Boutique aims to promote PNG designed products

GLOW Hair Boutique opened its new shop in Gordon, Port Moresby, on Thursday with the aim of promoting quality Papua New Guinea designs and products.
Business owner Ziya Rayani Rupa said she saw pictures of bilums posted on social media platforms and that prompted her to establish the shop.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to source really good quality items was that I saw pictures being posted on Facebook,” Rupa said.
“I went to New Zealand for an expo and saw this really beautiful bilum that I didn’t see them at the markets.
“The quality is being exported. I want it here too.”
Rupa said that was the whole idea behind having shops established so that Papua New Guineans could also have access to quality products.
“Not all the best stuff should be exported all the time. We have a right to wear good clothing and good jewelry as well,” she said.
“Of course they will eventually be exported overseas, but it starts here.”
After meeting with some local designers and seeing how talented they were, Rupa wanted to figure out a way to help support and grow the industry so that everyone could have quality products, not just for those who were able to travel.
“It should cross any racial boundaries but still keeping the true tradition of Papua New Guinea.”
Products sold at Glow Hair Boutique include those from designers such as Wandid Amini Korimbo of Wiska, Sharon Kenatsi of Bougainville Pride, Jennifer and Winnie of Sepik Sisters, Christopher Lam of Barata PNG, Oscar Towa, as well as hair products.