The National Fashion Awards presented by Vodafone and Fiji Fashion Week (FJFW) will hold a special place in Watisoni Mataki’s heart.
The 19-year-old walked away with the FJFW Emerging Male Model award on Saturday night at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Watisoni, who just joined the FJFW in October last year, said he was not expecting a win.
“I am so thankful to Ms Ellen Whippy-Knight because if it wasn’t for her, FJFW wouldn’t be what it is today,” he said.
“A casting was held in October last year and after two days, I got the call saying that I would be taking part in the FJFW 2023.
“To just be a nominee in this category alone is one thing but to actually walk away with the award is a whole different feeling I cannot describe.”
His first show was the pop-up street fashion show along the iconic Pier St in the heart of Suva City in April. He said his plans involved modeling for more shows in the future.
