Viti Vibes, Fun Fashion and Capacity Building - WEARING FIJI 2020

Oh to be a part of all the glitz and the glam and everything in between. Fiji’s fashionista and glitterati society gathered at the lobby of the ‘Grand Old Lady’ last night to bare witness to the first of its kind - Wearing Fiji - a project that focuses on fashion mentoring and fashion education by connecting aspiring student designers with established ones.

It was everything a-la-mode and opulent!

10 minutes before the show started I stepped out of my Howell Road cab in my thrifted (all Bargain Box) do-up with a cigarette in my hand trying to get rid of the nerves.

Let’s be real here guys, it’s been shy of six months since we’ve been hit by this pandemic and so a social gathering let alone a fashion event would feel so new. Well for me at least.

Settling in to my VIP seat number 95, I quickly read through the designer list and show program for familiarizations sake and took a peek into my gift bag which had a variety of amazing goodies.

Meanwhile, my favorite Fotofusion photographers were roaming the empty runway while patrons were figuring out their seats and so I managed to get Asvin to take a solo front row picture of me for the ‘grams’ sake.

The show started minutes after 7 and I was already on standby with my Instagram app launched and the notes app on the next slide ready to jot down pointers. I’m not going to lie, I kinda miss this.

Samson Lee - KAKULA

In true SL style, all I could say was that the collection (just like every other collection) had a touch of everything - class, sophistication, summer vibes and luxury.

I felt like SL took a major risk with his color choices and shimmer but it translated so well on the runway. Watching Phillipa Steele open the show and open for Samson Lee was like a flashback to 2014 Fiji Fashion Week at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Phillipa truly set the vibe for the entire show with her fierce walk and her gorgeous SL maroon shimmered maxi. Mazel tov SL.

ANDREW POWELL - ROGUE STITCH

You see this is why Andrew Powell is KING of men’s fashion.

ROGUE STITCH gave me a Parisian summer vibe with vinyl-like trousers and shorts in block print paired with printed tops.

Clean cuts all around and of course a tribute to the classic sulu-vakataga.

Can’t wait for more!

SUGAROSE BY ASH BAUNIBAU

What a comeback for Miss Sugarose! The little blurb that accompanied her profile in the booklet said something like “for the independent woman” - and that really was what her collection resembled.

From powerful necklines and shoulder pads to the subtle flexing of her Sugarose logo on hoodies and sweats.

It was great to see Ash return to Fashion but still stay true to her initial style.

TEFUI by ADORNMENTS BY RenEé

I love accessories and these looked so beautiful on the runway but I feel like it was a wasted slot. The Tefui brand could have collaborated with another showcasing designer killing two birds with one stone. It wasn’t a hundred percent there for me but it worked ok.

Would I wear any of the accessories ? OF COURSE ! Looking forward to more accessories from Tefui.

TEMESIA.CO BY Temesia TUICAUMIA

It’s been over 10 years since Temesia - blogger, influencer, ambassador for sustainable tourism and designer released a collection and it was the best thing on the runway.

Promoting men’s fashion in the Pacific, Temesia’s line epitomized his personal style. Blazers and pleats were a hit during Temesia’s slot.

Vibrant colors and floral prints is worth packing for your next summer vacation once borders open.

Hupfeld Hoerder

The King of Fiji Fashion never disappoints. Huppy’s signature prints were plastered all over his collection with colors that were inspired by the KAKULA bird.

From chapeaus to a-line skirts and kimono-like throws, this collection was aesthetically appealing to see on the Wearing Fiji runway and I’m looking forward to more beautiful pieces from Huppy.

Malia by natalia larsen

Resort Wear is always in vogue and I feel that that’s something Malia never lacks.

For the classy ones and minimalists, this new Malia collection is right up your ally with matching purses and bags for that perfect summer holiday.

Looking forward to more from Malia.

Kakali BY Robert Verebasaga

It’s great to have Robert back serving us great and timeless fashion looks. This collection Robert went with prints which I think were custom and resembled pieces of a puzzle with intricate designs of the traditional war club 'nai wau' filled in.

There was a range of men’s suits to ladies kaftans and of course the gathered high-waisted palazzos to casual summer looks.

His final piece worn by model Heather Marama was my favorite from the night. It spoke opulence and class and made out of what looked like bridal satin with a gathered high-neck statement.

I love! Welcome back Robert.

STUDENT DESIGNER CAPSULE COLLECTION

The main reason of the night was to celebrate these students in fashion and their month long mentorship of hard work. I was amazed at their talent seen in their pieces showcased on Saturday evening and wondered to myself, “wow, to only make one outfit to showcase must be A LOT of pressure”.

If you think about it, an entire collection made up of 30+ pieces makes room for offsetting should one piece not be as good as another. Here we have just one dress to showcase, not 30, not 5 but 1.

Just imagine the attention to detail and the paranoia of getting things perfected to the 'T' because you only get that one chance and one dress to showcase your talent and months of hard work.

I am sure the students went home after the show with SO MUCH absorbed over the last month and techniques taught by their respective mentors and all I want to say to them is WELLLL DONEE!

I did have my eye on the colorful gathered strapless piece by Student Designer Susau Elaisa mentored by Ash Daunibau, but I would really love to see at least a 10 piece (or so) collection in the future Wearing Fiji shows.

I feel our students have so much to offer and with the right guidance and mentoring they could do wonders.

After returning from Rotuma I told myself that I’d give Fashion a pause for the remainder of the year so I could focus on other things. Who was I kidding?! Three weeks later and I’m attending my first fashion event since Covid19 hit Fiji.

I guess we can’t put a pause on things that technically built your brand right?

Thank you Samson and the Wearing Fiji team for having me at the show. Cannot wait to see what you have for us next year.

Penning out. I’ll see you all on October 10th at the KUIVITI fashion show in Suva.

Bisous, bisous.

DKS