Janet Sios

Founder and director of Pacific Runway Fashion, Failepou Peni today announced the partnership of the two bodies.

Pacific Runway Fashion, staged annually in Australia, was formed to recognise and give a prestigious platform for designers of the Pacific at large, also to put a mark on its Australian Fashion Calendar. 

Director Peni said, the partnership now means that PNG designers, through PNGFW, automatically secure a place on this platform.

TPA CEO, Jerry Angus highlights the close similarities between the two industries, saying they can work along.

He says like tourism, fashion is based on culture, ultimately wants to sell, has a niche market and gives a sense of self-identity.

Speaking at the first day of workshop organised by PNG Fashion Week yesterday, the CEO pledged TPA’s support behind PNGFW’s initiative.

Day one of the three-day workshop hosted at the Holiday Inn attracted participantof all ages and representatives from both government and private sectors.

Director of the PNGFW Janet Sios was particularly impressed with the speakers and turnout of participants for the first day.

“I have to say that I’m impressed because the calibre of speakers that made the time to come shows that everybody is interested about the beginning of a new era in the industry,” she said.

Director Janet Sios said this is for the benefit of the designers and furthermore impact PNG’s Small to Medium Enterprise sector.

Sios said at the moment, they are in talks with the government and also trying to get other influential parties on board.

Sios stressed the importance of their relationship with the Department of Trade and Industry.

The desire here is to bring different aspects of the PNG culture on the runway that will go on to attract international recognition.

The event will feature seven dynamic, young and upcoming designers, who will use this platform to launch their brands, and embark down a new journey for the first time ever.

The event will start with a three-day workshop at Holiday Inn from August 17 – 19.

The one year old television station in PNG teamed up with the committee only last week, for a three year contract.

Announcing the partnership yesterday at the newly built Stanley Hotel and Suites, Ruth Kekedo of Click TV said this move is to promote PNG culture.

“This is a wonderful synergy to provide a good platform for PNG to promote our culture and that’s one thing that Click- TV embraces – the promotion of PNG culture,” Kekedo said.