A lot has been said about the Fiji Fashion Week and how it has created a certain image for young girls that may not be acceptable by all members of society, especially regarding the models. Be that as it may, are there any benefits from Fiji Fasion Week for youths in Fiji?
The unstoppable Ellen Whippy has had much to say about young designers and how she wants to help youth whether it be in giving advice or helping to start their own businesses.
The Fiji Fashion Week is almost a household name, with so many major media sponsors. You see it everywhere you go in Suva. And let’s not forget the people’s meeting place MHCC, where there are photos of models draped along the walls when you’re riding the escalator, so it’s quite hard to miss them.It is really about helping the young designers get somewhere. It is satisfactory to see their clothes out there in stores. One thing that has been really successful for us has been that 60 per cent of our designers from last year’s show have been actively sewing/supplying by demand. One of our girls has made up to $40,000 in sales only from October last year. We need to find designers who are interested in making this a career so we can help develop them and get them recognised overseas.
The Fiji Fashion Week has evolved into a bigger and better show that has truly developed the skills of young designers here in Fiji. They have been setting up model and designer workshops bringing in professionals from overseas to give local designers a chance to reach the standard of big brand fashion names.
I think I had better join one of those workshops as I can’t really sew well and you know how it is, it seems expected for girls to be so domestic in society. But on another note, this is another opportunity for youths in Fiji to develop their talents and follow their dreams. I want every youth to get as much education as they can, but what shall we do if they do not want to get a degree?
If youths want to design or do something that they have a passion for then who are we to stop them? I think it will be a very sad day when we stifle a youth’s passion. And we do not want to have jobs that do not truly satisfy us, most of our parents are already there, shall we follow suit?
No. That’s the thing about youths. We always want something new and better and we want to make a difference in society.
News is the Fiji Fashion Council will be up and running soon and it will be an export industry. There is huge potential to export garments. I expect loads of designers will be grateful for this. So next thing you know, you’ll be hearing someone in America telling her girlfriend that she got her dress from a designer in Fiji. Lets hope so.
3 comments:
It is quite encouraging to see local models and designers participating in fashion events like the Fiji Fashion Week. This certainly encourages others who only dream to walk on the run way or have their designs showed off by models. Yet, what remains as an issue is the fact that those creating the clothes in the FJFW mostly display only once a year. According to a report in the Fiji Times 1st November issue, Fashion show producer and veteran; Andhy Blake says;
"You either are branded as a designer if you are able to design collections season after season with meeting consumer demands however if you are just showcasing for the chances of profiling your name, you define yourself as an artist".
Mr Blake's statement poses a serious question whether those involved in the FJFW are being lead in the right direction?
While modelling looks all flashy and good, models and designers should be encouraged to finish school as they are not incredibly big professions which can provide good employment for a vast majority of people.
overseas expertise should be hired because lets face it, Fiji lacks expertise on modeling, singing, acting and most other "show biz" professions, a deficiency which is clearly seen in local productions and shows.
Overall good article because there is definitely a career in this profession.
In my own opinion, the fashion show is a very encouraging initiative for youths in Fiji although it may marred some aspects of the Fiji culture especially when young girls model mini clothes or transparent garments. However not everyone is blessed with an academic brain therefore each and everyone of us have different talents.Those who are good in sewing have to make the best of their talent and show to the world what they can do, this also goess for other with their unique talents and skills like artists,designers and models. So for those youths who can't make it into office work, why not use their talents and good physigue to earn an income for themselves. Will culture come and feed them or pay their bills? No, these youths have to fend for themselves using their talents to build a good life for them and support their families. In fact i so admire them because i have always been interested in modeling in my younger days, but back in my home country such things do not exist. I take my hat off to these youths. Cheers for people with such unique talents.
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