A FAMOUS international designer will grace the Fiji Fashion Week 2012.
Annah Stretton, of New Zealand's successful Stretton Clothing, has confirmed her participation.
Stretton, whose Waikato-based company employs 160 women closed last week's New Zealand Fashion Week, a spot only reserved for the very best of the best in world fashion week events, FJFW said .
"I have been interested in working alongside Pacific Islanders around creative platforms for the last few years both in NZ and outside, so this opportunity is a perfect fit for the focus that I have," Stretton told FJFW yesterday.
FJFW in a statement said while Stretton was looking forward to the warmer weather she was more excited about the creative energy she knows exists among local fashion designers.
FJFW marketing manager Brook Pannell says bringing Stretton to Fiji was a big dream not only because she is a hugely successful designer and businesswoman but also because her business acumen leaves many inspirational lessons.
"In contrast with her serious business and philanthropy interests, her style is fun and frivolous," Pannell said. "She is one of NZ's best designers effectively competing on the world stage."
Stretton's trip is sponsored by the New Zealand High Commission.
She is an award winning businesswoman with both a fashion and publishing empire. She has received the NZ Order of Merit and the Veuve Cliquot Businesswoman of the Year.
FJFW said some of Stretton's knowledge will be imparted at the Fashion and Design Forum being held at the Fiji National University next month.
"Stretton will bring to FJFW her latest collection, a Winter 2013 line entitled 'Crush on you'," the statement said.
While none of her garments retail in Fiji, Stretton is excited at the opportunity to motivate Fiji designers and look at local manufacturing options.
"I'm not out to achieve anything other than supporting other designers to affect their fashion dreams and have a look at some of the manufacturing plants that Fiji has," she said.