Two weeks away from the first ever Samoa Fashion Week and the management and organisers of the event putting the final touches to event.
For 12 year old Talaesea Keil, the fashion show is an opportunity to follow in her mother’s footsteps in fashion.
Talaesea, who is the daughter of renowned fashion designer and owner of Cecelia’s fashion boutique, Cecelia Keil, is one of the models for the fashion show.
“Its fun and it’s a way to really get myself into fashion and to boost my confidence,” she said.
Ms. Keil though has different goals than that of her mother.
“She sketches a lot of designs at home and she said she loves designing already. But I know what she wants to become and I support her,” said Cecelia Keil.
“I have a dream to become a chef. It’s been my goal to get into cookery. I still want to follow my mother’s footsteps though in fashion, starting with modeling and hopefully later on I’d take up culinary arts from there,” said Talaesea.
Speaking of cookery, one of the most experienced and well known models to take the stage on fashion week includes a co-owner of a local classic restaurant, Ms. Kalais-Jade Stanley.
Stanley has been modeling for various brands in Samoa, including Mena, Rupi, Cecelia’s Fashion and at the latest Sinnet Fashion Show.
“I am honored to have been a part of those. I do it for the excitement and the fun,” said Stanley.
“It is kind of a really good confidence booster for the young girls we worked with today and it’s so good to see Samoan beauty brought out here,” she added.
Tuilagi Allan Alo Vaai, the President of SAC, says while fashion in the world is incorporated in their own professional style, SAC is trying to put the Pacific flare into the showcase.
“The Pacific are less stiff, we have that flare that makes us unique and we’re trying to incorporate that into the fashion show,” he added.
The show also has three male models including tattoo artist Christopher Krieg.
“I dance (also), but modeling looks like a much better avenue for me, and if I ever get the shot at being professional, I understand the challenges male models face and I’m set for it,” he said.
The three men are a part of a much larger group of vibrant young models each taking their lessons seriously.
All the models understand the pressure of being on stage and under the spotlight but they are also out to enjoy themselves and have fun.