Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 takes to the runway in just a few weeks on Saturday 28th May and in the lead-in we’re going to hear from each of the talented designers who will be showcasing their collections at the event. Each label showing at PFFS has been hand-picked by event founder Nora Swann for their talent and style which celebrates their individuality and culture.
This second group of designers includes John Tanuvasa, Maggie Anitelea and Tanirose Tausie. If you’re keen to attend this year’s Pacific Fusion Fashion Show you can get tickets on Eventfinda.
John Tanuvasa – OHN Clothing
Why do you want to be part of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 and what does the event mean to you?
There are always new opportunities that can come through with PFFS so I am excited to be on board once again. I also want to show my men’s collection off and show how our men can turn OHN their inner confidence.
What can we expect from your collection for PFFS?
“An age of the daring ones.” – quote from One Piece.
What has the process been like for making this collection?
The process has been easy as the idea came to me instantly. The meaning and vision all worked together and you will understand it once you see the collection.
What inspires you as a designer?
CREATING CHANGE, ENCOURGING ONE’S SELF CONFIENCE AND SELF LOVE!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Hard to choose one so I’m just going to say that I’m excited for the bigger things that are going to come.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A piece of OHN clothing of course!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Wear your confidence as a style.
Where would you like your label to be in five years’ time?
Bigger and better things to come in five years. You will just have to wait and see.
Maggie Anitelea – MAKKE
Why do you want to be part of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 and what does the event mean to you?
Every year PFFS brings something a little different and how amazing is it this year!
It’s exciting to showcase our collections in my hometown South Auckland and even more “out the gate” on the main road! I am so grateful for PFFS, they have given me opportunities to develop myself as an empowered Fashion Designer. Such an amazing platform for all our Pacifica creatives.
What can we expect from your collection for PFFS?
I love creating garments with movement and flare. This collection will showcase my love for denim and frills infused with my Cook Islands culture.
What has the process been like for making this collection?
Challenging, but weirdly satisfying. “Making it work” with the limited resources and time I have has been quite challenging. However, when you can envision what your final collection will look like it’s worth any challenge.
What inspires you as a designer?
Anything and everything. It can be an emotion, a memory, a song, a person or your culture. This collection is inspired by my love for the ocean.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
To know that my designs are admired resulting in sell-out collections and proudly representing the Cook Islands in the Ohomairangi Fashion Show.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A comfortable, classic, robust denim jacket.
It can be dressed up or down and never goes out of fashion.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Comfort is confidence, confidence is stunning!
Where would you like your label to be in five years time?
For the label MAKKE to be recognised as the go-to for your unique, funky, one-of-a-kind creation that makes you feel and look amazing!
Tanirose Tausie – TANIROSE TAUSIE
Why do you want to be part of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 and what does the event mean to you?
I was provided with this creative opportunity earlier last year when I was at a crossroads with my career path. Ms Nora Swann was a mutual contact who offered her fashion networks in light of my interest to transition back into the design industry. For that I am truly thankful for her advice to register with the PFFS 2022 show as for a long time I lost my passion to sew/design and this is me emerging back into what I once loved.
What can we expect from your collection for PFFS?
For PFFS you can expect colour, going against the grain and mismatched possibilities. This concept is playful, fun and highlights me dusting off the cobwebs!
What has the process been like for making this collection?
My process initially was on a roll, I kept to a certain schedule to meet certain outcomes. Once the alert level changed to level 4 – full lockdown and that was when my routine went out the window. I felt hindered in my motivation, lack of urgency and not staying accountable. To remedy this I took a much needed break to refresh myself and not feel pressured to create.
To date, I have allowed myself to choose when I want to go into my home studio and create ANYTHING, which may not be to the original design but I am making something and I am creating without pressure.
What inspires you as a designer?
Knowing what is important to me, no boundaries to how I choose to design, positive energy prospers great creativity, this helps with the blossoming of random ideas that have been dormant and need to be created.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
One of the many highlights is when my mother witnessed my tertiary graduation. She has been my main support since I was born and she has invested her life, by being my mother, support to my education, my goals and ever-changing ventures I choose to pursue. I love making my mother proud because her money and time should always be respected.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Seamless undergarments, they’re smooth on the skin, comfortable, avoids unwanted skin irritation and never leaves panty or bra lines!
Funny advice my mother used to say, always wear a good bra or undies because you never know when you’re going to end up in a crash.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Yes, if I choose to wear an oversized top, I would then choose a fitted bottom vice versa, as it is about creating great balance to your outfit and harmony.
If I choose to wear a certain colour, I would have the colour in a matching accessory, whether it be shoes, earrings, bracelet, ring, bag, socks etc. This will allow for a subtle cohesive push to the outfit as a whole, giving unintentional vibes but intentional!
Where would you like your label to be in five years time?
I envision my label to emerge from a concept to a developed clothing brand in five years, creating a secure income for myself to become a full-time contractor. I would love for my creations to become a subtle must-have in the wardrobe to be fit for any occasion, it is up to the wearer on what that might be!
Images supplied.