BUDDING young designer and newbie to the fashion scene, Mereia Tuiloma hopes to bring freshness and life to the Fiji Fashion Week (FJFW) scene this year.
The 24-year-old, who is representing and sponsored by the VOU group, told The Fiji Times that although she was very excited about the opportunities it presented, there was still a lot of work to be done.
"Designing is very new for me and just a week ago, I never thought I would even be here, but the experience is truly amazing," she said.
Ms Tuiloma, who is a dancer with the VOU group, said the theme for the clothing line she wished to establish was semi-formal ready to wear summer clothing
"I hope to use white linen as my main fabric, but with lots of other colours as well. I want it be vibrant and new, because that's what VOU means — new," she said.
Ms Tuiloma paid tribute to her family, friends and dance group members, particularly Sachiko Soro, who she described as her "support system".
She said she derived most of her inspiration from her travels, dance and movement, "both traditional and contemporary," and she can't wait to show everyone.
The FJFW commences on October 18 through to October 20 in Suva.