Miss Suva City Coun­cil Simran Nand won the best traditional inspired attire during the 2018 Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus Festival .

This was during the Bogi-ni-iTaukei/Vude Night on Thursday when con­testants had their second public judging at the Bank of Baroda tent at the Valelevu Ground.

All contestants were dressed in traditional iTaukei at­tires.

Ms Nand, a 22-year-old student of the University of the South Pacific pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Chemis­try and Biology, was dressed in an iTaukei gown designed by designer Hupfeld Hoerder.

Her outfit was a representation of who we are today in this era with modern technology and social media among other uncontrollable issues in the environment.

It represents modern times, while also acknowledging that we are still rooted in our culture and tradition.

Something that we must pass down from one generation to another as a symbol of the cultural blend that exists to­day. Her attire’s garment was made from natural fibre like masi, shells, magimagi, mother of pearl shells and feath­ers to complement the entire look.

The upper bodice was a corseted blouse with a laced black cover and is accessorised with magimagi and shells to give the garment a regal and elegant look.

The full skirt descended to the floor with a train print­ed in earthy brown and embedded with white shells that represent the rising sea levels with significant designs of waves emphasising that we must protect our marine eco­system.

The head piece made from feathers, magimagi and shells represented how Pacific women were empowered in small communities’ today through entrepreneurship and leader­ship and was the flagship for growth in all walks of life.

She was also the award winner of the best research topic

Edited by Percy Kean

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