PNG Fashion Week successfully completed the “Cultural Renaissance” that started on October 7th.
Lending her support to PNG Fashion Week this year, Ellen Whippy-Knight, Founder and Managing Director of Fiji Fashion Week was a guest speaker at the “Awakening”.
Whippy-Knight has been instrumental in the fashion industry in Fiji and the Pacific, creating epic platforms that have positively impacted the Fijian economy and the Pacific. As a pioneer, she has paved the way for many Pacific Island countries to create powerful platforms that stimulate economic activity and industry.
“As the premier national fashion, cultural, creative and social platform in Papua New Guinea, it was important for PNG Fashion Week to connect with and find synergies and partnerships with other platforms,” Managing Director of PNG Fashion Week, Philma Kelegai, said.
“It made perfect sense to invite the queen of fashion in the Pacific, we are excited that she has joined our platform and can’t wait to learn from her and work with her.”
This is not Whippy-Knight’s first time in Papua New Guinea, having produced the successful POM Fashion Week in 2013 with CPL.
“Papua New Guinea is an exciting kaleidoscope of colour and culture and I was excited to see the talent while here at PNG Fashion Week,” Whippy-Knight said.
Prime Minister James Marape and his wife, Racheal were also special guests of the evening. In Prime Minister Marape’s address, he stressed the importance of PNG Fashion Week and emphasized that the Marape-Steven Government supports local business, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“The evening was a success and we anticipate bigger and better things for PNG Fashion Week,” stated the PM.
Kelegai went on to say that PNG Fashion Week 2019 was a sold out event and planning for the next event has already begun.
“With fashion designers, artists and models flying in from all around the country, it is important that we start the planning so we effectively deliver PNG Fashion Week 2020. If 2019 is anything to go by, we will only grow,” she added.