The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) returns for its fourth year with a collection of Pacific-inspired high fashion garments created by 14 NZ and the Pacific designers
“We received a high calibre of designer applications from Aotearoa, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, and four Melanesian designers from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea,” says Event Director Nora Swann.
“We are especially excited to feature a strong line up of Melanesian designers who were able to showcase this year with the generous support of our New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
The 2019 showcase features a wide range of fashion styles from streetwear to resort wear created by:
- Infamy Apparel by Amy Lautogo (NZ),
- Funk N Soul 97 by Tia Semi (Australia),
- TAHIANO by Alvis Meredith and Mata’afa Hans Wesche(Samoa),
- Saint Fina by Seraphina Wood (NZ),
- Afa Ah Loo by Afa Ah Loo (USA), funded by the Embassy of the United States of America in New Zealand
- Ari South by Ari South (Hawai’i), Embassy of the United States of America in New Zealand
- Talosia by Talosia Masako Haulangi & James Alexander Laverty (NZ),
- Le-Ata by Leata Mailo-McCarthy (Tonga),
- FRANTIVITY by Frances Nimeti (NZ),
- AAs Tribal Fashion by Anna Amos (Papua New Guinea), funded by MFAT, NZ
- Native Wear by Leiola Finau Rakau (Vanuatu), funded by MFAT, NZ
- Vae Fashion and Accessories by Elaine Maepio (Solomon Island), funded by MFAT, NZ
- Lava’s Original Fashion Wear by Lava Grosssmith (Solomon Islands). funded by MFAT, NZ
“This year, we’ve been able to deliver a series of mini-events over the week to increase the social impact we are making in our community for Pacific designers and models, as well as the South Auckland community says Nora.”
“Scaling the event from one to five days has only been possible because of the generous support of our partners and in particular – our platinum partner number one shoes.”
The week long event starts with a powhiri to welcome the designers followed by a two-day Business Capability Building workshop for the 14 designers supported by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and US Embassy.
At the end of the week on Friday 4th October, one hundred young people will participate in a full day ‘Dressed in Confidence’ workshop led by Nora Swann and sponsored by Le Va.
The PFFS Pop up Shop will also open on Friday to the public for ONE DAY ONLY as a channel to enable designers and local Pacific fashion creatives to sell their Pacific inspired goods. Designer labels confirmed so far include: Afa Ah Loo, Ari South, Vae, Lava Grossmith, Native Wear, AA Tribal and Le-Ata Boutique Giftshop to name a few.
The 2019 Pacific Fusion Fashion Showcase – FASHION FACTORY will come to life next month on the 5th of October at the Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre, Vodafone Events in Manukau City.
