Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Project Runway
I walked into one of the conference rooms at the Lamana Hotel ready for the first phase of judging. I was looking forward to seeing what the talented Melanesian artists had brought. In an earlier meeting with the designers, I told them that even though I was there to judge the competition, I was more interested in inspiring them and sharing my journey with them as a Melanesian brother.
I still consider myself a newbie in the fashion scene and the opportunity to judge alongside Ellena Tavioni was an incredible experience. I was starstruck in front of this amazing and beautiful glamazon from the Cook Islands whose designs have been worn by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Judging duties commence at Project Runway PNG, seated with the infamous Ellena Tavioni designer of TAV
One by one the ladies came to present their garments and for a moment , I was emotional hearing their stories of what inspired them and the hardships they are facing as aspiring artists. It brought back memories from 5 years ago when I brought my garments to be judged at the Agricultural Fashion Show where all I had was passion and talent.
Necklace to complete and elegant eveningwear, by Yanah Copland. (Pic: Rocky Roe)
The pieces that were showcased far exceeded what I expected and it was mind blowing to see the intricacies and detailing of some of the pieces. Yes, like most aspiring artists guidance was needed and luckily, they received first hand advice and suggestions from Sione, Ellena and I.
I was honoured to have met PNG designers who had showcased internationally particularly Anna Amos of AA Tribal who's hand painted prints were the talk of everyones lips and also Florence Kamel of Bilum Meri who's Bilum dresses made to to New York Fashion Week. PNG showed alot of potential in terms of fashion and when I was asked if the designers were ready for world, I simply replied with..."YES OF COURSE!!!"
Woven corset by Yanah Copland for her Traditionally Inspired Dress (Pic: Rocky Roe)
At the press conference, I encouraged the general public to come out in numbers to support their designers because its not an easy task starting out with nothing but passion and with the publics support, these designer could get quickly get recognised in the global fashion scene.
I connected with the designers with as as we all shared the same love of fusing culture with fashion and I was happy that I was received well in the PNG fashion scene. Though I was there to judge, I ended up training the models a bit, entertain the audience with one of Allan Alo's dance piece and also helped the organisers plan and choreograph the show.
Tapa design dress by Hazel Vaita
My time in PNG was fast spent and many thanks to Molly O'rouke (Chaperone for Miss PNG) for organising my trip over and also to Mili Bovoro, Uda Sanday, Euralia Paine, and The House of Gemini for making it a memorable one. Special thanks to the patron of Miss PNG Pacific Islands, Mrs Lynda Babao-Oneil (PNG Prime Ministers Wife) for the laughs and the company and for being an inspiration not only to me but to so many people in the pageant/fashion scene in PNG.
Vinaka Vakalevu
xox Mariposa
Tapa printed shoes by Natasha Burbulea
