“From a spectator, I am now designing, and even better, for the Miss PNG.”
Henry Iyaro of Wantok Clothing said this when asked how he felt to be the stylist for Miss PNG entrant to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Samoa in December.
Henry is the design partner of Genevieve Igara - Faleva, of Wantok clothing.
It is a joint family business and 100 per cent PNG owned and operated.
Wantok Clothing was the stylist for Miss PNG entrant last year, who won the best sarong and went on to being crowned Miss Pacific Island.
The fashion house again proved even better on Saturday night, winning the overall category of traditionally inspired dress at the Project Runway.
The dress made from white material adorned with colourful orchid patterns, represented the variety of orchids in PNG.
Explaining further about the dress, Genevieve said the inspiration came from “hidden beauty”.
“You see a lot of times for PNG, people look at us from the outside, but when you come and get to know us, there’s a lot of beauty within.
“So it’s about orchids and the variety of different colours from the islands to the highlands you can find orchids and PNG is famous for our diverse and rare orchids,” she said.
Henry told media after the show that he was proud of the responsibility Wantok Clothing is now tasked with.
“This year is tougher, coming up against the other designers compared to last year. We did not expect this,” he said.
