Page 30 - IB February 2025

Garment Industry Garment Industry
PACIFIC DESIGNERS: THE SURVIVORS,

YOUNG GUNS AND PATRIARCH

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti

Pasifika designs, with their bold and unapologetic aesthetic,
have become a powerful symbol of cultural identity for
those seeking a deeper connection to the Pacific way of life.
Showcased through clothing or accessories, these designs
make a statement—one rooted in artistic expression that runs
deep in the blood of Pasifika people.
Hupfeld Hoerder, an internationally acclaimed Pasifika
fashion designer with over 30 years of experience, says
Pacific fashion is unique: “While there are many designers
worldwide, our culture, prints, and the stories behind our
designs are distinctly ours and cannot be replicated anywhere
else in the world.”
Yet, Pacific designers face challenges in the global market.
Sourcing high-quality materials is one of the biggest hurdles
Hoerder says, as local options can be costly, often leading
designers to seek affordable alternatives in Guangzhou,
China. He adds that intellectual property laws are too broad,
leaving designs vulnerable to theft.
Despite these challenges, online platforms have opened
doors for Pacific designers. AI-driven tools streamline design
processes, social media platforms provide global reach,
and online resources like YouTube tutorials offer limitless
opportunities for upskilling.
Hoerder advises emerging designers to “build their business Temesia PIA
acumen, find their niche, perfect it, research the market, and
be original. Passion alone isn’t enough, fashion is a business,
and to ensure sustainability, you must master the trade and
take on only what you can handle.” staple in the Pacific. MENA is a tribute to the matriarch of the
Emerging designer, Fiji’s Laisasa Davetawalu says for the family, catering to Pacific families worldwide.
region’s designers to grow and thrive, there needs to more Founded by Mena Loheni and her four daughters, the brand
fashion education and technical skills “in terms of digital celebrates Samoan heritage through its signature in-house
patternmaking, digital illustration and just being open- prints.
minded”. Their diverse collection includes modern Puletasi, kaftans,
Ellen Whippy-Knight as Fiji Fashion Week Managing Director, men’s Pacific wear, kids’ clothing, and home accessories such
has for many years, stressed the need for better designer as table runners, clutch bags, and tote bags.
education, and for designers to be attuned to international
trends and markets, including customer demands for Eveni
sustainability in manufacturing, sourcing and ethical Like MENA, Eveni is connected to Samoa. Established in
employment. 1929, this fourth-generation family business has evolved into
For Pacific Islanders, sustainability is not just a trend—it’s one of the leading retailers of Polynesian-inspired apparel.
a way of life passed down through generations. As the world Eveni Pacific blends modern trends with traditional Samoan
increasingly takes notice of Pasifika fashion, the future looks motifs, offering a diverse range of collections, including a
bright for designers across the region. sport line.
Here are some standout names in the Pacific fashion
industry, from established icons to rising stars. Wiska
Hailing from Papua New Guinea’s Central Province,
THE SURVIVORS Wandid Amini Korimbo brings a fusion of modern design and
MENA traditional artistry to life. Her clothing incorporates tribal
For over 23 years, this powerhouse brand has weathered motifs from over 20 provinces, celebrating PNG’s cultural
natural disasters and global crises to remain a beloved fashion diversity.

30 Islands Business, February 2025