Project Runway 2016

Common things associated with everyday lives of Papua New Guineans, from coconut fronds to woven mat, chicken feathers to kauri shells, bilums to laplap, were all used in the three-hour fashion frenzy at the Lamana Hotel, in Port Moresby.

10 local designers amazed the crowd bringing a definite 'wow' factor as expected, with designs inspired by the diverse unique culture, flora and fauna of PNG.

The event will see 10 local designers showcasing a total of 71 outfits under three categories, Day/Evening wear, the Sarong wear (laplaps) and the Traditionally Inspired Dress.

There are 45 outfits for Day/Evening wear, 11 laplaps for Sarong wear and 13 outfits for Traditionally Inspired Dress.

Guests are expected to start arriving by six this evening before the doors shut at 7pm sharp for the program to kick off.

Giving a sneak preview of the program last Thursday, the organising committee said tonight will be a packed extravaganza.

While a few of them have made names both locally and internationally, a few are fresh faces into the industry.

This response has overwhelmed the organising committee, who aims to identify from the runway, a fashion stylist for the Miss PNG entrant to the Miss Pacific Island Pageant.

Deputy Chairperson of the Miss Pacific Island Pageant (MPIP) PNG Molly O’Rourke said:

“This goes to show there is so much talent and potential in our arts and we, the Project Runway, are only gleaning the tip of the iceberg.”

Designers introduced are: