“They sported towering headdresses made of feathers and shells, Pacific prints and motifs in modern silhouettes, corsets paired with tapa and fala skirts, and a collection made entirely of vintage tablecloths.”
That’s how an online news service in Utah, KSL, described the fashion displayed at the inaugural Utah Pacific Fashion show.
The headdresses referred to are the creation of Tuifaasisina Korina Seiuli Lee, founder of Le Taupou Manaia.
More than 20 members of Le Taupou Manaia were decked out in complete taupou and manaia attire: fine mat, siapo, Tuigamala and all the accessories handmade from local plants and shells from local beaches.
The sold-out Utah Pacific Fashion Show was a first of its kind, with 100% of the show being Pacific Islander produced. It featured a mix of 18 emerging and established designers from Utah, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand and more.
And Le Taupou Manaia made its mark captivating the audience with traditional wear.
Tuifaasisina said, “As the designer and founder-choreographer of Lē Taupou Manaia, I’m filled with joy and pride in my work. I have been on this journey for over 20 years and the Utah Pacific Fashion show has helped me display the love and appreciation I have for my culture. I could not have done it without the love and support of my students, their parents, my family and friends.”
With the contacts she’s made at the event, Tuifaasisina is hopeful that a show of this level can be staged in the territory.
“To be able to rub shoulders with top designers in the fashion industry is something to be grateful for,” she said. “Designers like Afa Ah Loo, the first Samoan and Kini Zamora the very first Polynesian to be on Project Runway, MENA, to name a few.
“It is my hope and dream to one day bring all of these designers to American Samoa, for an evening of unforgettable fashion and to promote our beautiful American Samoa, something that we are already planning for 2024, to celebrate Lē Taupou Manaia’s 25th Year.”
Tuifaasisina is grateful for the support from Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Director of the American Samoa Visitor’s Bureau, Taimalelagi Minie Tuia, parents and all those who helped with their trip to Utah.
Photos: Le Taupou Manaia
