PNG Fashion Week will be staged three weeks’ time with the theme “tribal eclectic”, with the aim to capture PNG’s diversity through fashion.
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.
This workshop will cover SME empowerment topics on Online Marketing, intellectual Property, Financing options and Fashion Designing, Youth Empowerment, Applied Arts and Fashion and also on Linking Indigenous Fashion with Tourism.
Director Janet Sios, yesterday announced a visiting designer from New Zealand, Bou Fonua. Bou, Tongan by origin, whose clothing line, BOU has become a sensation in the Pacific region.
In addition, what has been described by the director and committee as the highlight is the presence of guest designers, Ellen Whippy - founder and managing director of Fiji fashion week and Failepou Peni – director of Pacific Runway Fashion from Sydney.
The fashion show will be staged at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby.
“It is an exclusive event, given only 130 tickets to the public at K120 because we feel strongly – a lot of Papua New Guineans should come.
“This is our event, it’s not about anybody in particular but about presenting an opportunity or platform for the designers in PNG to take their work and their passion seriously on a platform that we hope in partnership with the government to present it to them,” Sios added.
She also revealed that the proceeds of the event will go towards the medical fundraiser of Roger Haofa appeal as well as supporting the Hospital Poroman work.