PNG Fashion & Design Week (PNGFDW) launched its PNG Fashion Festival 2023 theme ‘Fashion for Peace’ at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby today (1 March). PNGFDW was established in 2016 and is the country’s largest and most successful industry development platform, to date. And has been at the forefront of driving greater visibility and recognition of PNG’s fashion design sector in-country and abroad.

Every year since 2016, the platform incorporates key messaging into our annual program delivery – aligned to the platform’s vision of growing a sustainable fashion design industry in PNG. And looking around today, we are proud of the impact this platform has had on real industry development and growth though positive, measurable change.

“As a development platform, we are charged with a responsibility to humanity – and fashion is a vehicle that can be used to enhance our mental well-being and together we must continue the good work to uplift and empower each other,” said Chairlady/Founder Janet Sios.

According to Mrs Sios, the theme ‘FASHION FOR PEACE’ is significant to the platform’s calling to promote the positive influence of fashion on everyday life linking the psychological impact of fashion to positive human welfare in homes and communities.

“Fashion is an expression of self – a reflection of who you are and your innate ability and potential to inspire, to transform, to create lasting legacies, and to live your best life. Finding inner peace and happiness in the chaos of the world we live in today, is a powerful tool in leading with a positive mindset to create the change we want to see in society. This is incredibly important to our work with young people especially, who are faced with numerous constraints to developing sustainable livelihoods – free from negative behaviour,” said Mrs Sios.

To date, milestone achievements include:

Delivering seven (7) of the country’s biggest, inclusive fashion shows;

• Introducing plus-size fashion and plus-size models into fashion runway events;
• Introducing people with disabilities into fashion design and fashion modelling;
• Working with marginalised segments of society including people with disabilities, women and youth;
• The first virtual runway documentary televised through TVWAN;
• Training and upskilling of close to 900 aspiring fashion designers from over 60 designer workshops deliver in seven (7) target provinces;
• Training and fashion runway appearances of up to 300 fashion models;
• International exchange programs giving designers and models direct access to participate in fashion events in Australia and New Zealand;
• Delivering the first Credit Guarantee Scheme in partnership with PNG Women’s; Microbank enabling financing for fashion businesses;
• Supporting the creation and growth of MSMEs to sustain livelihoods, among other notable achievements.

In her launch address, Mrs Sios encouraged industry players to be serious in what they want to achieve for themselves, their families, their businesses and the budding fashion design sector at large.

She further acknowledged the consistent support of platform partners including the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, National Gaming Control Board, Tourism Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission, and others.

“At the back of the success of this sector is an incredible network of individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure the right pathways are provided giving opportunities to progress this industry forward. And we must work smarter this year, united in our shared vision to elevate the cultural creative industries and create a thriving sector that contributes meaningfully to social and economic growth in Papua New Guinea,”  said Sios.

“In 2023, let us move as one – for the greater good of fashion and humanity.”

In 2023, the platform focuses on:

• Extending training workshops into more provinces to uncover untapped potential in semi-urban and rural communities;
• Working closely with key government agencies including the National Cultural Commission in line with the PNG Cultural Policy to strengthen cultural creative institutions and the promotion and preservation of culture and heritage through the arts;
• Continuing advocacy for increased government support and framework to drive inclusive industry growth as a potential economic sector;
• Enhance support for the creation of small business;
• Continuing to work with marginalised and vulnerable members of society and empower through learning, technical advisory and business support.

All programs will culminate in the hosting of the platform’s annual fashion runway event on Saturday the 19th of August at the Lamana Hotel where the gurus of the PNG fashion design space will be showcasing their authentic, PNG-made creations to a full house.