Savai’i fashion market set to open

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 27 August 2018, 12:00AM

In the lead up to Miss Samoa pageant, Savai’i will kick-start the Teuila Festival with some tropical glamour by holding a fashion market day at Amoa Resort.

Manager for Amoa resort, Elisabeth Siaosi, said that Savaiians love fashion and when they need something special to wear, it usually involves a trip to Apia.

But this time, they want to bring ‘town fashion’ to the big island in the spirit of celebrating the 2018 Miss Samoa pageant. 

“Amoa is proudly Savaiian and we want just as much as the next person for Savaii to have access the quality food & hospitality that is now on offer in Samoa.

“For special events such as the Miss Samoa Pageant coming to town naturally we wanted this to include top fashion too. Agreed the fashion market day it’s a little different to a normal day in the resort but it will be lots of fun we are all looking forward to it.

“Who wouldn’t want to spend a day amongst Samoa’s top labels in fashion and accessories?” she said. 

The confirmed designers who will be heading over to Savaii for the Fashion Market Day are Mareko (tropical wear), Kuki Samoa (hand printed fabric), House 888 boutique (formal wear) and Nelly Samoa (Samoan-made jewelry and seis).

Founder of Kuki Samoa, Maria Leota, said this was an opportunity for their company to meet and greet their Savaiian following. Typically, Savai’i is not considered a significant market for fashion, but Maria said they are excited to attend, 

“It’s not about the money. I have had so many Facebook fans from Savai’i messaging me asking when are we coming to Savai’i and saying we are too far away. I think it’s not fair on them and my husband is from Savai’i so my heart is always there.”

“To the people who have been following us from the beginning, so this event will give them an opportunity to rock up on a Saturday and finally meet the creator and have a chat and a chance to buy material,” she said. 

The makers of bespoke island jewelry, Nelly Samoa, also jumped at the opportunity to meet and cater to their Savaiian fan base.

“People always comment under pictures of our jewelry on Facebook and they say that they wish we could come to Savaii. It’s definitely an idea we have had before and there were plans to go around Savaii but we got so busy with our customers here,” said Arlene. 

Arlene says that Nelly while they anticipate a small market in Savaii, it has not deterred them from going all out with special pieces especially designed for the event and that they can expect some unique pieces on the day.

“We are always testing new markets so we don’t mind if we don’t sell as much as we do here. We are definitely looking forward to going over and we have been working hard with our items we will taking with us.”

Maria Leota said she hopes the fashion market becomes an annual event for the big island,

“I hope that the others will join next time and if they hold another fashion market next year I hope that it will grow and kick start something for Savaii.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and it’s the first time for us to be in Savaii so I’m actually quite excited to go over,” she added. 

The Savaii Fashion market will be held at Amoa Resort on Saturday September 1 from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm and has a $5 cover charge.

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 27 August 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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