“As Pacific people, people are always first. So, now that we’ve come into mainstream fashion and we’re part of the New Zealand Fashion Week calendar, people still need to be at the centre of what we do here in this space” – Nora Swann
Bold, vibrant, and unapologetically Pacific – the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) closed off New Zealand Fashion Week as they celebrated a decade of Pasifika artistry, culture and heritage.
Bringing the theme of “Legacy: A heritage of strength, a future of promise” to life, PFFS paid homage to those who paved the way while looking towards the future.
Held at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront, this year’s extravaganza featured 13 designers, ranging from local to international talent, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Pasifika fashion.
Founded by Nora Swann, the inaugural event launched in 2016 at the Andrew Simms Car Dealership in Botany, Auckland. Though smaller in scale, the event laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone for Pasifika fashion.
“It was a new idea, a new show, no one knew about it,” Nora says.
“We didn’t have any proof of the concept. Now it was a first time show so everyone was thinking… it has to be like a make or break for us.”
Ten years on, that ‘new idea’ has become a force in Aotearoa’s fashion scene.
Marking their second year under the NZ Fashion Week calendar, PFFS has forged a new direction for Pasifika designers and models to showcase their identity and creativity. But at the heart of it all is its commitment to representing the Pasifika community.
From a car showroom, to Ōtara Town Centre, to the streets of Papatoetoe, and even on a runway strip at the Ardmore Airport, PFFS’s decade-long journey has taken Pasifika fashion beyond the traditional runway and straight to the hearts of the people.
“As Pacific people, people are always first. So, now that we’ve come into mainstream fashion and we’re part of the New Zealand Fashion Week calendar, people still need to be at the centre of what we do here in this space,” Nora says.
“Tonight there were so many Pacific people here. I think it’s probably the one night at fashion week where it’s mainly Pacific and I could see that everyone was really proud because we were representing all of us.”
This representation has helped create pathways for PFFS models and designers. For Emanuel Collins, modelling for PFFS since 2023 has allowed him to gain confidence and open doors in the performing arts.
“When I first moved up to Auckland, ‘cause I’m from Ashburton… I wanted to get into acting mainly,” Emanuel says.
“[When] I got into Pacific Fusion… I got to meet other creatives in the [acting] industry and it’s kinda like turned into a shoulder tapping, like, hey, do you wanna be in this, and then from there it just grew.”
For returning Tongan designer Peni Taehia, PFFS has broadened his clientele since joining in 2023.
“Tough industry, [but] it’s definitely given me exposure,” Peni says.
“Gain following, people have bought off me online and in person as well but definitely is a beginning to help you get out.”
For others, PFFS goes beyond just representation. It’s a platform that also challenges the perceptions of what traditional models should look like.
“Being plus size, you know, it’s quite hard but I think that’s why Pacific Fusion is there to like, have diversity as well,” Face of Fusion 2026 Teokotai Tupou says.
“Being brown skin… walking the runway, [and] inspiring those that, as a Pacific island girl and who’s brown, can do it.”
And while the platform celebrates many Pacific people, for PFFS Legacy Model Vogue Pilisi, it’s about taking up space in places she didn’t see herself represented often.
“I come from the backgrounds of Cook Island and Niuean. I don’t see that much models from that background so for me, to step up into that, I just wanted to represent my culture and know that I am worthy of being in a space like this.”
With a decade-long history, it’s clear PFFS has become more than just a fashion show, but a platform that honours Pasifika identity and artistry.
For Designer Dane-Sydney Smith, supporting PFFS since the inaugural event means growing alongside it as a designer.
“When I look back ten years ago, I would never think I would still be here doing what I do,” Dane says.
“What Nora has created has been an amazing platform for all of us and I’m just honoured to still be a part of it… I think if it wasn’t for this show, we wouldn’t be where we are as far as design [and] creativity.”
And with a decade-long journey of championing Pasifika fashion now completed, Nora is enthusiastic about the bright future ahead and the opportunities for PFFS to continue growing.
“Well we want to continue to be the best show here at New Zealand Fashion Week and we’re wanting to, you know, we wanna have a Pop Up show here as well,” Nora says.
“We want our designers and our models to get more from our show than just the show itself. But we obviously need partners to help us bring that dream to a reality.”
Special congratulations to Apaula Viliamu Tilialo who was named Face of Fusion 2027.
