Sixteen more days to go for the Wearing Fiji 2021 show.

The show is scheduled for Saturday, May 1 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

Today we highlight, Atelaite Daunibau, the designer and founder of Sugarose believes that we as Fijians need to stand together to advocate for the Vanua.

Designer behind fashion the label Sugarose draws on her paternal connection to Tailevu for her WFJ21 collection set to show at GPH in May.

“I hail from Naisausau, Namara, Tailevu, where I am deeply rooted, this year’s collection is an inspiration of my loving romance with my Vanua” said Daunibau

Ms Daunibau’s collection has a monochrome palette that will tell the story of her deep love for her vanua.

“The Sugarose spring/summer collection aims to fuse the mana and the love of my Vanua which I hope I can convey through my collection named ‘Enigma’,” said Ms Daunibau.

The APTC Fashion & Design graduate who is also a second-year mentor of the Wearing Fiji Project is mentoring two student designers, Susau Elaisa and Amelia Waqairamasi.

“I have been in the fashion industry for a while and after obtaining m y certification from APTC, the Wearing Fiji project allowed me to connect with young aspiring designers and share my knowledge”

Ever the entrepreneur Daunibau is also a talented makeup artist but she says individuals like herself have felt the effect of the global pandemic.

“It took a toll on the business but an eye-opener and a lesson, I’m truly grateful for my clients because the support has been overwhelming during those times”

“To the clients who purchased, did their makeup with me, and posted on social media thank you,” said Ms Daunibau.

About the show
The Wearing Fiji Show will also feature seven designers which include Samson Lee, Natalia Larsen, Robert Verebasaga, Atelaite Daunibau, Andrew Powell, Temesia Tuicaumia and Hupfeld Hoerder.

There will also be a Student Designer capsule collection featuring 13 student designers.

The show will be at the GPH on May 1, tickets are available at the Wearing Fiji Boutique on Butt Street, Suva.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj