Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 hits the runway this Saturday 28th May and over the past few weeks we’ve featured 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 third group of designers includes Penina Schmidt, Susana Tasi and Vivian Hosking-Aue. If you’re keen to attend this year’s Pacific Fusion Fashion Show you can get tickets on Eventfinda.
Vivian Hosking-Aue – House of VA
Why do you want to be part of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 and what does the event mean to you?
I want to be a part of PFFS to showcase my perspective of what fusing Pacific fibres with contemporary fabrics and ideologies, look and feel like. I believe that it is so important for Pacific creatives to expose our beautiful natural fibres to the world because they are unique and hold so much mana. This event is a safe and experimental environment for Pacific fashion designers to display our work and means that we are able to be free and express our individual true essences from deep within.
What can we expect from your collection for PFFS?
You can expect personal, mesmerising, beautiful and controversial creations.
What has the process been like for making this collection?
REAL FAST!
What inspires you as a designer?
What inspires me as a designer is the beauty of my Cook Islands and Pacific culture. I create to honour my ancestors and to honour my present and my future. My mum, Ngametua, is definitely a significant inspiration as a designer and her angelic aura, epic work ethic and her soul is the pinnacle of the work I create and display. Love you mum!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far is being given the opportunity to be the head stylist and designer alongside my sister, Puretu Aue – for the Voice of Youth showcase which was showcased in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the World Expo 2020. A REMARKABLE experience and one I will forever be grateful for. Meitaki ma’ata to Brett Goebel and Parris Goebel for providing me with this magical opportunity.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Blacks ON Blacks for sure and a pair of Nike Jordan Air 1 Low (whatever colour you love).
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Wear clothes that fit your soul and personality.
Where would you like your label to be in five years’ time?
At New York Fashion Week and at the MET Gala, continuing to put our Pacific fibres up on that world cat walk – because it deserves to be there!
Penina Schmidt – Kara’s
Why do you want to be part of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 and what does the event mean to you?
Kara’s jumped on board when Nora asked as a designer had unfortunately pulled out of the event. Karameli’s heart is always for our people and we are always willing to help our community and our people.
What can we expect from your collection for PFFS?
Kara’s collection is taking it back to our roots and still very traditional and you will see this through our collection for PFFS.
What has the process been like for making this collection?
To be honest, this has been very last minute but it has definitely been a rush of excitement and youthful feeling for me, especially at my age.
What inspires you as a designer?
My passion for fashion and culture, and especially my children.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My legacy and being in business for 38 years.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A garment that is you and the one that is calling you. Remember it’s not who you wear but it’s how you wear it.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Perfection.
Where would you like your label to be in five years time?
My legacy to continue on through my grandkids.
Susana Tasi – s.T.
Why do you want to be part of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 and what does the event mean to you?
It’s a great experience and opportunity, I’m looking forward to being in amongst a talented and creative space and celebrating everyone’s achievements.
What can we expect from your collection for PFFS
Sugar and spice with everything nice. Key garments I’m showcasing aim to provide the modern working woman who wears many hats with versatility and elegance. They are able to mix and match certain pieces depending on the occasion whether it be work, day wear and or evening.
The key garment being dedicated to my Mum and my great and grandmothers on both sides of my family. The garment is named after the first female Prime Minister of Samoa, ‘Fiame’.
What has the process been like for making this collection?
It’s been a challenge and at the same time exciting.
What inspires you as a designer?
Recycling historical trends to incorporate them into what’s current and modern .
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The challenge of raising teenage daughters and continuing to support them to achieve their dreams and aspirations. My highlights are also celebrating the positive outcomes that individuals, couples and whanau achieve as a frontline worker in different roles in Community Social Services.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A great pair of jeans that you could dress up or down in for certain occasions whether it be formal or informal.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Be you, Do you!
Where would you like your label to be in five years time?
It would be great to see people wearing it, feeling confident and celebrating themselves.
Images supplied.