In an exciting development for Fiji’s fashion industry, Fashion Week Limited has been awarded a grant from the European Union, administered by the Pacific Community (SPC). This funding aims to strategically enhance the capabilities and capacities of emerging and established Fijian designers, positioning them for greater international recognition and commercial success.
The project, titled “Globalising Fijian Fashion Designers and Fiji Fashion Week,” will provide 11 selected designers with extensive training over 15 weeks under the mentorship of globally renowned fashion educators Lucy Jones and Paul Rider, global fashion educators from London. Their expertise will offer designers the opportunity to refine their skills, develop creative and innovative collections, and gain insights into the global fashion landscape.
The theme of the fashion education program is Elevate, Exaggerate, Impact!
The creative and dynamic programme will give them the opportunity to develop their idea of fashion, and how it will synergise, with the global fashion market.”
Fiji Fashion Week’s Managing Director, Ellen Whippy-Knight, also emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “We are enormously grateful to the European Union for granting us the opportunity to continue to develop our local Fiji fashion designers’ talents by providing the funds to deliver a special Fashion education programme. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to l train and elevate the designers in dynamic workshops and propel them onto the global stage.
The selected designers will not only participate in Fiji Fashion Week but will also be the stars at a special fashion industry presentation in Sydney on Wednesday 21 May 2025.
These opportunities will provide invaluable international experience and networking possibilities with key Industry stakeholders.
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Ms. Barbara Plinkert said, *The European Union strongly promotes cultural diversity and identity. We recognise that diversity can be expressed through several creative means, including fashion design. By awarding these grants to Fijian designers we also support the local creative and cultural industry that has a strong potential not only to strengthen cultural identity in the Pacific but also to generate income and create jobs”.
With this grant, Fiji Fashion Week continues to push boundaries, supporting and shaping the next generation of Fijian designers to compete on an international level. This initiative marks a major step forward in fostering Fijl’s creative industries and ensuring the global recognition of its fashion talent.