POM FASHION WEEK | HITS THE MARK
Sometimes a show is just a show, then there is Port Moresby Fashion Week, now that was a spectacle!
POM Fashion week is the first commercial runway in PNG Fashion week's calendar. It is one of the many shows this year in the lead up to the Main show, the Paradise Runway.
Over the long Easter weekend, the Vision City Mega Mall, in Port Moresby echoed with applause and excitement as, PNG Fashion week (PNGFW) hosted its three-day Port Moresby Fashion Week (POMFW) show from the 28th- 30th March.
The air was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation as people gathered to watch the shows. The crowd represented every age and ethnicity and everyone was captivated. people gathered along the rails on the 1st level and looked down to watch, others gathered around the main stage and watched. AS sounds grew livelier and the music played, model after model walked by gracing the stage. The excitement grew and soon the whole mall was packed with people.
This is not the first POM Fashion week event; it has been a feature in the PNG Fashion week calendar since 2018.
"It’s a ready to wear commercial runway, giving opportunities to local retailers and SMES to showcase in an innovative and engaging way directly with the consumer", said PNG Fashion Week Managing Director, MS. Philma Kelegai. "Vision City sees 20,000 visitors a day and we have a fantastic opportunity to amplify the reach and marketing of participants" she added.
POMFW showcased a variety of products, mainly clothing collections. Collections from Jacks of PNG, our very own Miss PNG Brand, and a special appearance from one of Papua New Guinea's most talented local designers. There were two shows each day over three days, a total of six runway shows.
On the first day, Thursday the 28th, the show started off at 12 o'clock with Jacks of PNG showcasing its QAQA Sporting wear collection. Showing off bright highlighter hues of pink and yellow tops and cool shades of maroon and blue sporting pants and shirts. Made from cool elastic fabrics resting so gently on the skin.
After Jacks of PNG, the models showcased a few beauty products and accessories from Hannah's Beauty Box. Hannah's Beauty Box is the official Hair and Makeup partner for PNG Fashion Week, 2024. Hair and make-up were provided by Hannah's Beauty BOX. Wearing the signature Hannah's Beauty Box bright orange shirts, the models held out and displayed beauty products such as makeup sets and hair products, to the delight of audiences.
Closing off the first day with beautiful colors, the Miss PNG brand showcased its May Dress clothing line. Lively colored May dresses elegantly graced the runway stage, expressing beauty in simplicity. The beautiful hair and make-up of the models caught the eyes of every onlooker. Every stride accompanied by the upbeat music induced a mesmerizing spectacle for the shoppers and mall staff alike.
The second day of the show, Friday 29th was highlighted by the special appearance of the 'Tumbuna Face 'collection on the runway. Designer of Tumbuna Face collection William Maba Bray, is the winner of the PNG Fashion Award’s "Rising Star" Award 2023 - Paradise Runway hosted by PNG Fashion week at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence in September, 2023.
The collection featured intricate head pieces and flashy throw overs over dark long pants and designer print shirts. The black, white and silver color design stood out in the bright lights of the shopping mall, leaving the audience stark struck and amazed at the unique clothing design and style. The Tumbuna Face collection took the audience by surprise and leaving most speechless.
Walking for Tumbuna Face collection, model Jason Titi commented, “l really loved the outfit, it's spectacular in its design and so comfortable. It made me feel more confident and highly esteemed about myself when putting it on."
Finally on the last day of the show Saturday 30th the kid’s collection from Jacks of PNG stole the show. The audience went wild cheering for the young models. Showcasing a line of kids wear from Jacks of PNG. The child models flashed their swagger on the runway. Capturing the audience with their confidence while displaying an array of cool shirts and kids dresses from Jacks of PNG.
Also adding excitement to the show, Jacks of PNG had giveaways of 1<50 worth of shopping vouchers to shoppers. Mini model competitions during the show saw audience members compete to win the shopping vouchers from Jacks of PNG.
Speaking at the closing of the show, Senior Retail Shop Manager for Jacks Vision City, Amsterlon David Ponio, expressed gratitude toward PNG Fashion week for hosting a successful show and to the audience for the wonderful turnout and experience over the past three days.
Remarking after the show POMFW Show Manager Jade Ovia stated, "I am proud of my team for hosting an amazing show. Despite the challenges the show was delivered successfully on time."
The POMFW is one of the many shows that will be hosted this year in the lead up to the main show, the paradise Runway, which will be held on the 14th of September at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence.
When asked about the upcoming paradise Runway, MS. Ovia enthusiastically added, "In its history, PNG Fashion week has never cancelled or postponed a show. For this year’s show, lock in the date, September 14th." This year’s prestigious Paradise Runway theme is 'Ascension'
Are you ready for the Ascension?