Kindness by Design

Over the next few weeks I'll be publishing a series on my experiences at Fiji Fashion Week 2011, held in Suva, Fiji Islands. During this series I invite you to come with me behind-the-scenes and discover a country that's taking some big strides into the world of fashion design.

In part 1 of this series we'll be front and centre at FJFW's Established Designer show.

For many, the Fiji Islands are synonymous with tropical beach vacations, cocktails, scuba diving and coconut trees. While Fiji does indeed boast all of the above it's important to remember that, as a developing country, creative young (or old!) people can struggle to grow in certain industries such as fashion and design. In 2008 Fiji Fashion Week was created in response to this need, with the primary objective of creating a world class fashion week event which helps nurture, develop and promote individual stakeholders in Fiji’s fashion industry.

Relaxing in the VIP area before the show

I was very privileged to be invited to attend this year's shows as the official (and I believe only) blogger. My aim is to showcase these budding designers to an international audience for 2 main reasons. One reason is that designers within a developing country are presented with unique obstacles when it comes to skill development, access to resources and promotion of their designs. On the other hand, being somewhat cut-off from 'mainstream' fashion can also mean that Fijian designers have a fresh perspective and aesthetic (paired with a unique cultural mix), which could add new life to the international market.

My second reason for taking a keen interest in promoting FJFW to the world, is that I believe the fashion industry as a whole here is at a critical juncture - still fledgling but about to take off. How wonderful would it be for the fashion industry of an entire nation to incorporate environmental, social and animal welfare ethics into every part of the supply chain? What an exciting opportunity!

While local design is taking its first steps, it's important to note that some of the world's most recognised labels are manufactured in Fiji e.g. Rip Curl, Just Jeans, Kookai, Country Road and many many more. Fiji now has the opportunity to export it's own locally designed brands.

Lovely local and international models before the show

Sarah Parsons (left) and Kate Findlay (right) working hard as volunteers backstage

Extremely sweet mini-model

Male models chilling out before the show

The guests start to arrive!

I take my seat in the 'media pit' just adjacent to the end of the catwalk

Okay enough background, let's get on with the show! I have to say that while not everything that was sent down the catwalk appealed to my own personal taste, it was never boring - as designers played with fabrics, patterns and cuts. There were many stunning pieces mixed in with a few experimental items. For me though, that's what makes a great show - designers willing to take risks!

First up is Karalina by Carolyn Ah Koy

In a nutshell: whites; ethereal; roses; traditional Fijian tapa meets Japanese geisha; sleeves; rope belts and necklines; flow and swish; severe hair.

This was a very elegant piece

Purples and greys made a lovely combination

Next is 8 Mountain by Moira Solvalu

In a nutshell: street-chic meets Indian formal; purple for men; white bling for girls; sunglasses; shiny material; rosettes; over-sized one shoulder tops; and optical illusion pantsuits.

Traditional bula shirt and sulu in an unconventional colour

Optical illusion pants - to hypnotise passersby?

Simar by Seema Kumar

In a nutshell: animal prints; long coats with hoods; metallics; bikinis; board-shorts; sunglasses; bubble skirts; kaftans; and pleats.

I think this purple skirt is very cute!

Nice shoe choice for this dress. Next step is to have only vegan leather used at FJFW!

Stylosophy by Ana Rabuka

In a nutshell: frills; chic use of textures; brilliant use of colours; hats; very short dresses; floral print; shiny fabric 'gift wrapping' dresses; and 'lily pond' dresses.

This model manages to carry off the big side ruffle and keep the outfit feeling youthful

The gift wrapping dress

The lily-pad dress

Blue Lagoon by Robert Kennedy - Winner of *Best Collection* in the Established Designer show

In a nutshell: island-style; flowing whites; sophisticated resort-wear; nautilus motif; tights; marine-inspired prints; sundresses; maxi-dresses; over-sized kaftans; tailored pants; bare feet; colourful accessories; over-sized sleeves.

Loved the drama and storytelling of this opening look!

Very sophisticated, crisp, clean.

Designer Robert Kennedy takes to the catwalk to much applause

Guest Appearance by Kookai Australia *Exempted from judging*

In a nutshell: fitted styles; LBDs; black strappy shoes; classic silhouettes; big patterned dresses; super cute shorts; lollipop colours; cut-outs; big earrings; flamenco influence; and bold use of colour blocking.

I am head over heels for this dress!

SR By Savitri Rae

In a nutshell: hot pinks; patterned dresses; maxis with thick waist bands; pumpkin oranges and whites; bubble dress; frills; longer skirts; animal print; polkadots; bikinis and hoodies; metallics; and lace gloves.

A Fijian take on I Dream of Jeannie?

I would definitely wear this cute dress!

While I love the vibrant colours - for me personally - this outfit is too reminiscent of one worn by my Barbie in the early 1980s

This dress on the other hand is very chic indeed!

Very exciting choices of fabrics and patterns

Getting a distinct Material Girl vibe

Guest Appearance by Zambesi New Zealand *Exempted from judging*

In a nutshell: trench coats; frayed shorts; greys; ruffles; texture; over-sized dresses; colour blocking; nudes and neutrals paired with shimmer; 70s pattern tops and mid-length shorts for men; gorgeous sheer fabrics; and orange belts.

I love this outfit! It looks so chic yet so comfy too :D

Sweet yet sexy over-sized shirt dress

As much as I want to love these shorts - it was hard to tell whether the fraying was on purpose...

Liking this smart casual look for the blokes

Very fresh, feminine and flirty - perfect for summer garden parties

Dusk to Dawn Hefroni by Aisea Konrote

In a nutshell: canary yellow; high leg slits; sheer patterned fabrics over block colours; and ruffles.

Guest Appearance by Jerell Scott New York - as seen on Season 5 of Project Runway *Exempted from judging*

In a nutshell: patterned asymmetric dresses; horizontal stripes; super cute short black and white kaftan dresses; quirky lily-pad design; metalics; Arabian Nights; and short bubble dress.

If I could get the top altered to fit better, I'd love to rock this funky little party dress

Fantastic use of pattern

Despite feeling that I perhaps shouldn't like this dress - I find it somehow compelling

80s Barbie outfit take 2?

Love this!

Sexy Arabian Nights outfit

Unlike the relatively shy local designers, Mr Scott knew how to work the cameras! This is a vital skill I hope to see developed by Fijian designers

The FJFW11 Judges - (from left) Rosie Semisi (designer), Mark Halabe (garment manufacturer) and Rachel Fairfax (designer)

Introducing Ryan Collins part time photographer for Kindness by Design and full time partner to moi

Jone Tuiipelehaki (FJFW11 Publicist) with the gorgeous Naziah Ali (designer)

Stay tuned for more FJFW11 goodness including - designer profiles, exclusive pics and video!

Picture the ocean. The waves pounding on the shore. A fresh salty breeze invigorates your mind.

Okay now that you're in the right frame of mind it's time to read my recent interview with Mike Canavan, owner of The Salty Surfer Company.

Q. Can you tell us a little about how The Salty Surfer Co. was first conceived?

I created The Salty Surfer about 3 years ago and finally launched it this year. It was created based on a sincere love and passion for this earth and everything in it. After discussing the concept with friends and family we finally zeroed in on who Salty is and what he's all about. We felt that we needed to come up with a recognizable face/character that everyone could relate to.

Salty is all about simplicity, humility, loving and taking care of the earth, enjoying life and truly wanting to make a change in a very simple way. We thought what better way than to promote his character than on a sustainable t-shirt?

We found that in these times of economic uncertainty and environmental awareness [we] are fueling and awakening to the basic values embodied by Salty who reminds us to live simple/humble and to enjoy life. He's surfing the world trying to spread a simple global message.

Q. How would you describe The Salty Surfer vibe in 10 words or less? Live Salty or Die

Q. If you had to choose another career for yourself, what would that be?
A self-sustaining lifestyle. I'd love to run my own house on a farm, with a garden, farm animals etc. My home and family would be my occupation.

Q. What makes The Salty Surfer an eco-conscious label?
All of our t-shirts are made from naturally sustaining hemp, bamboo or organic cotton.

Q. In your own opinion, what is the most urgent environmental issue facing the world today?
The most serious environmental issue we face today is LOVE. Where is the LOVE (seriously)? When this human race finally figures out what it means to love, all environmental issues, greed, corruption etc. etc. will be washed away. If we don't figure out how to love/respect/trust each other and every living plant and animal on this planet, we will NEVER see change. Live salty or die!

Q. What are The Salty Surfer’s favourite surf breaks?

The reefs and points in Rhode Island and New England.....really haven't had a chance to see any others, but would LOVE to ;-)

Q. What does the future hold for The Salty Surfer Co.? The future of The Salty Surfer is to create and provide a self-sustaining village. Our goal is to have all our shirts made, created and distributed on-site worldwide. Our company would love to spread awareness that we can ALL work towards a self-sustaining lifestyle/home in a very simple way.

It's not difficult, with some inspiration we can get there.