down,” Ms Whippy said. “But we did close one show because the ticket sales were so slow.”
Ms Whippy said the global situation, including the effects of the war in the Middle East, may have contributed to people holding back on spending.
“Most people are keeping the money to buy what they need now instead of parking it somewhere else.”
She said the long weekend for Ratu Sukuna Day may also have affected early ticket sales, with some expatriates who usually attended the shows likely travelling instead.
However, Ms Whippy said the event sold out after organisers increased their marketing efforts and called on sponsors and media partners for support.
“The Fiji Times, CFL and Fiji TV thank you. We’re sold out.
“It’s good to see that Fiji Fashion Week is meeting its objectives of providing a space that is worth the designers showing at.”
Tonight’s show will begin at 6pm and feature 15 designers, including nine local designers and six from overseas.
The overseas designers include three from Papua New Guinea and two from New Zealand while expecting at least 600 people to attend tonight’s event.
The show will also include the fashion awards, although some designers who have previously won awards and are showing tomorrow will not be judged.
