Hoerder ‘levels up’
THE name Hupfeld Hoerder is no stranger to Fiji’s fashion world. He has been a career designer since the 1980s, and is the Pacific’s most celebrated and awarded fashion icon.
Known for his extravagant prints, feminine silhouettes, and iconic men’s Bula Shirts, Hoerder has created an enviable brand, and earned the respect of his peers and new designers alike.
Hoerder has shown at every Style Fiji since the very beginning, and his shows are always a crowd favourite.
This year, after a two-year COVID hiatus, Style Fiji, the Pacific’s most iconic fashion charity, returns to the Sofitel Ballroom, and with it, a new collection from Hoerder, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Australia.
Style Fiji is a highly exclusive fashion event - how does it feel to be hand selected to show a collection?
Firstly, for me I think it is about giving back to the community, so becoming socially responsible to society is very important.
And of course, being selected is a great opportunity to create and promote another collection that champions a good cause like this year for cancer awareness and for the cancer foundation.
From a designer’s perspective is to be with Fiji’s most prominent designers and fashion houses, so to lift the bar to a higher standard is very important for fashion in Fiji.
It is also great that the community and stakeholders come out every year to enjoy a special event which is a great opportunity to network locally.
What is the inspiration behind your collection this year? My collection this year has some element of sustainability as I have used recycled off-cuts from previous collections to prevent wastage, and used recycled clothing for each ensemble whether its fashion accessories or part of the garment has been taken apart and reinvented to create a unique garment. The collection is also part of my new journey, coinciding with my PhD topic of “sustainable fashion in Fiji”.
I will be using vibrant tropical summer colours of floral and merging it with my HH signature prints to bring out a sense of a new resort wear and smart casual look.
What are you most looking forward to at the 10th edition of Style Fiji?
I always look forward to the whole production. I call it a “production” because the platform is not just a fashion show, it is a showcase of music, fashion and artistic direction all in one night. For me, it is one of Fiji’s best show to close the year with and when the show is done, you have a sense of satisfaction because every single person (designer, model, make-up artist, et cetera) are volunteering for a very good cause. And bringing all these artists together to put this production together is just so amazing.
Hoerder added, “I just want to congratulate and the thank the founders for the show, Zelda Thomas Paige and Marlene Vuniwaqa for keeping this concept from the Red Cross Fashion show and the Wella shows in the ‘80s alive and well. Thank you to all the volunteer’s and the whole Style Fiji Team. Cheers to 10 years of sharing the love and harmony in fashion, music and dance.” ■