Nothing that came down the runway last night fell outside familiar lines, as at least more than a hundred people watched their culture reborn.
Common things associated with everyday lives of Papua New Guineans, from coconut fronds to woven mat, chicken feathers to kauri shells, bilums to laplap, were all used in the three-hour fashion frenzy at the Lamana Hotel, in Port Moresby.
10 local designers amazed the crowd bringing a definite 'wow' factor as expected, with designs inspired by the diverse unique culture, flora and fauna of PNG.
Linda Babao O'Neill, matron of the Miss Pacific Island Pageant PNG, said each designer portrayed passion, strength and beauty, as the motto of the pageant runway itself.
She congratulated the 10 participating designers for persevering despite challenges in the textile industry in PNG.
"They have all so brilliantly displayed their passion for fashion and their cultural heritage.
"With this passion will come intense strength," she said.
Reigning queen of the Pacific and Miss PNG, Abigail Havora, said the night was all about celebrating creativity and the love of sewing, particularly the work of the 10 designers.
"With shared respect to our culture and our love for fashion, we have created bold, beautiful outfits to set a new standard in our country."
(Models on the runway last night in Port Moresby.)
