Tongan artist showcases in London Pacific Fashion Show [1]
Monday, September 26, 2016 - 21:47. Updated on Monday, September 26, 2016 - 21:53.
Londoners were treated to an array of contemporary Pacific fashion on 18 September with the London Pacific Fashion Collective Show ( LPFC) featuring both emerging and established fashion designers from the Pacific, including Tongan artist, Uili Lousi.
The fashion show was themed "Moana".
Lousi, an established artist residing in New Zealand, collaborated with kiwi born and New York based Jacqueline Bennett, to launch their individual collection at the show along with three fashion designers from New Zealand, Hawaii and Fiji.
Their collection featured motifs of kupesi print, which Lousi studies, and his past work involves him reconstructing these prints on canvas and by layering pieces of cut glass.
Other fashion designers included Jeanin Clarkin, a New Zealand Maori fashion designer. Jeanine attended LPFC for the third time and showcased her autumn collection.
Meilin Vitale Vae, based in Hawaii and of Samoan descent attended her second LPFC with her Asian collection, featuring a Maori fern motif.
Rusiate Lali (Fijian) and his wife Roslyn Premont Lali (Australian) showcased their colourful Lalini collection, reflecting nature.
LPFC founder and creative director, Ana Lavekau said she could not contain her excitement after the successful reviews received in London.
“All our fashion designers have been working day and night towards their collectives. The geographical distances between our hemispheres did not deter their full commitment towards this event,” she said.
“My main objective is to promote the best of the South Pacific in London through the LPFC platform for Pacific fashion designers, fine artists, dance groups, bodyart, musicians to showcase their creativeness during London Fashion Week. This has been a long five-year journey and London has now felt our presence and we are here to stay,” she said.
The London Pacific Fashion Collective Show is held during London Fashion Week in February and September annually with many leading Pacific fashion designers visiting London to take part.