PNG Fashion Week

The confirmation was made with the official announcement of dates for the PNG Fashion Week.

Like never before, this visual feast will be a week of various fashion events running from April 4 through to April 7.

It’s a national event, attracting designers from right around the country, and models; the youngest being 2 years old.

There will be 7 runways in three different locations – Vision City, Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium and Sanctuary Hotel.

The shows at Vision City are free and will be open to the public, running from April 5 – 7.

PNGFW announced this last week.

The top-tier beauty, hair and cosmetics company will come together with PNGFW under one roof from April 4th - 7th, for the fashion week, assisting Papua New Guinea’s most esteemed designers in creating their runway looks.

Overseeing the backstage glam will be lead make-up artist, Annemarie Aiva, who has extensive portfolios in the beauty and fashion industries.

But under a new team, the fashion week promises to be bigger than the initial year – 2016.

Set for the 4th - 7th April, 2018, the one week will see 8 new runway shows in 3 locations within Port Moresby.

PNGFW managing director, Philma Kelegai, said this platform is designed to see locals grow their talent.

PNG Fashion Week is the premier fashion event of Papua New Guinea.               

Kelegai is the National Director and Founder of World Supermodel PNG and has been in the fashion and events industry for over 10 years both locally and internationally.

PNG Fashion Week Co-Founder and Director Sally Vuli Napolioni acknowledged the outgoing committee for their hard work and efforts in 2016.

She said it was an honour to work with other Papua New Guineans committed to partnership and entrepreneurship.

Up until the PNG Fashion Week in August, designing dresses was only Andrea’s passion.

“She would draw amazing dresses and show it to us but you know, it was her thing and we never thought much about it,” says her mother, Colleen.

Colleen was introduced to a whole new world when she decided to bring her daughter along to the PNG Fashion Week.

“When I saw the advertisement in the papers, I thought why not, this is her hobby,” Colleen says.

This is evident over the few years where the fashion platforms are being set. 

At least 200 people gathered at the Stanley Hotel and Suites for what was regarded as a celebration of fashion in PNG.

"The fashion industry, although still young and untapped, described as a sleeping giant, has the potential to meaningfully develop the local economy," Sios said.

Dr Michael Mel from the Jubilee Institute used the event as an example to stress on creativity and culture.

He said the night marked a special occasion to showcase creativity, innovation the Papua New Guinea way.

"This is taking PNG creativity to the next level," he said.

Ending the three-day workshop organised by PNG Fashion Week today, participants put together a few recommendations which they hope will attract assistance, particularly from the government.

The support so far has been overwhelming, according to director Janet Sios, but she says challenges still remain, especially in terms of funding and marketing platform.

Identifying these challenges, a participant, Erigere Singin, presented the concerns, suggestions and points raised.

The event and the venue are both new kids in their respective blocks, and with as much interest expressed for PNGFW, many will use this opportunity to see the Stanley Hotel and Suites.

PNGFW director, Janet Sios, last week during a media conference even admitted this to the general manager, Geoff Haigh.

“We’ve spoken to a lot of people and they’re coming to this event because they’re interested to see your hotel.”

This may in fact be the first big local event to be staged in the new hotel.