At just 22 years old, Watisoni Mataki is balancing life between construction work in Sydney and the glamour of the runway as he returns home to take part in this Saturday’s Fiji Fashion Week.
Mataki, who flew into Fiji from Sydney on Tuesday, says despite the heat, it feels good to be back home for one of the country’s biggest fashion events.
He won the FJFW Emerging Male Model award in 2023.
While many may recognise him from the runway, Mataki's day-to-day life in Australia is far from the spotlight.
He is currently a student and also works in construction, taking on roles in scaffolding, concreting, traffic control and hoist driving.
Despite the physically demanding nature of his work, Mataki says modelling has become an important part of his life over the past five years.
He credits his parents for encouraging him to step outside his comfort zone and pursue modelling more seriously.
Mataki says confidence is not built overnight and that his journey in the fashion industry has helped him grow personally over the years.
He says modelling started as a part-time interest but gradually became something much bigger.
Mataki is also encouraging young people who may be interested in modelling to give it a try.
Insert: Mataki - All the best May 28
Members of the public can purchase tickets at the door from 10am at Vodafone Arena.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Fashion Show will be held tomorrow at Vodafone Arena from 6pm.
