A large crowd gathered at the Civic Centre in Suva yesterday to watch and marvel at the Crest Chicken sulu and jaba competition organised by Fiji Fashion Week.
Officiating at the show, the chief guest and one of the judges of the competition, the Minister for Women, Dr Jiko Luveni, said competitions such as sulu and jaba were pivotal in promoting Fiji's culture and the traditional outfit.
"We are seeing more young and talented home grown designers emerging, bringing new and exciting design concepts to our sulu, jaba and to the local fashion market," Dr Luveni said.
She said fashion was a market that was economically rewarding with huge demand in the global garment industries.
"As evidenced in the big attraction this competition has made, fashion shows have become important occasions where fashion designers get together to display creative skills and draw inspirations from each other," Dr Luveni said.
Ninety-six beautifully designed garments were modelled at yesterday's competition much to the crowd's delight.
But it was Taufa Rabukawaqa's unique design that stole the show for 2012. She walked away with the $750 cash and a $250 Crest gift voucher.
Second place went to Ana Donumailagi with $500 cash and a $150 Crest gift voucher.
Third was Leena Malini who took home $250 cash and $100 Crest gift voucher.