A bold wave of Pacific Island creativity surged into the spotlight last Wednesday in Sydney, as The Pacific Intruders fashion showcase captivated a crowd of industry leaders, international buyers, stylists, and media. This groundbreaking event marked a new chapter for Fijian fashion, led by a new generation of designers determined to reshape global perceptions.
The show was hosted in a dramatically transformed church-turned-runway, as part of a European Union-funded project titled Globalising Fijian Fashion Designers. A €69,000 grant was awarded to Fiji Fashion Week, empowering the organization to build international opportunities for emerging local talent.
Seven innovative Fijian designers presented collections that seamlessly blended ancestral heritage with contemporary fashion sensibilities. The lineup included Anton Conway Wye, Hilda Mondo, Jerry Qiolevu, Nicholas Kama, Shane Pickering, Su Samuels, and Rosie Semisi Emberson. Their presentations left the diverse audience in awe, as traditional Pacific elements were reimagined with modern elegance and bold creativity.
“This isn’t just a runway — it’s a turning point,” stated Ellen Whippy-Knight, Managing Director of Fiji Fashion Week. “The designers are challenging ideas of Pacific fashion and its potential. They’re not asking for space; they’re taking it.”
The Pacific Intruders runway was the culmination of a 15-week mentorship program with two global fashion experts: Lucy Jones, a celebrated designer and advocate for accessibility in fashion, and Paul Rider, a veteran in international fashion design and editorial. Their mentorship elevated the designers’ techniques and storytelling, preparing them to engage meaningfully with international markets.
The European Union’s backing went beyond monetary support. Barbara Plinkert, EU Ambassador to the Pacific, emphasized the broader mission: “The European Union strongly promotes cultural diversity and identity. By awarding these grants to Fijian designers, we also support the local creative and cultural industry that has the potential to generate income and create jobs.”
The runway itself became a statement of disruption, reclaiming space for underrepresented voices. “We rocked up to Sydney for a fashion show in the most unexpected spot—a church turned runway,” said designer Anton Conway Wye. “The models slayed, the setup was next level, and our Pacific-inspired pieces definitely turned some heads. We came, we showed, we intruded Sydney’s fashion scene.”
Now, these internationally celebrated designers will return to Fiji to showcase their collections at Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week 2025, with shows scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. This homecoming marks a full-circle moment, where global recognition meets deep local roots.
The Sydney event was supported by Vodafone Fiji as the major sponsor, along with contributions from Pure Fiji, Ere Perez, All Shades Matter, Kloud, and Davroe, who ensured the models shined both on and off the runway.
Special thanks were also extended to stylist Emma Cotterill and the production team, led by Leanne Cherney, Sonny Vandevdle, Myles, Chadwicks, and Felix, for bringing the show to life.
As the curtains close in Sydney and anticipation rises in Suva, one message resonates clearly: Pacific fashion has stepped boldly onto the world stage—and it’s not leaving anytime soon.
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