Fiji's up and coming designers call for fashion school

A group of up and coming Pacific fashion designers have just completed a whirlwind educational visit of Aotearoa, alongside one of Fiji's most renowned names in the industry - Samson Lee.

The Wearing Fiji co-founder came with three talented student designers, Ledua Daurewa, Heather Vakaosooso, and Aisea Solomone as part of a seven-day mentorship programme.

And one big takeaway from their visit is the need for a Fijian fashion school to be established.

Lee, who has had many trips to Aotearoa, says this time is different, given it had an educational focus that included visits to Auckland University of Technology and the fine arts and fashion institute - Whitecliffe College.

“I feel I got more from this trip … proper fashion schools and just to be in that setting and see what they have to offer, I think that’s what we can take back.

“And let other Fijian designers know if you want to pursue this dream there are actual universities out here that offer programmes."

Co-founder of Wearing Fiji Samson Lee (foreground) with Aisea Solomone and Ledua Daurewa. Photo/Pacific Connections MFAT Facebook

With support from celebrated NZ designer Karen Walker and her team, the Wearing Fiji / NZ Fashion Exchange initiative aimed to broaden young designers' horizons and expose them to the global fashion landscape.

Student designer Ledua Daurewa says he wants to see initiatives like this in Fiji that lead to an actual curriculum helping aspiring designers break into the industry.

“Create more opportunities for us young ones, probably create a school separate for fashion. Have this mentorship just to help us in the future for emerging designers such as me, Heather, and Aisea.

“Just creating a space for us just to hopefully open up a school that is dedicated to those interested in fashion.”

Daurewa has always found interest in the arts, particularly fashion and photography, despite his parents' wish that he become a medical student.

He lasted one semester in health sciences, before applying for the Wearing Fiji mentorship, which he describes as a “dream come true”.

From left, Ledua Daurewa, Heather Vakosooso, Samson Lee, and Aisea Solomone, with internationally acclaimed NZ fashion icon Karen Walker (centre left). Photo/Pacific Connections MFAT Facebook

Rotuman student designer Aisea Solomone says belief in one’s creative aspirations starts within the home.

“I think parents and guardians, people who are in charge of young people, need to open their minds to the possibility of the arts as a career.

“You have dancers, designers, tailors. All of these things exist in Fiji but when there is little support, not just financially but also emotionally and encouraging to these people that it’s ok to pursue a dream, that support is lacking.”

For Solomone, a driving factor of pursuing fashion and design is for his clothes to become a vehicle of total expression for proud Rotuman culture.

“I want people to wear my clothes and I want to make clothes that people would be happy to express themselves with. I want a Rotuman to see one of my shirts and be like, ‘I’ll wear that and take it out anywhere.”

The third student, Heather Vakaosooso, spent the majority of her week within arms length of NZ fashion icon Karen Walker. And she posted to social media a massive tribute to Walker and her team for the invaluable lessons she’s learned.

“This internship has not only deepened my understanding of the fashion industry but has also provided valuable lessons in professionalism, collaboration, and the importance of a holistic approach to design.”

Samson Lee acknowledges the team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as Her Excellency Charlotte Darlow, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, for their efforts in coordinating the exchange.

He hopes that following his team’s exchange here in Aotearoa, it will inspire systemic and industry change within Fiji to eventually open a fashion school, dedicated to uplifting the multitude of talent pouring out of Fiji.

And as Lee parts ways, for now, with Aotearoa with words of encouragement to all the dreamers, the bold goal chasers, and the wondrous Pacific creatives.

“If you’re really passionate about design and fashion, do it. I think one thing that in the Polynesian culture, in Fiji, or in the Pacific Islands is we tend to weigh out the negatives before we even start with 'what if?'

“[But] you won’t know until you try.”