The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) is taking new shape this year in the form of a digital fashion show broadcasting live on Freeview TV and online from Wellington's City Gallery.
The PFFS 2020 titled Polynations, is a digital fashion show featuring 13 Polynesian designers, original tracks created and mixed by Brandan Haru and poetry written by South Auckland spoken word poet Grace Taylor.
Over the last four years, the annual South Auckland fashion event for emerging Pacific and Maori designers has gained lots of momentum and credibility.
"I'm really proud of what my team of volunteers and long-standing partners have achieved over the last four years. Every year we go to new levels of creativity and delivery a quality high fashion event. We work hard behind the scenes to support and coach our emerging models and designers to break new ground and it's very rewarding to see people grow and flourish," explained Nora Swann, Creative Director and Founder of PFFS.
At the five year mark, PFSS has earnt the respect of many as a credible contributor in the fashion space. However, according to Swann, there is still a lot of work to be done to give voice and visibility of Polynesian creatives in the industry.
This year, Swann had to consider the risks of running a live event given restrictions due to COVID-19 could be imposed at any time if an outbreak occurred. This has forced some innovation that has enabled PFFS to celebrate their five year anniversary in a way they never thought they would - digitally.
The Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) lead Afamasaga Jacky Curry is extremely proud to be the platinum sponsor for this year's event.
"The Pacific fashion industry has hugely untapped potential for export opportunities...especially in the Pacific region at this time with closed borders, because it isn't just about fashion, it's about livelihoods," said Curry.
"This event is an opportunity to not only share with New Zealand, the Pacific region, and the world, the incredible breadth of Pacific creative fashion talent, but also bring in a network of key people to support these talented individuals to accelerate their fashion career goals and businesses to the next level."
Polynation is dedicated to all our resilient and courageous Polynesian creative community who have been hit hard this year with COVID. I am so proud of everyone involved because we truly have produced a world-class digital content fashion show," said Curry.
Polynation will be broadcasted on Freeview TV (Channel 200) and live-streamed via The Coconet TV at 7pm.
