Pacific fusion fashion: ‘We’re not just making stuff, we’re pushing boundaries’

Stylist Nora Swann says the rise of Pacific fashion has been years in the making. 

“When Pacific Fusion first began, my vision was to create a platform where Pacific creatives could be seen, respected, and celebrated in the fashion industry, a space that reflected our stories, culture, and talent on our own terms,” she says.

That vision has evolved.

“It’s no longer about asking for space, it’s about owning it. What started as representation has become a movement grounded in pride, performance, and purpose.”

This year's show at NZFW is a milestone for Māori and Pasifika representation in Aotearoa’s fashion industry.

Pacific Fusion began with humble roots in 2016, launching as a small community event hosted by the Andrew Simms car dealership in Botany.

Despite its modest start, the show quickly gained momentum across the community, attracting over 30 designers eager to take part in what was originally a competition.

Swann says the partnership with NZFW is proof that Pasifika fashion belongs at the heart of Aotearoa’s creative scene.

“It’s more than inclusion, it’s impact. It fills a gap that was never meant to exist. It’s personal. It's about identity, legacy, and challenging systems that have long excluded us.”

With 12 designers, 60 models, and an audience ready for something bold, Swann says attendees can expect “unapologetic storytelling, fashion that speaks from the heart,” and a show that’s “more than a show. It’s a movement”.

Tongan-Māori designer Massey Fakavale Williams, of Disciple of Discipline Studio and a former Project Runway contestant, says Pacific Fusion brings technical skill and powerful narratives to the forefront.

“Clothes get taken for granted,” he says. “But they tell stories. Collabing with NZ Fashion Week lifts the stereotype of what Pacific designers can do. We’re not making basic stuff, we’re pushing boundaries.”

Williams has followed Pacific Fusion since its early days online.

“Now, being a part of it, connecting with other designers, it’s a great opportunity to show what we’re really capable of.”

For Māori designer Niquita Samuel of NIQ Atelier, fashion is about whakapapa. Her latest collection is made entirely from recycled materials.

“I like to give old things aroha,” she says. “Stitching my whakapapa back into what I design.”

Samuel started designing in 2011 while living in Rotorua, and her work is all about cultural storytelling and sustainability.

“Holding our cultural integrity in our fashion is really important,” Samuel says. “We’re not just taking ourselves on the runway, we’re taking our ancestors, our whānau, our journey.”

Samuel adds that community is at the heart of Pacific Fusion.

“When Māori and Pacific designers come together, it’s about aroha, kotahitanga."

On the runway, model Selwyn Vaka has become a familiar presence. He’s been walking for PFFS for a few years now and says the show’s purpose goes far beyond fashion.

“Being a Poly, it’s really hard to try to find gigs in this field,” he says. “But by sticking to it, I can see the fruit of my labour.”

Vaka says his role is part of something bigger.

“It shows that our people can shine on this platform. We have talent. We have something authentic to offer the world.”

And this year's show?

“Just know the vibe is gonna be so crazy,” he laughs. “You're going to see wild cat walking, bold colours, Pacific patterns, designers bringing ideas to life in really authentic ways.”

Model Lily Lamauta made her runway debut at Pacific Fusion in 2019 and nearly didn’t go through with it.

“I was pretty nervous,” she admits. “I’m a tomboy. I didn’t even know how to walk in heels, so I had to get my older sister to teach me. I went to the casting thinking, ‘I’m not going to get this'.”

But she did. “That moment showed me there’s a space for our Poly people, for me.”

What keeps her going is the connection she feels every time she steps on stage.

“I feel empowered because I feel seen,” she says. “Every designer tells a different story through their work, and it’s amazing to be a part of that, especially in this cultural space.”