Also read: More on Hibiscus Festival
Contestants in traditional attire
Miss Suva City Council Simran Nand won the best traditional inspired attire during the
2018 Vodafone Fiji
Hibiscus Festival .
This was during the Bogi-ni-iTaukei/Vude Night on Thursday when contestants had their second public judging at the Bank of Baroda tent at the Valelevu Ground.
All contestants were dressed in traditional iTaukei attires.
Ms Nand, a 22-year-old student of the University of the South Pacific pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology, was dressed in an iTaukei gown designed by designer Hupfeld Hoerder.
Her outfit was a representation of who we are today in this era with modern technology and social media among other uncontrollable issues in the environment. It represents modern times, while also acknowledging that we are still rooted in our culture and tradition. Something that we must pass down from one generation to another as a symbol of the cultural blend that exists today. Her attire’s garment was made from natural fibre like masi, shells, magimagi, mother of pearl shells and feathers to complement the entire look.
The upper bodice was a corseted blouse with a laced black cover and is accessorised with magimagi and shells to give the garment a regal and elegant look.
The full skirt descended to the floor with a train printed in earthy brown and embedded with white shells that represent the rising sea levels with significant designs of waves emphasising that we must protect our marine ecosystem.
The head piece made from feathers, magimagi and shells represented how Pacific women were empowered in small communities’ today through entrepreneurship and leadership and was the flagship for growth in all walks of life. She was also the award winner of the best research topic