Outfit by Dane Dagger on the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show runway. Image supplied.
Taking to the runway for the third consecutive year is the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show which kicks off in October. The event began in 2016 as a competition for emerging Māori and Pacific creatives from South Auckland but has attracted entries from international fashion designers. The showcase has shared Pacific creative talent with a wide local and international audience and grown rapidly year on year.
“We received a high calibre of designer applications this year,” says Event Director and Fashion stylist Nora Swann. “There is a mix of fashion styles from streetwear to resort wear and we’re excited to have an accessory and shoe designer in our line-up. We received international designer interest which shows the appeal of this show beyond Aotearoa New Zealand. There has already been interest in ticket sales from those overseas wanting to come and support the international designers.”
This year’s event will see thirteen designers from NZ, Australia, Samoa and Hawai’i showcase their designs on the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show runway. They are: Akana by Alecia Kana, Dane Dagger, FOU, Jarawee by Briana Enoch, Leu Tiatia Wasasala, Molly & Grace by Monalisa and Sisi, MOTFAW by Annmarie Williams, Murrii Quu Designs by Cheryl Creed, NUMIA by David Taumoepeau, Taga Chadwick, Tiare Teiti by Ida Teiti, Tahiano and YUNG The Label by Young Lualua.
Three designers are returning this year having previously enjoyed participating in earlier shows including Dane Dagger, David Taumoepeau (NUMIA) and Young Lualua (YUNG The Label). David Taumoepeau is the Tongan-born designer behind NUMIA and is a commercial lawyer by day. His brand allows him to express his creativity and fuse his love of music culture and musical influences into his clothing. He first showed NUMIA on the PFFS runway in 2017. “It was really good exposure,” adds Taumoepeau. “I heard from fashion bloggers and other individuals after the show wanting to know where they could buy my clothes and asking what my brand stands for. I learned so much last time and I am excited for this new challenge with my team. We are looking forward to making it an even better experience this year.”
The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show will be held at Ambury Park, Mangere Bridge on October 6th 2018. More details and ticketing information will be released in coming weeks.
Gown by Afa Ah Loo on the PFFS runway. Image by Bright Sunday photographer Danny Tanuvasa.
Images supplied.