The Wearing Fiji (WFJ) mentorship program has 3 student designers debuting their individual labels at WFJ23 in Suva.
"This year we have chosen our best 3 applicants to go through our program, they have to present a full collection which will be judged" said Wearing Fiji co-founder, Samson Lee.
The student designers are Aisea Solomone, Heather Vakaosooso and Ledua Daurewa.
The students are undergoing technical skills, public relations, business and social media mentoring sessions and they will produce a 12 piece collection that will debut their individual labels under the direction the mentor designers.
"Our mentorship program has provided seed money for 20 students over a 4 year period, the amounts have varied each year depending on sponsorship but we always aim to find talent, mentor and invest in the next generation of designers " said co - founder Neisau Tuidraki.
The mentor designers and student designers will debut collections drawing inspiration from our deep ocean known as 'Sauloa' in Fijian.
WFJ23 Campaign Shoot / Photography - Fotofusion/Model - Malia Larsen/Label - Rogue Stitch /Location - Nanuku Resort
"Our blue ocean highway connects us as Pacific islanders and it provides us nourishment and inspiration for our culture and arts and we always look at ways to pay tribute to our environment" said mentor, Temesia Tuicaumia.
The project has 7 mentors this year, Samson Lee, Hupfeld Hoerder, Robert Verebasaga, Natalia Larsen, Neisau Tuidraki, Andrew Powell and Temesia Tuicaumia.
Wearing Fiji will be held this year at the HFC Stadium on October 7, 2023.
Tickets are online for sale at Ticketmaxfiji.com
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