A look from OHN Clothing by John Tanuvasa on the runway at Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022. Image by Esther Pasitoa Photos.
Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) 2022 returned to the runway in South Auckland on Saturday night with a highly anticipated show that delivered on fantastic fashion. St George Street in Papatoetoe was transformed into a stylish runway for the evening as models sashayed along the asphalt in the eye-catching creations of nine emerging and established designers.
It’s the first major fashion show of the year to be able to go ahead with many cancelled or postponed events including New Zealand Fashion Week. PFFS hadn’t been able to ahead as a runway event since 2019 due to the global pandemic, and while a digital event in 2020 was well received organisers decided to bring the magic of a live runway show back this year.
It was surreal but a big relief for PFFS founder, Nora Swann, to finally be able to stage the event which was originally meant to take place in late 2021 but was delayed several times with our country’s changes in Alert Level settings.
“During this week I felt a bit of excitement wanting to come through, but I needed to get through a whole heap of other mixed emotions first,” says Nora Swann. “The stop-start process over the past year hindered the usual excitement that I feel when the show is close as we’ve gotten close before but had to pull the pin due to Covid.”
“To see it come to life made me quite emotional to be honest. It was beautiful to see everyone come together to celebrate Pacific fashion with our local South Auckland community. I’m both relieved that it’s over and it went well, and I’m also so proud of everyone who has contributed to bringing it to life, in particular my management team. We faced some big challenges this week – blocking off the road for our event and making it all run smoothly was a huge job but the show was amazing. We’ve set the bar for next year’s show now!”
The runway show was well worth the wait with collection after collection of beautiful garments that dazzled the audience in attendance. There was a joyful energy on the runway as vivid colours, dramatic silhouettes and unique looks showcased modern style with Pasifika flair on a diverse selection of models. There was a palpable enthusiasm from the audience for each gorgeous look that graced the runway with plenty of cheering and clapping pumping up the models’ confidence.
This year’s group of emerging and established designers included: Alexandra Simpson – Alexandra Simpson, disciple of discipline – Massey Williams, House of VA – Vivian Hosking-Aue, Kara’s – Penina Schmidt, LIPO – Phillip Heketoa, MAKKE – Maggie Anitelea, OHN Clothing – John Tanuvasa, s.T – Susana Tasi and TANIROSE TAUSIE – Tanirose Tausie. Many of which had spent months creating their incredible collections that were showcased on the night.
The show wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the South Auckland community and in particular Pacific Fusion Fashion Show’s gold partners Eke Panuku, Pacific Media Network and Ministry of Social Development.
“I feel so blessed to have everyone come and support PFFS, and to support me, especially when I felt challenged,” adds Nora Swann. “Everyone who knows me personally, knows my heart and how much this event means. It’s really special for our community and everyone involved.”
“I loved seeing the creativity from this year’s designers and I wish each of them all the best with their fashion brands. I look forward to adding some of the collections into my wardrobe and wearing them with pride.”
Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2022 was a wonderful celebration of Pacific style and a fantastic night out for the local community and all those who came out to support the event. With the huge amount of talent displayed on the runway, no doubt we will be seeing a lot more from this skilful group of designers in future.
Check out the highlights from the runway in the gallery below.
Images by Esther Pasitoa Photos.