Lau’s 30 Uninhabited Islands for Designer
Most people don’t know about Tracey Ann Farrington’s long affiliation and history in the rag trade.
The Nadi-based textile designer, popular for the bold tropical hues on kaftans sold at her Nadi boutique, had her first taste of a business transaction when she was 10-years old.
“I was selling my hand tie-dyed t-shirts in the school yard,” she said.
“In my teens, my mum made the decision to enrol me into East Sydney School of Fashion.
“She set the path for the rest of my life.” After a three-year course, Ms Farrington moved to the South of Spain, where she settled for three years.
“I taught swimming at Hotel Los Monteros in Marbella, and I manufactured accessories to sell in the local markets,” she said.
“Returning to Bondi Beach Sydney in 1984, I started my first Australian business, Bondi Beach Bag Co, which supplied Australia’s major department stores, Myer and David Jones, for over 25 years.”
Bondi Beach Bag Co also traded with Harrods and Harvey Nicholas of London and Hong Kong, she said.
“In Fiji, my fashion business trades as my name Tracey Ann Farrington, in which my functions are design, manufacture, wholesale and retail,” she said. “I specialise in luxury resort wear.
“My passion for fashion has taken me around the world on so many wonderful adventures.
“I have a strong love of the Fiji Waters, my Fiji dogs, and Fiji fruit.”
Ms Farrington moved from Bondi Beach to Fiji in 2010, compelled by her “newly founded Fiji family”.
“I truly love living in Fiji,” she said. “The Mamanucas are literally at my back door.
“l love going to the sand bar island with my family and friends, or cruising around the Yasawa islands on Blue Lagoon cruises.”
Where in Fiji would you take friends to?
Tokoriki Island Resort, Mamanucas.
It’s where I go when I feel like a five-star experience.
When my girlfriends and l have a few days away, we love to stay at Likuri Island.
When I feel like something simple that won’t break the bank, I enjoy the natural experience at Ratu Kini Backpackers and Dive Resort, Mana Island.
It has the perfect turquoise water, white sand, and hundreds of palm trees along the beach.
What is your favourite spot for a coffee or pie?
The Coffee Hub along Nadi Back Road. They have the best coffee outside of Bondi Beach.
Besides, it’s in the same building as my boutique, and it’s a real social meeting place.
Their cakes are mouth-watering.
My favourites are the coconut cake, and baked cheese cake.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
My garden.
I feel fortunate to have lots of lovely trees; my favourites are banana and avocado trees.
The avocado tree is currently laden with beautiful fruit.
l love walking around my garden with my dogs, and admiring the trees.
It’s relaxing and peaceful.
What is one place in Fiji on your bucket list?
Lau.
I want to see the landscape of the 60-island archipelago.
I’m told 30 islands are uninhabited. I can’t wait to see the amazing turquoise water, experience the snorkeling, meet the people, and lay on the white sandy beaches.