FOR this year’s event, Miss World Fiji Charlene Tafuna’i’s will showcase the significance of the kula bird to Fijian.
Her designers — Aisea Konrote and Andrew Powell — were inspired to design her costume after they realised the importance and uniqueness of the bird.
The kula bird is an endemic species that can only be found in Ono, Kadavu. On her facebook page, Tafuna’i states she realises how special parrot species are in our culture.
Miss World Fiji national director Andhy Blake said the bird was significant to the iTaukei culture.
He said the feathers could be used as fans and dance costumes adding the bird can also be found on the $5 note.
Since her costume focuses on the Kula, she said the head piece which she would wear with her costume was drawn from the lakalaka dance, a traditional dance that is only performed by the Lauan people.
“Our national costume inspiration will showcase one of our endemic species and what better way to showcase the beauty of the Kula bird than in a costume to be worn on the Miss World stage,” Mr Blake said.
He said the national costume reflected a country’s uniqueness.
“Traditional costumes reflect our indigenous values and materials,” Mr Blake said.
The competition will begin on November 20.
