Bottega Gold Fijian Fashion Festival - DAY 1

Jun 6, 2018
4 min read

Ok so before I begin I just need to say this. I wasn’t at the show due to work commitments I had to attend to in Sigatoka so don’t cuss at me because my writing is based on what I see online, reviews from my peers and my expertise as a blogger and critic. Just like a Hair and Makeup Artist can talk about someone’s makeup through pictures, Bloggers can talk about someone’s collection and style through pictures too. So here it is. Tea cups and Champagne flutes ready? TGL TOP 5 - DAY 1 #BGFFF RFX BY RACHEL FAIRFAX Rachael seriously BRINGS IT ALL THE TIME! I remember at one of my first few shows as a Blogger, Rachel released her Aztec printed collection filled with colours, accessories and spandex fabric and I felt it was nothing short of an International worthy line. She’s outdone herself this time with her cool-tones and clean-cut pieces. She styled them up, as she should, and paired most of her pieces with graffiti-type sneakers which I thought was so cool. If Kendall Jenner can pull off sneakers to the MET, we can too! Great job Rachel!

ROWIE LAL by ROWIE LAL I was eager to see her collection more than anyone else’s because she told me months ago about the inspiration behind her line and I found it all so intriguing. I’m glad she put her money where her mouth is with this one. After shading some designers from Fiji Fashion Week, this girl (and I’m proud to say she’s a ‘taroro’ too) came to conquer, drop us some bold prints with her message and leave us with a bang! She played with sublimated prints on suits and jackets with not-so-subtle messages of Women Empowerment. Great way to showcase her passion and what she stands for. I personally loved her Frida Kahlo Collection from last year better though. But this one definitely deserved a place on TGLs list.

LAVALANI by SUSANA SAMUELS “GOOGLE THAT SHIT!”. (Only Su will understand this lol) Susana and I worked together for this online store back in 2015. We were basically a small team (three others too) of hardworking individuals who became family. Our boss at that time was the worst and so we all went our seperate ways months later but still shared the same bond from the day we met. I couldn’t be more happy for her. It’s good to see Su blossom into the flower that she is. Her designs spoke so dearly to me because I know how hard she works, I know how supportive her family is of her and I understood how passionate she is about Fashion and the Arts. . . and all that showed on the runway. Her tropical red and navy printed fabric was a perfect choice for the Bottega catwalk. She took a risk with some of her pieces and I’m glad that she did because they looked fabulous! As far as styling is concerned, I would have paired some pieces with minimal accessories and a uniform bottom for the men. But hey, it was good enough. Onwards and up from here Su. You did great!

DONNALESI by Donna Whippy And she’s back again! Donna launched her men’s wear months before Fashion Festival and I loved every piece. The color combo on the shirts match the style of print so well that any men would say “yes, give me three of those ”. She styled her collection to appeal to various markets but I especially loved her Urban chic take. I will say however, some of the shirts are linen and can get a bit too hot if you’re a size 2 like I am (LOL). But I’m glad I saw some cotton and other cooler fabric in the latest line to cater for Fijis humidity. Well done Donna!

GG by Gabriel Gade Of course Gabriel would pull off something trendy and stylish for his debut collection and I am glad he did. He showcased alongside the powerhouses of Fashion in Fiji and he didn’t fail to impress AT ALL. He fit perfectly into the fold. GG fancied ruffled and layered sleeves for almost all his pieces. His choice of fabric was spot on and he definitely nailed that Resort Wear theme. Vinaka GG.

TGL BOTTOM 2 - #BGFFF RETIMA HOUSE What in the world was this ? Im not sure what I feel about this collection but it’s definitely not something I like and I’m sure many agree. The designs, choice of fabric, cut and everything was just horrendous. I can’t believe Fashion Festival allowed this on the runway to begin with. Just terrible! Do not return. Bye!

ZUBER by Ilai Jikoiono He’s such a talented designer but this collection just didn’t do it for me. I LOVEDDDD the first three dresses for sure because I’m all about that flow, but everything else that followed were like meh. I’m so used to seeing Zuber come out with AMAZINGGGG pieces and I feel like he played it too safe this year. Hoping for something better next year.