MENTORS
Robert Verebasaga
Mentor 20 - 23 / Label - Kakali
Robert is one of Fiji's first designers to be awarded an Australian Government scholarship to study fashion. He has successfully completed an Associate Degree in Fashion Design & Technology at RMIT. He has also undertaken work placements and internships with several Melbourne based industry partners.
Founded in 2016 Kakali is a Fijian label where thoughtful, sustainable, and ethical design embraces quality tailored womenswear and menswear. With Robert's thorough technical understanding of the complexities surrounding fashion design and production, alongside the experience while studying fashion in Melbourne, Australia, Kakali offer a unique, innovative and ethical signature style.
Samson Lee / Co -Founder
Mentor 20 -23/ Label - Samson Lee Fiji
Samson Lee launched his fashion label “Samson Lee Fiji” in 2015. His creations are inspired by the rich melting pot of traditional motifs across the Fijian cultural landscape and endemic marine life. As an emerging designer, Samson harnessed the power of online advertising and social media to carve out a niche for himself on the Fiji fashion scene.
The Samson Lee brand boasts a boutique in the heart of the Suva business district. He has also served on the Fashion Council of Fiji and has won the 2019 Designer of the Year award. Lee is also co - founder of the Wearing Fiji Project and is passionate about the arts.
Natalia Larsen
Mentor 20 -23 /Label - Malia
Malia's founder and lead designer Natalia was born and raised in the Fiji Islands. Growing up on an island has instilled an innate sense of easy-going fun and tropical flair- all of which you will see in every piece in the Malia range.
Malia takes on the traditional prints and reinvents that "Bula" look to suit the modern island guy or girl. Inspired by the colours and beauty of Fiji and the South Pacific, all prints and pieces are lovingly designed to be worn and enjoyed for any occasion. Our pieces are "Made In Paradise by Friendly Fijians” and then transported to homes of the style-conscious who are looking for a fun wearable piece of island attire
Andrew Powell
Mentor 20 -23/ Label - Rogue Stitch
Andrew Powell attained a Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology from Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE and a Diploma of Business from Canterbury Technical Institute.
He went on to work at Mark One Apparel as the Assistant Production Manager, before then working as General Manager at Asia Pacific Management, then Malia Clothing . Since July 2017 he has been the Patternmaking Manager at Lyndhurst Limited, the production facility of global brand Kookai. He is the first Fijian to hold this position and also won the FJFW designer of the year in 2012.
Temesia Tuicaumia
Mentor 20 - 23/ Label - Temesia.Co
Temesia Tuicaumia is one of Fiji's most standout social media influencers. With a niche following he has managed to carve out a place in the industry as a creative stylist and decided to make the transition to men's fashion.
Though this is not his first foray into the fashion industry. In 2009 he designed for Ms BSP for the Hibiscus Festival then in 2012 he showed at FJFW as an established designer. His line Temesia.Co merges menswear with a distinct Fijian style.
In 2013 he moved to Kailua-Kona Hawai'i singing and doing outreach work. He attended the University of the Nations where he minored in their school of Illustration (communications) and majored in Early Childhood Education.
Neisau Tuidraki / Co Founder
Mentor 20 - 23 / PR & Comms
Neisau Tuidraki comes from a radio and TV background in Fiji that spans nearly two decades. She is currently an online communications consultant who focuses on SM strategy and content development.
She's been an avid art advocate and uses digital spaces to showcase Fijian creatives She has also worked in regional tourism with a focus on SM straregy and hosts podcast Kokonati Talk
Neisau has worked extensively in the Fijian fashion industry in a communications role for FJFW and with Fijian designers and has also served on the Fashion Council of Fiji.
Hupfeld Hoerder
Mentor 20 - 23 /Label - Hupfeld Hoerder
Hupfeld Hoerder is one of Fiji's oldest fashion brands has proudly represented Fiji in the Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas where selected pieces of his collection were photographed and circulated in fashion magazines in New York.
Hupfeld's specialties are in the area of casual resort-wear and haute couture. His designs promote a strong sense of the Pacific, incorporating his culture, identity and heritage. He utilises authentic and natural fibres as well as creates designs in vibrant colours that reflect the colours and the diversity of the Pacific.
Hupfeld is currently pursuing a PhD in Sustainable fashion in Australia