Exotic, Tribal, Sexy: Why We Love Fiji Fashion Week!
When did a crocheted poncho ever look so incredibly masculine? V-neck shirt, coordinating sulu and tapered trousers by Tesmesia. Stunning traditional textiles fashioned into an exotic gown by Tracey Ann Farrington. At Fiji Fashion Week, a model and designer are reunited. Tribal prints updated into luxurious silk garments with a contemporary edge by LavLani Designs. All image credits: instagram.com/fijifashionweek.
The glorious islands of Fiji capture our imagination of paradise. Image: Tesmesia sun dress.
BULA! Fiji’s world-famous “Bula” is more than a greeting. It is the genuine friendliness, kindness, and joyful spirit permeating every aspect of Fijian life. Arrive as a visitor and leave as family by experiencing the Bula spirit firsthand through cultural heritage activities, such as village visits, daily interactions with locals; (and fashion shows of course.) Credit:nationalgeographic.com.
A bold image of leonine grace. Naina Fiji, Bau Bau photographer.
Now in its 16th year, the 2023 iteration of Fiji Fashion Week was a celebration of the fashion history of the Pacific Islands. Many designers were inspired by the archipelago’s rich diversity of textile traditions. While honoring their phenomenal artisanal heritage numerous brands fashioned garments that are chic, modern silhouettes.
Ellen Whippy-Knight, pictured on right, is the Managing Director of Fiji Fashion Week and has been involved with the show since the inception in 2008. Newly appointed producer Jarrad Clark, along with Temesia Tuicaumia, social media coordinator/talented designer worked tirelessly with Ellen to produce the finest Fiji FW to date.
The sulu, a kilt-like garment worn by men, introduced in the nineteenth century by missionaries was initially worn by iTaukei Fijians to indicate their conversion to Christianity. It is now regarded as Fiji’s national dress. Credit: wikipedia.org. Attractive vest and sulu ensemble by Tesmesia.
Show stopping garment featuring open wrapped jacket and floral mesh skirt by Tesmesia.
Blazer, sulu and leather harness, Tesmesia.
Custom crafted floral gown by Tesmesia.
Sheer floral shorts and top by Tesmesia. Congratulations to this talented designer who was the winner of the Best Menswear Designer award.
LavLani brand crafts elegant gowns with a reference to ancient textiles.
Sophisticated island charm. LavLani
A student with a million dollar smile models during the student runway show.
Traditional patterns and trendy silhouettes seen at the student runway show.
The fashion designers of tomorrow. Student runway show.
Sunrise tones mixed with gold motifs by Cherish Designs.
Contemporary men’s sulu ensemble in eye-catching ocean blue by Cherish Designs.
Elegant beach ensemble by Cherish Designs.
Vibrant colors, dramatic patterns, tribal pedigree; add these elements to an astute understanding of what today’s consumers want. What do you get? Fiji Fashion Week. Cherish Designs.
Hupfeld Hoerder applies traditional textiles to stylish new designs.
Swim set for men. Hupfeld Hoerder.
Sweet mini by Hupfeld Hoerder.
Tribal prints look so new. Hupfeld Hoerder.
Silver corset over bodycon black dress by Hosanna Kabakoro, designer of the Duatani brand.
Feather embellished vest paired with coordinated sulu create a regal vibe. Duatani.
Natural beauty, designer and super model Hosanna Kabakoro.
Backstage at the Helen Oro Designs runway show.
Backstage fun, Helen Oro Designs.
A new look in menswear. Hand beaded chest plate and facial decorations are a contemporary tribute to ancient Native ornamentation. Helen Oro is a celebrated First Nation indigenous fashion designer based in Canada. Helen Oro Designs.
Bedazzled wrap sunglasses by Helen Oro Designs.
Embellished and beaded Mod sunglasses by Helen Oro Designs.
Designer Helen Oro applies beaded handwork to many of her luxe handbags and accessories. Helen Oro Designs.
Ornate beaded lace detail. Designer Helen Oro is from the Pelican Lake Tribe of the Bear Creek Clan, Canada.
Two piece ensemble by Helen Oro Designs.
Shoulder yoke and beaded facial decoration. Alternative menswear by Helen Oro Designs.
References to traditional indigenous First Nations people body adornment. Helen Oro Designs.
This is the first decorated and bejeweled gas mask I have ever seen. What about you? The designer blends the concepts of beauty and survival to create a thought provoking objet d’art. Helen Oro Designs.
Bird of Paradise shirt by Tuwisi Fiji.
Tuwisi Fiji. The glory of exuberant color.
Tuwisi Fiji. Audacious menswear.
Bold florals and vibrant colors of the Polynesian Islands. Tuwisi Fiji.
Mixing ancient symbols with contemporary tailoring, Tuwisi Fiji.
What to pack while visiting an island paradise. Tuwisi Fiji.
Feminine and flowing resortwear by Tuwisi Fiji.
Dazzling Fijian mermaid. Tuwisi Fiji.
Highlighted eyes and lips. Dramatic beauty details for Tuwisi Fiji.
Woven with natural fibers, this sustainable headpiece by Suga Rose is the perfect crown for an island goddess.
Woven corset paired with a bold floral silk skirt by Suga Rose. Sustainable designer Atelaite Daunibau incorporates sewing, dyeing, weaving, gluing and crocheting into her exceptional apparel.
Traditional groomsmen fashions by Suga Rose. Camp shirt with coordinated sulu.
Bridal party by Suga Rose.
Woven strapless dress by Suga Rose.
Natural fibers, handcrafted vest and embellished sulu. Menswear by Suga Rose.
Hand woven top paired with flowing trousers. Suga Rose.
Intricately woven mini with mesh top by Suga Rose.
Suga Rose silk caftan and spectacular headdress.
Cropped vest paired with matching lime green shorts by bespoke designer Daniel Avakian.
Cool and breezy dress with elegant drop waist detail. Daniel Avakian.
Striking blue-green fabric handcrafted into a three-piece ensemble by Daniel Avakian.
Entrance making high-low gown by Daniel Avakian.
Lovely silhouette where the past and present merge. JS Designs by Jyoti Shandil.
Traditional Fijian fabrics blend effortlessly with a sequin bodice. JS Designs.
Asymmetric details form a striking menswear ensemble. JS Designs.
Regal two piece drama by JS Designs.
Traditional textiles combined with a contemporary vibe. JS Designs.
Show stopping Bird of Paradise ensemble by JS Designs.
Sophisticated eveningwear by Samson Lee, winner of the Fiji FW Designer of the Year award.
Dramatic two piece dress by Samson Lee.
Beach ready ensemble by Samson Lee.
Sweet and sexy by Samson Lee.
Sunset pink and baby blue jumpsuit with over jacket by Samson Lee.
Samson Lee understands party wear.
This two tone gown is a celebration. Samson Lee.
Beauty details behind the scenes at Samson Lee.
Samson Lee backstage, cheering on his runway models.
Teen model photographed by Bau Bau.
Elegant model photographed by Bau Bau.
Graceful beauty by Bau Bau photographer.
Glorious traditional Fijian styling by the incomparable Tracey Ann Farrington, winner of five Fiji Fashion Week awards.
Tracey Ann Farrington is both a fashion designer as well as a textile designer.
Tracey Ann Farrington offers traditional garments as well as contemporary apparel.
Cabana set by Tracey Ann Farrington.
Luxurious wrap top with coordinated sarong by Tracey Ann Farrington.
A majestic tribal princess. Tracey Ann Farrington.
Where else but Fiji Fashion Week can we celebrate fashions that reflect the skilled artisans of the past united with the talented designers of today? Stunning men’s tribal ensemble by Tracey Ann Farrington.
