FjFW 2016 (Day 1)

Fiji Fashion Week 2016
Resort Wear Show
8 Sept 2016
Vodafone Arena
Suva
Fiji

Now I am no fashion blogger but I love to watch the Fashion Show. As a consumer of the Fashion industry and a lover of creativity and art I too have my 2 cent when I watch the show. 

This post is not about individual designer breakdown, rather, it gives my 2cent on how youth are involved in the Fiji Fashion Week. I have been working with the photography team during this annual event and this year I thought to take a different approach. I must say I was impressed with the amount of Youth involved in putting the show together. 

The theme of the evening event was Resort Wear so naturally the colours showcased tonight were bright and fabrics seemed cool. Overall - I loved the show!

1. 8 year old designer
The show feature Mariah Alone, 8 year who designed a swimwear line with the help from her mother and family. This, I must say is truly inspiring and a great example of Innovation, Support, Creativity and Opportunity. 
It is extremely important for parents to support their children so they can live out their dreams. 

2. Models
Majority of the models are youth and while some have full time jobs and walk the runway for hobby others are considering this a future career and some using this platform to boost their confidence, network and have a feel of the fashion industry. 

3. Volunteers
The volunteers have been doing a lot of the behind the scene work and it can't be easy pulling together a Fashion show without the help of the volunteers. I spoke to some volunteers who have been at FjFW for a number of years now while it was a first time experience for some. Youth volunteerism is huge across the world and I am glad that our local youth get to learn a thing or two about fashion from Local as well International personals at this annual event. 

At this point I think I would like to highlight that The Fiji Fashion Week event engages numerous youth in this annual event. When we look at the Sustainable Development Goals and key points such as; Economic growth, Innovation, Employment, Education, International/Global partnership and Equal opportunities I think the fashion industry does tie into a lot of these. 
>The Fashion industry is thriving across the globe and it is contributing towards our Economic growth. 
>The various styles displayed showcased the innovation by various designers. 
>The fashion industry is a form of employment of many present at the event and others who contribute externally, example seamstress, graphic designers, printers and pattern makers. 
>The workshops conducted by FjFW and courses offered by FNU & APTC are contributing towards the fashion education needed by the designers and others in the industry. 
>International Designers and companies showcasing their produce at FjFW or coming here looking to partner with locals it shows a good link towards Global partnerships. 
>This annual opportunities is being utilized by local and International designers to showcase their work, generate interest and create discussion about what fashion means to us. 

And there is my brief take on tonight's show. It was a pleasure watching and chatting with the various people involved in the industry. 

Until next blog... 

Say it like it is

SEX – now that I have your attention let’s talk about some Vocabulation.

It is now 2017 and there some important vocabularies that we still discuss in the darkness of the night, with whispers and code-words like if we said it out loud a nuclear explosion will take place or the aliens will invade OR it will be the end of humanity as we know it.

Tonight’s performance is brought to you by letters:

V – for Vagina

M – for menstruation

P – for pads

Very basic words

Very everyday words

Very real words

Very soft spoken words

Very taboo words

Very hush hush – paint it with unnecessary similes type of words

What is a V-jayjay? Why do we have to call it ‘Down there?’ or her thing? Her private part?

A vagina is a vagina – say it like it is.

Actually, say it with me – VAGINA.

We all know from Basic Science class that girls go through their menstrual cycles every month. It is a natural occurrence.

There is no need to quarantine us from the rest of the class.

Yet, we call it: that time of the month,

Auntie is visiting – hey! My aunt brings me very awesome gifts when she comes. She doesn’t bring me stomach churning cramps. She brings me chocolates and clothes and shoes.

Menstruation's are a living nightmare. Sometimes the cramps are so bad you crawl from your bed to bathroom. So no! That is no aunt visiting. That is a nightmare.

Menstruation's are not happy, daisy, rosy, red flag, aunt visiting. They are what they are – say it with me: MENSTRUATION.

And with menstruation comes the joy of buying sanitary pads. So what I don’t understand is; what’s the big secret surrounding pad?

When we go to buy that one packet of pad why must we buy hundreds of extra, unnecessary things to cover up the sole thing we came to buy?

Here go buy one packet Libra good nights – okkkkaaaay.

Goes into supermarket and buys one 4 corn flakes, 5 Weet-bix, 5 packets of chocolates, 2 bags of rice etc etc. Just so that no one see’s you are buying ONE PACKET of PAD.

Because we all know that if anyone see’s you buy a packet of pad they will know you are fully functioning woman.

Because they will know you are menstruating.

Because they will know your bodily secret.  

But wait- it doesn’t stop there.

Why must the cashier wrap the packet of pads in a thousand newspapers and put it inside a plastic bag?

What is this a vault?

Please enter password.

It is a packet of pad. PAD. PAD.

Now say it with me – PAD.

We are in 2017! Cutting edge technology available.

Progressive societies and we still hush these words.

Why? I don’t know about you but I find that when I say these words as they are I feel more empowered. So I urge all my ladies out there and men too – say it like it is!

VAGINA – MENSTRUATION – PAD.

Commonwealth Youth worker award 2016

Commonwealth Youth Worker Award 2016

Youth work is something I am passionate about. 

So imagine my excitement when I was told that I am one of the four finalists in the Pacific Region for the Commonwealth Youth Worker award 2016 (theme: Sports and arts). 

You know that feeling like you are on Cloud 9! Yes, that was me. 

I love engaging in Creative Arts spaces and to be told that I am a finalist for just that was beyond what words can express. 

I am extremely thankful for the love, support and guidance I have received through my loving family and friends. They have helped me get to where I am. 

A huge vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) for the nomination and while I didn't take home the PACIFIC region award I am sure as hell grateful to be listed as a finalist. To be able to call myself the Fiji representative and to be placed among the great youth workers in the Pacific. 

We may be a dot on the map but we strive to excel and I hope this award encourages my fellow youth workers to continue doing their best! 

About ACT (Advocacy through Creative Techniques):
ACT is a creative arts youth group. We formed in 2014 and engage with youth to address social issues using creative arts. Our most recent project is to inform and educate communities about the SDG - Sustainable Development Goals. 

Until next blog...