"Fashiondemic" 2020

For the 2nd half of 2020 we heard, saw and somewhat spoke about fashion, fashion and fashion. While some of you were complaining about it, most of us were present at some, if not all of the fashion events.

Don’t worry, I am not here to talk about the clothes and fashion designers. Rather, I wanted to talk about a couple of things that stood out for me at the fashion events that I attended in 2020.

Models

OMG! Can we all appreciate just how inclusive all our fashion events have been with model castings?! Many congratulations to all the fashion event organisers for being inclusive. It is refreshing to see real people regardless of gender, size, height, skin colour and even age grace our runways.

One out of the many memorable moments for me, was at the Oceans Gala by Fiji Fashion Week hosted at HE EU Ambassador Sujiro Seam residence. The organisers installed a GLASS RAMP across the swimming pool, and it RAINED! Many and I in attendance were cringing and praying silently that no one slips on that wet glass and falls into the swimming pool. The models walked the glass ramp in high heels albeit it raining! Jed Taylor, known to wear the highest high heels all the time walked that glass ramp not once blinking or pausing, whereas I, was on the verge of a heart attack! Also, worth mentioning is the lovely Heather, who was around 4 months pregnant and she also walked the ramp in heels and not once flinched.

At almost all fashion events, we saw models’ trip, get cheered on by the audience, and get straight back into strutting it on the runway. It is not a joke, to do what they do. I went to watch model auditions and the amount of effort, dedication, and commitment they put into rehearsal is commendable.

To anyone that modelled in 2020 and reading this, you are inspirational. Putting yourself out there for the world to judge requires so much inner strength, confidence, and thick skin. Big love & respect to you all! I am looking forward to seeing you all on the runway again in 2021!

Performances

Adding that vibe and setting the mood to fashion events was no doubt the performances. Whether it was live music, DJ or dance performances. One of my favourites dance performers is Wehi Fiji. Recently at the Zuber Final Act of 2020, they performed quite literally back to back and set the mood for the event and party. Seeing the fusion of performing arts and fashion is beautiful. Wehi also designed their own costumes along with hair and makeup. So much talent and energy this bunch have! I also love how Faraz and Ilai started the trend of live window performances and fashion videos using performing arts.

Another favourite moment for me was at Wearing Fiji, when the Army Band turned up the vibe and groove. I felt like we were in a fancy carnival and I love how it complemented the ambiance of our grand old lady aka The Grand Pacific Hotel!

Of course, I have to make mention of DJ Christonite aka Christopher Mallam. Another super talented human and a LEGEND when it comes to DJ’ing. Always coming through with bringing the party or event to life! I apologize on behalf of the many that pester you for song dedications during your gig, but also sorry not sorry! Haha!

In attendance

If I wasn’t eyeballing the models on the runway and what they were wearing, I was eyeballing who was wearing what! Come on, we were all guilty of that! I absolutely loved how much effort everyone put into dressing up in their best and attending fashion events. I think you should all be proud of yourself for supporting our local fashion industry and for showcasing your style and fashion. I loved how most of you flaunted custom-made outfits by Zuber, Samson Lee, Duatani, Temesia. Co, Hupfeild Hoeder, Andrew Powell to name a few. Or if you were supporting our local thrift stores or just wearing what you love, you all looked AMAZING!

Our designers in 2020!

Of course, I must make mention of the incredible work our emerging and established designers have put together in 2020! I will also say there was some hits and misses, but hey, we came, we saw and we do better in 2021!

If you would like to read more about our designers please head over to my fellow blogger Avaneesh Raman’s https://theaconnection.blogspot.com/ and David Solomone’s https://www.threegoodlanefiji.com/ for a more in depth read and their views on fashion.

And finally, to the organizers of all the fabulous events we attended in 2020, thank you for putting on a memorable show during trying times. Your resilience and commitment to keep going no matter what, is a testament of your passion and vision for propelling our Fiji Fashion Industry forward.

Cheers!

Photo Credit: Fotofusion photography, Zuber, Fiji Fashion Week, Wearing Fiji, Wehi Fiji