He will be a doctor that basically lives and breathes fashion.
Jim Kari is in his second year of residency at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
And even amidst the pressure of the medical field, the 25 year old Southern Highlander still has time to design and sew clothing.
“I’ve always been intrigued by designs and patterns so yes, I sew, paint, screen print, apart from trying to be a certified doctor,” he said.
Kari’s passion began early in life but he only started putting it into action in his second year at the medical school.
“For art, you basically observe your surroundings and turn it into reality. So I’ve been improving my skill over time and am going into more complex designs,” Kari said.
The young man’s fashion taste is deeply rooted in traditional designs. He even promotes his products by wearing whatever he does.
“I’ve had my colleagues, lecturers and even some patients I’ve attended to, ask me about the type of outfit I wear. My house is actually covered in all types of drapes I did myself. It’s more like a personal experience for me and I really like to create and live in that environment so when people meet me they know instantly that I am a designer,” he said.
As a proud Papua New Guinean, Kari likes to reflect this sense of patriotism at the same time maintain a professional look to it.
He registered Kari Designs on Feb 28, 2017 and is a recognised legitimate small business.
Examples of his work are on his facebook page Designing and Freelancing.
In a few years’ time, Kari aims to attend a fashion institute and further his knowledge on this trade.