Youthful designers and models presented fashion made from recycled materials and clothing on a colourful catwalk, on Saturday evening in Nuku'alofa. They promoted a strong message of sustainability and self-reliance, while gaining confidence and new skills.

The Go Green! Youth Fashion Designers’ Competition is part of a sewing and design initiative led by Tauata Loto‘aniu (31), staff designer for the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE). She also gave a special presentation of clothes made from recycled materials.

Four young designers with teams of models, presented their designs for men and women in three categories of Traditional Wear, Modern Workwear and Evening/cocktail wear, judged by Virginie Dourlet, a French teacher at Tonga High School, and Telesia Kaitapu, Miss Heilala 2004-05.

The winning designer was Lavinia Tu’upealava Nehusita Fehoko (27) of Pahu, and the Runner-up was Suli Lei (20) of Tatakamotonga. Third prize went to Fe'ofa'aki Fainga'a (22) of Fahefa. Siunipa Pahulu (19) of Tofoa received a complimentary prize for participation.

Prizes for the TYEE Zumba team winners, and weight loss competition were also presented.

Youth-led initiative

Lusia Latu-Jones, President of the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) said that TYEE GO GREEN! is a youth-led community initiative, “Its concept was developed around sustainability, affordability, and waste reduction.”

“This year is the first anniversary of TYEE GO GREEN! which we are excited to mark with the launching of this new initiative through a vibrant and youthful fashion show.”

“The Sew & Design is a fresh initiative. We want to offer an alternative to the youth in order to develop a community spirit, reduce consumption and raise awareness of unethical consumer habits, provide quality and affordable fashion for youth, promote alternatives for youth practical work experience, foster creativity and new skills; while reducing the amount of clothing waste which ends up in landfill.”

“If we don't do it who will?” she said.

TYEE is an NGO that supports itself through community events and sponsorship, and Lusia said they are aiming to build their own centre where these events can be held without the cost of hiring halls. She acknowledged the main sponsor for the event, Rise & Shine Australia, for their support.

Parents, friends and supporters attended the event held at the Tupou Tertiary Institute Hall, Fasi moe Afi, Nuku’alofa.

- Photos by Mary Lyn Fonua.