Beau Louis Takapu, a Tongan-American, debuted his first solo clothing collection in a fashion show held at Fale Pasifika in Auckland on, January 31.

Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Lord Tuita attended the show, with Hon. Frederica Tuita Filipe, while their youngest daughter Hon. Moheofo Tuita Aleamotu’a, modelled in the collection.

Beau designs fashions for both men
 and women, and the models also included transgender personality Mary Haddock-Staniland.

Now based in New Zealand, Beau has worked for WORLD brand before he became a contestant on a Project Runway New Zealand TV show.  The show started on New Zealand television in late 2018 as an adaption of the American version, with 14 contestants from around the country. Beau was one of two Tongan fashion designers who were contestants.

Born and raised in San Francisco, USA, to Dominiko Takapu (Lapaha, Tongatapu) and Melino 'Otutaha Takapu (Neiafu, Vava’u), Beau studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

He is ecstatic that he has finally launching his brand and will continue to grow his business.

In October this year, Beau plans to launch another line in Tonga to assist Breast Cancer Awareness.