For decades you could count on one hand the number of people who could call themselves fashion designers in Fiji.
Using the definition that a fashion designer is one who makes a consistent living by the design and production of fashion wear, that pool of creatives has now expanded largely due in part to Fiji Fashion Week (FJFW) tenacity.
For fifteen years, FJFW, run by Australian-based managing director Ellen Whippy-Knight and a team of Fijian events specialists, has created the premier fashion event in the Pacific.
“It has been a long road to get to this 15th edition of FJFW and the last three years have been the most challenging year for the fashion industry globally, and for Fiji Fashion Week and our designers and creatives. But at every turn we have stood up and lead the way for the industry.”
FJFW x Palmolive announced a 24 designer line-up of stars to headline the celebration of its 15th anniversary.
Ms Whippy-Knight said a brand new FJFW global brand established in the first year of the pandemic meant COVID was no match for “our passion to promote and highlight Fiji Fashion on the world stage”.
“We are excited by what the future holds for Fiji Fashion Week as we are fresh, agile and innovative and with the support of designers, models and others in the industry we can pivot to not only meet the challenge but lead our way into a fantastic future. These designers who will show on May 27 to 28 tell the story of 15 years of innovation.”
With fresh directives to designers to work sustainably in line with the Pacific community’s environmental values, designers are working on a set of values around “Sustain our culture. Make our Future. And celebrate”.
“Fiji Fashion designers are by their very work preserving our cultural heritage and identity in the way they express it while making fashion. This in turn secures our future through earning our place in the global fashion industry. And that is something to celebrate!” Ms Whippy-Knight said.
The Resort Cruise on Friday, May 27, opens up with emerging designer and boutique owner Jackie Whippy and includes Australian-based Fijians, Esiteri Selina Talakuli, Mohini Gounder, Hupfeld Hoerder and Emma Trembat.
Young stars Cecilia Fong and Hosanna Kabakoro, whose recent retail success under their Portulina and Duatani brands, bring back collections showcasing edgy new island flavours which have kept their labels busy since they debuted at FJFW in 2020.
Harsha Meetal and Bulou Caeway, whose bold entry into FJFW’s first virtual show in 2021 to much acclaim, will debut on the runway for the first time that first night.
Also showing on May 27 is Zulfikar Ali of the AZA brand who just opened an innovative new business and fashion showroom.
The final three in the line-up packs power into that first night with established dramatic event wear designer Su Samuels of Lavalani featuring alongside Michael Mausio of the House of Mausio whose popularity has skyrocketed since the opening of a new retail shop in the Fijian capital Suva.
The jewel of the Resort Cruise Show is Auckland label Kiri Nathan whose stardom was made in producing unique innovative fashion wear and jewellery which reflect the cultural and natural beauty of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The multi-award winning label is run by Maori with a strong Maori ethos and aesthetic among its customers leaders of industries and of the New Zealand Government and celebrity culture.
On day two, the Resort Luxe Show, brand new The Fashion Studio Sydney graduate Laisiasa Davetawalu (ELARADI) fresh of a show stopping collection will open the premier night of FJFW2022.
Another collection to watch is Kalokalo, a capsule of four of the industry’s biggest names; Temesia Tuicaumia, Samson Lee, Andrew Powell and Robert Verebasaga, who are collaborating under a new brand and style.
Many eyes will be on overseas based designers Jyoti Singh (UK), Hupfeld Hoerder and cultural events extraordinaire and artist Letila Mitchell whose work at the Sydney Opera House of late has been a shining example of Pacific cultural brilliance.
Resort wear specialist Tracey Farrington and local pageant go-to Anton Wye, Rosie Semisi and plus-size queen Moira Solvalu, who is known to sell her entire collections within hours of a FJFW showing, will bring much of the popularity in the final night.
However, it will be the collections of international designers Karen Smith (Australia), Bobby Luke Dr (New Zealand) and Akira Isogawa (Australia) which will raise the bar at FJFW x Palmolive.
FJFW designer relations coordinator Chris Vanua said an eclectic pre-show program had been designed to give their 15th edition designers value for participation.
“We have visiting international fashion educators and sustainable fashion advocates that is very important for our designers to understand and incorporate how the world is moving towards sustainable practices, safeguarding and preserving our culture and natural environment,” Mr Vanua said.
“We’re excited about having our industry event with designers on May 25 at the Grand Pacific Hotel where designers have the opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders followed by Sustainabili-Tea with Claire Press on May 26, a morning ‘high tea’ event featuring presentation by international fashion sustainability advocate and expert Clare Press and other international and Fijian guests.”
Whilst front row tickets to FJFW x Palmolive are sold out and bookings are quickly filling up rows B and C, Ms Whippy-Knight said the event would for the first time feature stadium sitting.
“Fashion is for everyone and this pandemic has taught us the value of local innovation and collaboration. So for $10, anyone in this country with a flair for passion can watch either night of FJFW.”
FJFW x Palmolive takes place from May 21 to May 28 and tickets are available at tickets@fijifashionweek.com.fj.
- Lice Movono is a freelance journalist and independent public relations coordinator.
