THE PACIFIC FUSION FASHION SHOW RETURNS FOR A THIRD YEAR ON THE 6TH OF OCTOBER. WHAT BEGAN AS A COMPETITION FOR EMERGING MĀORI AND PACIFIC CREATIVES FROM SOUTH AUCKLAND IS ATTRACTING INTEREST FROM INTERNATIONAL FASHION DESIGNERS AND GIVING WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE TO PACIFIC CREATIVE TALENT.
“We received a high calibre of designer applications this year,” says Event Director and Fashion stylist Nora Swann. “There is a mix of fashion styles from streetwear to resort wear and we’re excited to have an accessory and shoe designer in our lineup. We received international designer interest which shows the appeal of this show beyond Aotearoa New Zealand. There has already been interest in ticket sales from those overseas wanting to come and support the international designers.
DESIGNERS FROM AOTEAROA, AUSTRALIA, SAMOA AND HAWAI’I HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THIS YEAR’S SHOWCASE. THE SELECTED BRANDS AND DESIGNERS ARE:
- Akana by Alecia Kana
- Dane Dagger
- FOU
- Kirrikin
- Jarawee by Briana Enoch
- Lift Island Fashion by Nancy Elizabeth Thompson
- Leu Tiatia Wasasala
- Molly & Grace by Monalisa and Sisi
- MOTFAW by Annmarie Williams
- Murrii Quu Designs by Cheryl Creed
- NUMIA by David Taumoepeau
- Rimani Fashion
- Taga Chadwick
- Tiare Teiti by Ida Teiti
- Tahiano
Dane Dagger, David Taumoepeau (NUMIA) and Young Lualua (YUNG The Label) are returning designers that applied to be part of this year’s event because of their positive experiences with the show in the past. Tongan-born designer David Taumoepeau’s brand NUMIA is a hobby that allows him to fuse his love of music culture and musical influences into his clothing. He works full-time as a Commercial Lawyer but uses designing as a therapeutic outlet for his creativity.
PFFS 2017 was his first fashion show. “It was really good exposure,” said David. “I heard from fashion bloggers and other individuals after the show wanting to know where they could buy my clothes and asking what my brand stands for. I learned so much last time and I am excited for this new challenge with my team. We are looking forward to making it an even better experience this year.”
