The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show is returning for 2017 this month. Image courtesy of Mark Leedom Photography & Bright Sunday.
The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show returns to the runway on Saturday 26th August with Otara Town Centre showcasing this year’s collections from a talented group of designers. The event was created last year as a competition for emerging Māori and Pacific creatives from South Auckland but it has attracted interest from international Pacific fashion designers and this year is set to be even bigger than last year. The show aims to smash the stereotype that Pacific fashion is only about brightly coloured, oversized flowing floral dresses.
“This show is about our potential and our unique spin on high-fashion,” says Event Director and Fashion stylist Nora Swann. “Since our first show last year, many designers have reached out because they believe in our philosophy and view the opportunity as a great way to build their confidence and test ideas beyond the traditional Pacific design category. This year we’re pleased to confirm eleven emerging designers from Aotearoa, Australia, Samoa and the United States of America for the competition showcase.”
The Ika canopy of Otara Town Centre will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the theme of faux fur, suede and leather for the show with attendees encouraged to embrace the Winter Fire dress code. Guests will be treated to a fusion of sound, taste, movement and performing arts as well as stunning fashion and island-style refreshments.
“Our marketing and media partners Bright Sunday pitched the location idea to me and I jumped at the chance to do something for my community. Backing this concept has opened partnerships with the Otara-Papatoetoe Local board, the Otara Business Association and Mai FM,” adds Swann.
Entertainment comes in the form of contemporary island dancers Ura Tabu with music from DJ Skeme; an opening Hip Hop/Opera collaboration by Exit 44 and a performance from Otara’s own rap sensation GiantKilla. Other special guests include returning host Miss World Samoa Latafale Auva’a, and model, actor, musician and former International Face of Beauty winner Diamond Langi. Former True Bliss singer, NZ Idol judge and Dancing with the Stars runner-up Megan Alatini is a guest judge and models include Shay from Survivor NZ and Maori Television’s winner of Game of Bros Season One, Louis Ova.
This year’s lineup of designers is also set to be stellar with four new international entries and seven national designers taking to the runway. VIP and General Admission tickets are available now.