London Pacific Fashion Week

London Pacific Fashion Week happened just around the time I was in London for a work trip and this was a fashionable opportunity not to be missed! It was held at Australia House on the Strand, 14th of September.

The show started off to the vocals of UK born Fijian singer Mary Wise wearing a Hupfeld Hoerder dress. As soon as she sang the words “My Island home”, I found myself blinking away tears and getting a little home sick. She sang so beautifully and the show commenced with Forkleaf Australia strutting down the runway.

I must say, the models were diverse and full of zeal because even with pencil heels breaking on the runaway, spirits were not dampened and they continued the show head held high. So kudos to these amazing and gorgeous models. Now if you followed my Fijian Fashion Festival blog, then you would know that I fan girl Tongan New Zealand Model Fili Tapa.

I had the opportunity to meet him then, and I must say he is one humble human being, so greatest respect for him. He was one of the models “stealing the show while walking the runaway”! (FYI-I am not stalking him!!!).

Stallone Mua another model invited to walk at LPFW further added fun and energy to the runway.

Fijian designer Epeli Tuibeqa had to pull out of the show due to unforeseen circumstances but nevertheless, the other designers representing the Pacific were on fashion fire this night! I will only talk about my favorite designers from this evening only as this post does come quite late. I returned home to work and my best friend's wedding in full throttle.

Let me also clarify that I am no fashion expert but I do have a love for all things fashion and here is my opinion:

Papua New Guinea

Mind you that two different designers from PNG showcased at the LPFW and I thought both were brilliant. Anna Amos presented pieces that were paired beautifully with Bilum. I have been to PNG twice recently and I have seen attires made out of Bilum but what Anna Amos did was modern and stylish. Something that today’s generation and an evolving fashionista would want to wear.

Bird of Paradise is another iconic PNG feature and Sarah Haoda Todd the other designer featured this in her collection so aesthetically and in a easy contemporary way. Honestly, I only remember seeing bird of paradise jewelry while in PNG, so this in fabric was new to me.

Let me also admit, that I do have a soft spot for PNG post my 2 recent work trips and this country has left me amazed that I cannot wait to go back and explore PNG further.

Varu- Cook Islands

I was literally mouthing the words “I want that dress” and “I want that one and I want that one also.” You see, I am a girl that loves dresses so no doubt this is being discussed. The texture, prints and shades worked so well together and I could see myself (daydreaming of course) attending events in one of her dresses. I think with fashion shows, there has to be one designer showcasing evening wear and what was presented was fashionably desirable as my fellow Fijian audience members were also exclaiming how gorgeous the dresses are.

Amantalines- Nauru

This was one eye popping collection featuring symbolic flowers, shells and jewelry that distinctively represents the Pacific, but at the same time if you look closer it will remind you of Nauru. Her designs were giving me resort wear vibes. The jewelry and headpieces were ahmaaazing. I am already looking forward to seeing more of her work.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The team behind London Pacific Fashion Week put together a great show. If it had not been for the time difference I would have hung out more after the show. I had to bail 10 minutes after meeting a couple of people. It was lovely to meet with fellow Fijians and Fiji's High commissioner to UK, H.E. Mr. Jitoko Tikolevu.

Biggest love to Samson Lee Fiji and his team for dressing me for LPFW and Urban Trends Salon in London for hair and makeup.

My hearty gratitude to Rabi Sultan from Roaming Pixels in London for allowing me to use his work on my blog. I deliberately posted a few pictures because I want you to check out his website linked above to see amazing captures from London Pacific Fashion Week.

Be sure to head over to my Facebook Page and check out the videos!