The stage is set for top fashion designer, Rupi Taitu’uga Rokeni, to showcase yet again, his latest, unique Rupi collection. 

Rupi needs no introduction to Samoa; he is a master of bold prints, bright colours and embellished designs.

Followers of fashion are advised to set aside the 15th of December at the E.F.K.S hall at Sogi for his show, which he promises will be a potent mix of traditional and contemporary fashion.

“The show will feature 10 male and 20 female local models parading in 100 Rupi garments. The 10 categories in the show will reflect the uniqueness of our Samoan designs.”

Rupi, known for his entrepreneurial savvy is a household name and an inspiration in the local and international fashion frontier. He has had decades of experience which have earned him the right to be hailed as Samoa’s highly-acclaimed award-winning fashion designer.

Rupi is humble and proud to host his second RUPI Fashion Show 2017 and the audience can expect to see a strong vision and originality. 

“I am also hoping to attract more interest and support not only from our local community, but especially our up and coming fashion designers,” he said.

“I don’t see myself as a designer extraordinaire, but more of a meticulous seamstress with tonnes of thought-provoking ideas.

“It’s all about showing who we are in our elei designs and it’s all about enjoying what I love the most,” said Rupi.

About Rupi

Rupi’s design is recognised in numerous Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific Pageants.

He was also the mastermind of the first 2005 Fashion Show Awards in Samoa sponsored by the Samoa Broadcasting Corporation or TV 1.

The following year, Rupi claimed the Men’s Wear in the 2006 SamoaTel Fashion Awards.

And his reign was eminent as the overall winner of the Best Designer awards of the Samoa Tourism Authority-hosted 2012 Miss Teuila Pageant. 

Rupi took out all three special awards as designer for the Best Traditionally Inspired Attire, Best Sarong wear and Best Puletasi.

And it has taken him years of hard work, multiple trips to fashion shows overseas and countless challenges to be where he is today. 

But underneath all that glamour, he remains humble, self-effacing and calls himself “a low profile kind of person”.