Solomon’s Fashion Week was officially opened with an exhibition of beautiful clothes and accessories designed by local tailors, women’s group and artists at the National Art Gallery on Monday.
Officially opened by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs, Ethel Sigimanu the fashion week was to encourage the creation of designs, prints, and unique products that can give Solomon Islands a more competitive edge in the regional market.
President of Solomon’s Fashion Week Justina Radclyffe said, fashion is not only about the end products of clothes but is an industry that made up of more than fashioner designers.
“In Solomon Islands it is made up of home-based tailors, women’s group, young men creating stencils, printers, hairdressers, jewellery makers, artists to name a few,” she said.
Mrs Radclyffe said, Solomon’s Fashion Week is about nurturing the development and growth of the clothes making industry, local fashion designers, tailors, fabric printers, jewelry makers, hairdressers.
“It is also about fostering creative development for both established designers and those aspiring to become one so that we continue to improve and grow,” she said.
Mrs Radclyffe said, the event should provide the basis for the local designers to be able to make the step into regional and international fashion shows.
“It will take time for them to reach the international shows but with commitment they can make it.”
She said, while they cannot compare with Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa in fashion they believe that with the right support from partners and development approach they can establish a strong and competitive industry.
Meanwhile the events organised for the fashion week includes video show, visits from high schools and grand finale show.
Mrs Radclyffe said, there will be an exciting catwalk from over 40 models displaying types of fashions wear produced by local fashion designers.
The grand finale will be staged on Saturday at the Heritage Park Hotel.
She wishes to acknowledge the sponsors, Hyundai and Kosol group, GPPOL, Transol Shipping, JT Development Ltd, BJS, Tongs Cooperation, Soltuna and Flemings Rent A Car for making the event possible.
BY CHARLES KADAMANA