Fiji Fashion Week plans spectacular 15th
15 years in the making, 15 years as the premier fashion event in the Pacific, 15 years as the peak body, facilitator and platform connecting Fijian designers to the global world of Fashion.
15 years in the making, 15 years as the premier fashion event in the Pacific, 15 years as the peak body, facilitator and platform connecting Fijian designers to the global world of Fashion.
Fiji Fashion Week today announced a spectacular programme to commemorate the start of a remarkable milestone; its 15th year.
Managing Director, Ellen Whippy-Knight who took over FJFW in 2009 said the company which runs the Pacific’s longest running fashion event, was in “strong and in such fantastic shape.”
FJFW 2022, sponsored by Colgate Palmolive takes place at The Vodafone Arena from May 21-May 28 with events beginning later in March which include two nights of premier fashion shows, fashion education and training, fashion tourism and fashion media development.
“My team and I have worked hard to achieve the accomplishments that we have had over the past 15 years. And while Fiji Fashion Week is my passion, it has been a long road and has needed the goodwill of many in our community to make this platform a success. When we have knocked on the door of our sponsors – they have answered with support,” Ms Whippy-Knight said.
In its third year running as the Palmolive Fiji Fashion Week, the event has enjoyed the support of Colgate Palmolive, Fiji’s largest manufacturer of hygiene and lifestyle products.
“Much like Fiji Fashion Week, Palmolive has evolved as a brand since its establishment in 1898 to become a global leader in quality personal care products. We are proud to be associated with Palmolive and thank them for their unwavering support. “
Sponsorship
FJFW said corporate sponsorship and support has enabled growth despite ongoing global challenges.
“And when the world and the global fashion industry changed with COVID-19 we faced this head on and made changes to our organization and the way we work so that we could continue to support and develop designers at a time when they needed it most. We can confidently say that we were one of the first, if not the first fashion week, to announce a move to virtual programming and this paid off big time for the designers accruing $200,000 in orders,” Ms Whippy-Knight said.
Partnering with the tourism industry to deliver its most successful show which was completely virtual and online widening market reach for Fiji Fashion Designers.
“Needless to say, my team and I are extremely proud of the fact that we have created new opportunities in the fashion industry and that these opportunities make a huge impact on the economy for designers, creative talent and peripheral industries in Fiji and the region.”
Fiji’s iconic Grand Pacific Hotel, home to the country’s largest and most exclusive fashion event is now also home to FJFW. A move Ms Whippy-Knight said signals the value of cross industry collaboration.
“Fiji’s iconic hotel has a new lease on life as the centre for Fiji fashion and cultural hub for the Pacific. Together Grand Pacific Hotel and Fiji Fashion Week will be at the forefront of delivering a new type of tourist to Fiji – discerning travellers who are looking for authentic experiences, engaging with our culture and who can proudly say – this was Made in Fiji.”
Relevant
FJFW says it has remained able to deliver on its objectives to market Fiji Fashion wear to the world by remaining relevant and listening to the needs of its community.
“By continuing to innovate – whether that is in how we present our event and runways – always bringing something new to designers and consumers, or whether that is the way we think about the potential of our industry and providing access to education, support and opportunities that would otherwise be out of a designer’s reach,” Ms Whippy-Knight said.
She added that formular has led to successes which mean long term impacts for Fiji Fashion highlighting as an example the case of former “FJFW Emerging Designer of the year Winner” Laisiasa Davetawalu.
Davetawalu has just completed his 3 year Bachelor’s degree in Design and Fashion from a prestigious fashion design college in Australia, fully supported by FJFW.
“What has become apparent to me over the past 15 years is the ability for the industry to impact all of our lives. We are conscious of every move we make to ensure that it positively benefits our design community,” she said.
“What I want you to know is that Fiji Fashion Week, with the support of our sponsors, designers and community, is invested in further growth of our industry. We see our path in terms of these 5 words, and you can use these words interchangeably: SUSTAIN. CULTURE. MAKE. FUTURE. CELEBRATE
Sustain our culture
Make our Future
And celebrate.”
However, Ms Whippy-Knight said industry stakeholders needed to understand that fashion industry outcomes needed to be sustainable for both the planet and for the economy.
“Sustainability will preserve the cultural heritage designers express in making fashion wear. Which in turn secures our future through earning our place in the global fashion industry. And that is something to celebrate! Over the next few weeks and months in the lead up to Fiji Fashion Week and beyond, you will see these ideas come alive through our events and runway shows.”
“Of course, none of this could happen without the support of our sponsors. We must be one of the few organizations to maintain a loyal sponsorship base over the past 14 years! And we are so delighted to welcome back Palmolive Fiji as our Official Partner for the 4th year. At the core of this partnership is a common understanding on the value of supporting community initiatives and of course fashion!”
Fiji Fashion Week will make further announcements on new partnerships over the coming weeks.
Ends.
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