NIGHT OF FLASH, STYLE AND BEAUTY

BOTTEGA FASHION FESTIVAL COMBINES TRADITION WITH MODERNITY Fiji has come so far in its fashion industry, yet there is still a stigma surrounding it. The more awareness and opportunities we provide, the more we hope people realise that this is a real caree

Friday marked the first night of the 2019 Bottega Fijian Fashion Festival, where designers from Fiji and other Pacific Island nations showcased their original designs. Their colourful and stylish clothes seamlessly wove together the traditional art and culture of their homelands with more modern trends. Fashion Council of Fiji Chairman Faraz Ali said the night was an opportunity to “experience what Fijian identity looks like in the contemporary Pacific.”

According to the festival’s public relations manager Jorja Naidu, this festival was a step in helping careers in fashion and the industry as a whole become more accepted in Fiji.

“Fiji has come so far in its fashion industry, yet there is still a stigma surrounding it. The more awareness and opportunities we provide, the more we hope people realise that this is a real career and talent and benefits everybody, including the Fijian economy and tourism industry,” said Ms Naidu. Three separate shows took place. The night started with a group show comprised five different designers: The group show had five different designers: GG & Pendeza Fiji, AUE (New Zealand/Cook Islands), Lavagirl (PNG), Xaura (New Zealand/Fiji) and Pacific Islands Art (Tahiti).

The group show was followed by four designs from Wallace and Futuna and a third show by Zuber Fiji. Pasifika Voices, (the choir that provided the music for the animated movie “Moana,”) also performed as part of the night’s final show.

Ms Naidu said the night’s events had exceeded her expectations and that their expectations for the rest of the festival are high. She also expressed her pride in the designers.

“Seeing these designers take the next step to furthering their career is wonderful,” she said.

Photo: Simione Haravanua A model wearing a collection from designer Aue Line.

Photo: Simione Haravanua A model wearing a collection from Mode ‘ in ‘ PARIS designed by Malaga.

Photo: Simione Haravanua A model wearing a collection from Mode ‘ in ‘ PARIS designed by Malaga during the Bottega Fijian Fashion Festival at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on June 7, 2019.

Photo: Simione Haravanua A model wearing the gold and sliver collections from designer Pacific islands Art.

Photo: Simione Haravanua A model wearing a ‘ Pendeza’ designed by Gabriel Gade.

Photo: Simione Haravanua Models wearing a collection from Fenua Arts.