What was shaping up to be one of the toughest years for Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week has turned into a success story, with tickets now completely sold out ahead of tonight's event.
Managing Director Ellen Whippy-Knight says ticket sales this year were among the slowest the event has experienced in its 19-year history.
She attributed the slow uptake partly to global economic pressures and the timing of the Ratu Sukuna long weekend, which she believes has drawn many expatriates away during the Fiji Fashion Week period over the past three years.
However, a last-minute marketing push supported by sponsors and media partners including Vodafone Fiji, and Communications Fiji Limited helped revive ticket sales.
Whippy-Knight says organisers were so overwhelmed by demand that they gathered to rearrange seating and create additional space for guests.
She describes the sell-out as a major boost for designers and audiences alike, saying Fiji Fashion Week continues to provide an important platform for local and international fashion talent while connecting designers directly with potential buyers.
This year’s event will feature 15 designers, including six international designers and nine local creatives.
Whippy-Knight says some designers had to be removed from the programme due to scheduling changes, but stressed the decisions were not based on talent or skill.
She says priority was given to designers who had already purchased tickets and accommodation for the event.
The fashion awards will once again be incorporated into the main show programme after returning to the runway format last year instead of being held as a separate event.
Whippy-Knight also announced the arrival of international models Madeline, Anya, Eve and Ashley, along with model coordinator Gary Manuel, saying overseas talent helps elevate the standard of the show while offering local models valuable exposure and learning opportunities.
The Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week show will start at 6 this evening at the Vodafone Arena.
