Wearing Fiji advocates for the Vanua
South The Wearing Fiji Projects’ 2021 show will draw inspiration from the ‘Vanua’ for the designers individual collections. Each year the project encourages its designers to draw inspiration from a particular theme paying tribute to the uniqueness of Fiji. Last year was a tribute to the Kadavu parrot the ‘Kakula’. “The Vanua is an integral part of our culture, these very ecosystems are under threat due to climate change, traditional Vanua owners have relied on the land to survive and thrive, this year we look to the Vanua our environment whether it be from our flora, fauna and sea for inspiration for the collections” said Neisau Tuidraki, co-founder of Wearing Fiji
The Wearing Fiji Project’s Student Designer Cohort of 13 student designers will also draw inspiration from the vanua for their combined capsule collection but with a more edgier theme of ‘tropical chaos’.
The students chose their mystery material and will construct 3 pieces each and one will be named Student Designer of the year.
“We are so proud of our cohort this year who have gone through our 3 month program which has been made possible by our patrons His Excellency, NZ High Commissioner Jonathan Curr and his wife Fololeni Curr,” said Samson Lee, co-founder of Wearing Fiji.
Wearing Fiji has focused its campaign on the pristine beaches and waters of Natadola in line with our theme of vanua with our faces Phillipa Steele and Royston Steele who are siblings and natives of Kulukulu, Sigatoka.
The Wearing Fiji Show will feature seven designers which include Samson Lee, Natalia Larsen, Robert Verebasaga, Atelaite Daunibau, Andrew Powell, Temesia Tuicaumia and Hupfeld Hoerder. The show will be at the Grand Pacific Hotel on May 1, tickets are available at the Wearing Fiji Boutique on Butt Street, Suva.
Vendors list:
Model: Royston Steele
Wardrobe & Styling: Samson Lee
H&MU / Wedding Hair/Makeup: Perfectionist Fiji - Ash Phaneuf
Photography: Jovesa Naisua
Location: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. Source: Wearing Fiji