‘It’s about aura’: Behind the seams at PFFS 2024

Hundreds of glamorously dressed fashion enthusiasts attended the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 2024 held in Tāmaki Makaurau at the weekend.

Front of house was electric with anticipation for the final standalone PFFS runway before it joins New Zealand Fashion Week in 2025.

Backstage was abuzz as models practiced their walks and poses, designers tweaked and adjusted their garments, and hair and make-up added final touches.

First time PFFS model Pūmanawa Rawiri (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Tainui) said breathing is key to settling the pre-show jitters.

“Kei te ahua āmaimai ēngari me mahia te mahi. Hā ki roto, hā ki waho. Koinā, feel the hā ki roto i tō puku.”

“I’m feeling a little nervous but we do what’s needed to get it done. Breathe in and out, just feel the air in your gut.”

On the other hand, model Cannan was familiar with the pre-show jitters.

“I'm a bit nervous but it's fine. It comes over. It's not my first show though. It's my second show.”

Flora, no stranger to the runway, expressed admiration for Pacific Fusion’s founder, Nora Swann, and praised her vision for the event’s growth.

"This is amazing. Before they merge into a collaboration with NZ Fashion Week 2025, I think Nora has done extremely well in terms of her whole campaign as the director and founder of the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show. So to me, I take my hat off to you, Nora."

Meanwhile, other models shared valuable fashion tips and discussed the fashion icons they looked up to.

"My fashion icon is a good White Sunday. Have you seen the mums in church? It's matching from head to toe, and I want to aspire to be like one of my aunties,” Tovale shared.

Model Resitara Apa, a trailblazing leader and cultural advocate for the fa'afafine community, also shared her fashion tips while preparing for the show.

"My fashion icons (are) old school Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada."

Her fashion tip: "Play with the outfit. Don’t be scared. Don’t let fear hold you back."

Looking up to vintage Michael Jordan, model Sione gave his fashion advice: "If you think it’s weird, definitely wear it. It might end up being the next cool thing."

Sharing similar sentiments were models Norman and Isla.

"Be authentic, be true to you. Don’t try to be anybody else. That's when it gets real,” Ailah shared.

"It’s more about the aura. How you feel in there, if you feel confident, you feel hot, then it’s a good fit,” Norman added.

Standing out in the crowd

VVIP guest Jacinta deserved special mention for an eye-catching accessory, a beautifully embellished coconut shell that had been restored and repurposed into a handbag.

“It was a gift from one of my aunties over in Sāmoa. One of our good friends, his name is Ronald Anderson, pretty much brought it back to life.

“He fixed it all up, painted it, and got it ready for the show. It’s even got its own stand. Everything on here, he made it by hand.”

VVIP guest Jacinta with her eye-catching repurposed coconut shell handbag. Photo/PMN News/Atutahi Potaka-Dewes.

Modelling duo Norman and Isla said when it comes to stepping into your style, “it’s more about the aura”.

“Yeah, how you feel in it. If you feel confident, you feel hot, then it’s a good fit.

“It doesn’t really matter what anybody else thinks. It’s all about how you feel.”

For more information, follow Pacific Fusion Fashion Show.

To watch the PFFS 2024 livestream, click here.