PACIFIC FUSION FASHION SHOW 2018
The 3rd annual Pacific Fusion Fashion Showcase for emerging Pacific & Maori fashion designers & models went down on Saturday night at Ambury Regional Park in Mangere Bridge, South Auckland.
This year the theme was 'Recreation' inspired by the elements of earth, air, fire & water in amongst nature at Ambury Park.
13 designers showcased their designs with 45 models working the catwalk. Check out the different designer collections below.
Coco congrats to Game of Bros Season 1 winner Louis Ova who won the Face of Fusion 2019.
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LIFT ISLAND FASHION
Designer - Nancy Elizabeth Thompson (Tongan, American & Samoan)
Based in Carson, California
“I design for women who don’t want to be classified, a woman who wants to be sexy and modest, a damsel and the hero. A woman who can run a business and keep a home. Simple, yet complex. Women are multifaceted but simple all the same and I work to put that energy into my designs.”
AKANA
Designer - Alecia Kana (NZ Maori)
Based in Wellington, NZ
“Being a Mama and full-figured woman carrying children, I know how much of an effect it can have on our bodies and the changes we can go through, I aim to design easy to wear mid to high-end fashion garments that are timeless, effortlessly flattering on any woman and can be worn multiple times in multiple ways.”
MOTFAW
Desginer - Annmarie Williams & Tuomas Pekkala (Samoan)
Based in Auckland, New Zealand
Inspired by many creative sources including her Samoan culture & artists Gauguin and Magritte.
“The style, colours and how they portrayed masculinity spoke to me. Men are modest, but there is so much in the unspoken details, especially in Gauguin’s paintings, the peace and stillness, the colours and how Gauguin portrayed Pacific people,” she says.
TAHIANO
Designers - Mata'afa Hans Weche & Alvis Meredith (Samoan & Tokelauan)
Based in Apia, Samoa
“Fashion was a huge part of our lives,” says Hans, whose Tokelaun roots inspired the name ‘TAHIANO’. “We grew up with our mothers and aunties who were seamstresses and surrounded by our grandmothers who wove hats and mats etc.”
MOLLY & GRACE
Designers - Monalisa Owen & Sisi Tasi (Samoan & Niuean)
Based in Auckland, NZ
“As Pasifika women embarking on this journey at a later age, this is a bold statement to other women that there should be no limitations when you start something.”
KOLCHA DVINE DESIGNZ
Designer - Leu Tiatia Wasasala (Samoan)
Based in Christchurch, NZ
“This journey of mine is more about what I can do for others, as well as me overcoming numerous fears of failure, it’s also about leading the way for many other women who have hidden talents yet to be tapped into.”
DANE DAGGER
Designer - Dane Dagger (Cook Islands)
Based in Wellington, NZ
“I can’t wait to unleash the beast out of hibernation, PFFS is an important platform for Pacific fashion designers who want to go further with their careers and passion for fashion.”
KIRRIKIN
Designer - Amanda Healey (Australian Aboriginal)
Based in Australia
Healy started Kirrikin after a successful 35-year career in the mining industry and now enjoys working with indigenous peoples as a social entrepreneur. Healy also uses Kirrikin’s excess profits to run programs with Aboriginal women in prison.
MOO.DY
Designer - Fa'aolataga Chadwick (Samoan)
Based in Wellington, NZ
“I think of fashion design as creating a piece of art on a human body, I want to touch people’s lives by using fabric to inspire their day and help them shine as an individual.”
TIARE TEITI
Designer - Ida Teiti (Tahitian)
Based in Honolulu, Hawai'i
Reintroducing femininity to a society that’s “gravitated towards shorts” is the mantra of Tahitian born fashion designer, Ida Teiti.
NUMIA
Designer - David Taumoepeau (Tongan)
Based in Auckland, NZ
“I’m influenced by high-end street designers such as Rob Garcia, Mike Amiri and Jerry Lorenzo, I wouldn’t really call myself a designer though, it’s a hobby and something I do for fun.”
FOU Custom Made
Designers - Asomaliu Tagiilima, Nora Gase Harriman & Mary So'onaoso Tiumau (Samoan)
“We want to empower women to be proud and embrace their bodies in all shapes and sizes, no matter their shape, anyone can rock a sassy, gorgeous outfit.”
Red Ice
Designers - Sidath Wickremeratne & Jewelz Taufui (Sri Lankan & Tongan)
“We specialise in bridal and evening wear for women and garments for men as well, we don’t mind who comes through the doors, they could be a size 6 or a size 28.
We treat all people with dignity and fulfil their requirements as good as we can.”
