Designers showcase their work

By Sarafina Sanerivi 17 September 2016, 12:00AM

Tonight is the finale of the first Samoa Fashion Week. Dubbed the red carpet event of the year in terms of fashion, fifteen talented designers will showcase their work on the runway.

During the past few days, a lot has been said about the great initiative to have a Fashion Week in Samoa. 

Added to the list of happy people are the local business owners in the fashion industry who had the chance to showcase their work and make sales for the past two days.

Held at the Tanoa Hotel compound, the two-day market day wrapped up yesterday. 

 One of the vendors was Theresa Grace Finau. The 42-year-old from Malololelei is the owner of “Tepa-i-tua Creation.”

She specializes in making lopa necklaces and jewelry. As a tenderfoot to the fashion industry, Theresa said she is grateful for the opportunity this fashion show is offering for the fashion designers of Samoa. 

 “To me, I think the most important thing about this is creating network with other fashion designers in Samoa. It’s important to share our ideas and ways to improve and develop the fashion industry in Samoa. 

“This show is such a great move by the Samoa Art Council. Samoa has some of the very talented and successful designers and most people don’t know their work. With shows like these, it enables people to see the hard work of the designers and sewers and also people who are talented in making Samoan hand-made jewel.”

She believes the fashion industry contributes a lot to the economy of Samoa. 

“This should be an annual event for Samoa. Also I think we should have this show every six months.”

Sabrina Percival agrees.

“I think it’s great,” she said. “I’m an ex-fashion designer but I did most of my work in Australia.”

Sabrina believes local designers should be encouraged to be original and creative. 

“I think it’ll be more exciting to see new creations and new patterns. Because what we see nowadays is that the designs and the patterns are similar. Most people nowadays sort of like copy other people’s work. But I think we need to develop the idea of being original and diversity in terms of patterns and designs.”

As for the market day, Sabrina believes that in order for this show to move forward, it needs to be advertised more.  

“The first day of the market day wasn’t so good. Yesterday was better than the first day of the market day. I think in the future, they should advertise it well and inform a lot of people about it. There wasn’t enough advertising on the event and maybe it’s because it’s the first time.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 17 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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