2020 Season Kicks Off

Young fashion artists coming to the fore with their creation are proof that Fiji Fashion Week continues to succeed in its mission to encourage talent to pursue clothes designs.

Nadi-based designer, Hosanna Kabakoro, made the remarks at the opening of Fiji Fashion Week’s Next Generation Show in Suva at the weekend.

The show, held at Suva Holiday Inn, marked the official launch of Fiji Fashion Week’s 2020 season.

Guest turnout

Over 100 guests turned up for the poolside floor show, which was one of two free entry events offered by Fiji Fashion Week.

Guests included the European Union ambassador, Sujiro Seam and his wife Jane.

Other guests included the French ambassador to Fiji, JeanFrancois Fitou, and Indonesia representatives, Ruth Wulandari and Sanya Maharaj.

Counsellor and consul general of the Australian High Commission, Leeane Johnson, was also present among guests.

Ms Kabakoro spoke on behalf of Fiji Fashion Week managing director, Ellen Whippy-Knight, who was unable to attend the launch because of COVID-19.

Coalition

The launch, on Saturday, showcased the work of five students of the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).

In 2012, Mrs Whippy-Knight approached APTC to include fashion in their programme,” Ms Kababoro said.

“Together with Mark Halabe, they worked with APTC to cut out the pattern in fashion of what we have today,” she said.

An example of the success of the joint initiative lies in the work of designer, Laisiasa Davetawalu, who was sponsored to study fashion and design in Australia.

Recognition

“Most recently, some of his designs were worn to major Melbourne Cup events, and won best dressed prizes,” Ms Kabakoro said.

As a continuation to that success, designer Kess Baleira was selected to join Mr Davetawalu in Australia.

Fiji Fashion Week was launched in 2008, with 95 oer cent emerging designers, who have since established their names in the local fashion field.

Fiji Fashion Week said it placed strategic importance on the the development of emerging designers.

Ms Kabakoro is an emerging designer at Fiji Fashion Week’s The Ocean Gala show.

Hosanna Kabakoro was the master of ceremonies at the Fiji Fashion Week 2020 itinerary launch in Suva. She is also an emerging designer at The Ocean Gala show on November 21, 2020.

Kess Baleira, will be the second Fiji Fashion Week designer to take up fashion studies in Australia.

Laisiasa Davetawalu was the first designer from Fiji Fashion Week to be sponsored for fashion studies in Australia.

A Fiji Fashion Week model in Boss Lady, by designer Priyanka Singh.