PNG fashion aims high

PNG Fashion Week and Design have set their sight on bigger runways now.

Returning from the Pacific International Runway in Sydney, the team is determined more than ever to take PNG fashion all the way to Milan and Paris next year.

PNG Fashion Week and Design is a platform promoting local designers.

Last year, Natasha Tamanabae was introduced as the PNG fashion week 2016 designer to Pacific International Runway.

This year, it has been bilum meri Florence Jaukae Kamel.

“We are giving them a bit of support and the next level of exposure. And next year, instead of Australia, we can go somewhere else and show our designs to others,” said founder Janet Sios.

Teaming up with one of PNG’s top designers, Sarah Haoda Todd, the fashion platform will take it a notch higher.

“I went to London this year and this has opened a door to Europe for me. So next time, I can actually go under the platform of PNG F&DW and we can bring along another designer to showcase,” said Todd.

Todd is the owner of PNGean Kala, the fashion house her Kumul Queen brand falls under.

The idea is in its infant stage yet, but the pair is calling on the assistance of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

“It’s about tourism and promoting our country to the world through fashion. This in particular will be a challenge, but it’s good for our designers to have a feel of what it is like to be at that level.

“It’s a different level of ball game altogether. We hope to get the tourism people behind us,” said Sios.

Author: 
Gloria Bauai