After five years as the Fashion Council of Fiji, chairperson Faraz ‘Fuzz’ Ali has officially resigned.

Mr Ali shared reasons for his resignation on his Facebook page on Monday.

He said the institution was bigger than an individual so he chose to be an example and make room for others to flourish in tended soil.

“Today [yesterday], I leave the council that I have led for five years,” he said

“It’s the longest of any Creative Sector representative organisation leader, in the capable hands of a team that I have curated and I believe can take us into the future.

“We must not hold onto our roles forever. We must let go to make room for others to flourish in the soil we have tended.”

Mr Ali said he would continue to support the council and his successor, Andrew Powell.

“I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that he is wholly supported as he embarks on this journey,” he said.

“I continue to be a leader in our industry and will continue to support our council.”

Andrew Powell, is among Fiji’s most celebrated designers with a colourful resume to back up his new appointment.

After attaining his qualifications in Australia, Mr Powell returned to Fiji, where he was scouted by many local fashion garment producers.

Mr Powell was the Mark One Apparel assistant production manager, the Asia Pacific Management general manager and in the production arm of the Treehouse Boutique, the Malia Clothing.

The celebrated designer was the vice-co chair at the Fashion Council prior to his promotion.

Mr Powell has a Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology from the Metropolitan South Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) as well as a Diploma of Business from Canterbury Technical Institution in Brisbane in Australia.

The Fashion Council of Fiji is an industry association that was formed in 2010 by a group of industry experts, with a common vision to promote and develop a sustainable and inclusive world-class fashion industry in Fiji.

Edited by Percy Kean

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