Historical Context

Fiji is a tropical island nation located in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising an archipelago of more than 332 islands, 110 of which are permanently inhabited. The nation became a British colony in 1874 and gained independence in 1970. Today, Fiji is a multicultural nation with an economy driven by tourism, sugar, and fishing, known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Traditional Fijian dress consisted of loin cloths for women and grass skirts for men, with skirts being short for single women and long for married women. Modern Fiji's national dress is the sulu, a skirt-like garment worn by both men and women. The 'Sulu vaka Toga' is worn for casual occasions, while the tailored 'Sulu vaka taga' is appropriate for formal events. Women typically wear multi-layered Tapa cloth on formal occasions, often with a blouse made of cotton, silk, or satin. While traditional dress remains prevalent in indigenous Fijian culture, Western and Indian fashion influences are increasingly evident in urban areas.

Fiji-China Cultural Exchange

The showcase work draws inspiration from Tapa, a traditional fabric obtained from the bark of the Mulberry tree, stitched into a contemporary bridal wear design. Masi, as it is known in Fiji, is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree and serves various ceremonial purposes including dress, wall décor, and blankets. The creation of masi requires significant effort, with Fijian women stripping the bark, soaking it, and beating it into sheets of varying thickness.

The designs feature a bridal gown and bridegroom outfit that blend traditional and contemporary elements. The bridal dress is constructed from Tapa fabric, stitched together with a kimono sleeve—reflecting an Asian design influence. The bridegroom's outfit includes a traditional Fijian sulu made from cotton paco fabric paired with a white Tapa shirt adorned with coconut sinews (magimagi) as decorative motifs. This integration of Asian design elements with traditional Fijian materials demonstrates the cultural exchange between Fiji and China.

Design Philosophy

The collection represents a fusion of Fijian tradition with contemporary design approaches. Rather than the traditional method of pleating Tapa for wedding ceremonies, the fabric is stitched into structured garments, demonstrating innovative applications of traditional materials. The designs incorporate local accessories abundant in Fiji, including plaited coconut fibres and shells, integrated into the garments' construction.

The contemporary approach showcases how Tapa fabric can be transformed into apparel through stitching techniques, moving beyond its conventional ceremonial uses. This evolution reflects broader patterns of cultural exchange and adaptation. The collection's connection to the Belt and Road initiative brings awareness to how cultural treasures can be shared and reinterpreted across nations, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding between China and Fiji.