A show under showers

FASHION

Kavieng hosts memorable fashion festival

By REBECCA KUKU
THE last two weeks in Kavieng was amazing when writing for the PNG Fashion and Design Week’s 2020 Fashion Festival workshop.
We had our share of adventure, laughter and a lot of moments, with trips to the Nusa Island Resort and a weekend away at the beautiful Lumeaus Island Retreat on Tsoi Island.
Over the two weeks, we got to meet many wonderful people, many were shy and quiet, but as the days progressed on, they slowly came out, started talking and before long, they were confident designers.
Early this week, was the closure of the workshop, and the participants had the opportunity to showcase their own designs in a mini-runway. And it was magical, seeing the people working together, women, youths even some men coming in to give a helping hand with the decorations and set up.
Coconut leaves woven together like walls lined the Malangan Jetty in Kavieng as beautiful flowers and traditional mats were laid on the pathway.
The local baskets hanging and little Christmas star lights glimmering in the evening sun, set the tone for the 2020 Fashion Festival as local singer Hanley Logoso sang in the background, with more than 200 guests present to watch the closing and mini-runway.
You could almost smell the excitement, the anticipation.
But just before the programme was about to start, the skies opened and heaven wept. What a wonderful sight it was, the stars kept glimmering in the heavy rain, almost like beacons of hope.
Though locals told us we had forgotten to pay the traditional rain man, it was a wonderous sight. The sea, the rain, the jetty lit up with glimmering lights. I watched as everyone ran for cover. I just stood there and let the rain fall down on me, I felt at peace.
But just as suddenly as it had started, the rain stopped. The flowers on the walkway looked brighter and it seemed like all was well, all those who had left with the rain, came back, including Administrator Lamillar Pawut and the provincial women’s council president Misbill Nelson and the more than 50 participants of the 2020 Fashion Festival Workshop who had turned up in their very own designed clothes with frangipani flowers in their hair and New Ireland’s renowned mis necklaces.
Even the rain could not dampen the people’s spirits. Hanley started singing, as the guests were shown to their seats, wine was poured, as the programme begun.
It was amazing seeing the transformation. People walk differently when they find a purpose in life, I guess.
The PNG Fashion and Design Week ran a 13-day workshop at the National Fisheries College in Kavieng under a PNG-Australia Partnership programme with support from the New Ireland Provincial Government, the National Youth Development Authority and the Investment Promotion Authority.
Trainers Anna Amos from AA Tribal, Christopher Vagalia from Agri-Tech Organics, Mary Handen from Jedjays were brought in by the PNGFDW to train the participants about fabric coloration, pattern making, garment construction and sewing, and basic marketing and basic business.
And within 13 days, the participants were not only equipped with the knowledge to design their own clothes but were also taught how they could brand their products, market them and start up their own business.
And seeing them walk out on the jetty in their own designs, with the biggest smile on their faces, bright eyes full of hope and a different kind of touch to their walk on Tuesday afternoon, I was humbled and thankful for being a part of the team.

For me, it has always been for the people, and watching how the trainers, despite having their own businesses to run, made time, even after class hours to attend to assist the participants; watching how PNGFDW founder and owner Janet Sios who also has her own business to run, actually making time and at times using her own money to get things done, I realised that this was the team, the team with a heart to help empower their people.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t see the grey clouds. I just felt the rain, it rained just when the mini-runway ended so we brought the presentation of certificates into the Malangan Lodge Restaurant and bar area.
Thirteen-year-old Donny Tuka who was born with dwarfism and was one of the 53 participants who took part in the workshop, stood bravely in his very own design and sewn garments and thanked all the “aunties” who made it possible for him to attend the workshop and learn a life skill.
Growing up, life hasn’t been easy for Donny. He was bullied, ridiculed and recently whilst doing grade five at a local school in Kavieng, the bullying got so bad that he dropped out of school.
His aunt, Enlly Singan who has six kids of her own, said that Donny was a bright young teenager and even after leaving school he was still very much interested in learning new things.
“My kids are all in high schools now, so I brought Donny to live with me, he is my younger cousin sister’s son.”
“The father isn’t in the picture, and Donny used to live with his grandma.
One time I brought him to my home for a visit but he stayed and became a part of my family.
“Every night, when my children do their homework and assignments, Donny would get his book and pencil and also work with them.
“I could see his interest in learning but the bullying and teasing has made him lose interest in attending class.
“But Donny is very excited, he’s sewn clothes himself.
Because he’s short he has to stand and sew but nevertheless, he designed his own outfit and sewed it and on behalf of all the participants and Donny, I want to thank everyone who made this workshop possible,” Singan said.
Administrator Lamillar Pawut who was at the closing, said he was “amazed” with the workshop and wanted to see more of such workshops in the future.
I guess, the New Ireland experience opened my eyes to really understand one woman’s dream to empower women and youths through fashion and to showcase Papua New Guinea’s unique culture on the international fashion platform.
Thank you Janet Sios, for the experience.