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.
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| 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.
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.
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| Lovely local and international models before the show |
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| Sarah Parsons (left) and Kate Findlay (right) working hard as volunteers backstage |
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| Extremely sweet mini-model |
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| Male models chilling out before the show |
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| The guests start to arrive! |
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| 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.
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| This was a very elegant piece |
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| 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.
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| Traditional bula shirt and sulu in an unconventional colour |
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| 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.
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| I think this purple skirt is very cute! |
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| 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.
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| This model manages to carry off the big side ruffle and keep the outfit feeling youthful |
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| The gift wrapping dress |
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| 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.
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| Loved the drama and storytelling of this opening look! |
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| Very sophisticated, crisp, clean. |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| A Fijian take on I Dream of Jeannie? |
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| I would definitely wear this cute dress! |
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| While I love the vibrant colours - for me personally - this outfit is too reminiscent of one worn by my Barbie in the early 1980s |
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| This dress on the other hand is very chic indeed! |
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| Very exciting choices of fabrics and patterns |
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| 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.
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| I love this outfit! It looks so chic yet so comfy too :D |
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| Sweet yet sexy over-sized shirt dress |
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| As much as I want to love these shorts - it was hard to tell whether the fraying was on purpose... |
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| Liking this smart casual look for the blokes |
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| Very fresh, feminine and flirty - perfect for summer garden parties |
Dusk to Dawn Hefroni by Aisea Konrote
Stay tuned for more FJFW11 goodness including - designer profiles, exclusive pics and video!
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