Fiji’s Hybrid Fashion Show
Given Covid-19’s dramatic 4IR gentle push, which catalyzed the digital transition for multiple industries. It is undeniable that the fashion industry has seen better days. The fashion industry, on the other hand, is not going down without a fight. In Fiji, the retail industry was put through themwringer when lockdowns, store openings, and function cancellations made it almost difficult for
designers to sell their frocks. Fashion Week anywhere in the world was important because of the global community that organizers tap into. FW is where the next season’s fashion trend would be shown. All FW brands all over the world look at each other to see what they are doing. Between May 24th and May 29th, the festival will take place both in-person and online at the Vodafone Arena, a newly refurbished indoor stadium with a fantastic industrial theme. Wooden boards, high ceilings, large open areas, on-the-floor, and arena seating. Meanwhile, May is Fashion Month, with FJFW x Palmolive events taking place from May 1 to May 29.
Approximately 700 people, including local and foreign media, investors, VIPs, and paying visitors, will attend the event. As previously mentioned, international visitors will be able to watch the show live from wherever they are, with announcements on future viewing locations to come.
This year’s FJFW, now in its 15th year, will feature transgender and plus-sized models. According to Fiji Fashion Week, an influx of law students, medical professionals, and tourism industry staff sought out modeling to improve their self-confidence. From the total of 200 people who showed up to try their hand at modeling, 50 will be chosen to walk the runway. However, no designers have been announced for fashion, excluding Aisea Konrote, of Hefrani.
FJFW will focus on the following categories for their 6-day event: Womenswear, Menswear, Swimwear, Athleisure, Couture and the return of the children’s wear exhibition, showcasing nine of the country’s top designers and their children’s collections. This was last performed in 2017, and it is remarkably successful, with over 300 child models showing up to try out for this show.
Given the complications with the increase of Covid-19 infections, the event has focused on not only assisting designers in generating immediate revenue, but also on achieving their overall target of assisting designers in realizing resilience, creativity, and professionalism. 2021 is the United Nations Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, and FJFW is working hard to promote the best creative enterprises in Fiji. “During COVID, fashion supported so many individuals and small businesses in Fiji, and we are extremely proud to be a part of this innovative industry because fashion is for everyone,” According to Ms. Whippy-Knight, Managing Director of FJFW.