Thousands of people across the globe have not only paid tribute to the tragic passing of renowned Samoan fashion designer Arthur (Afa) Folasa Ah Loo, but have raised over two hundred thousand dollars for Afa’s family after he was tragically killed, during a No Kings protest he attended in Salt Lake City, Utah.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help support Afa’s wife Laura and their two children Vera and Isaac. Among the six thousand people who have donated more than $264,883 USD is actress Auli’i Cravalho of the Moana movies. Afa created an outfit for Auli’i to wear at the premiere of Moana 2 in Hawaii.
Afa who hails from the villages of Lotopa and Falelima in Samoa gained international acclaim when he showcased his talents on the popular television show Project Runway in season 17.
The self-taught designer built an international profile and designed fashion for former Miss Samoa Latafale Auva’a to use at the Miss World 2015 pageant. Also his designs were showcased on former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands Fuatino Moemoana Schwenke.
He represented Samoa at the Commonwealth fashion exchange at Buckingham Palace in London. He was also nominated for the Samoa Business Network’s People’s Choice Award.
In 2023, Ah Loo co-founded Utah Pacific Fashion, the state’s first fashion show focusing on designers from Oceania.
