Rising Fijian designers took to the stage last week in a contemporary fashion showcase spotlighting both new garments and niche skills sets.

Held as part of the Globalising Fijian Fashion Designers program, the event in Sydney marked the culmination of a three-month international mentorship program designed to elevate Pacific fashion to global audiences.

The program aims to strategically enhance the capabilities and capacities of emerging and established Fijian designers, positioning them for greater international recognition and commercial success.

Designers featured in the 2025 showcase included Anton Conway Wye, Hilda Mondo, Jerry Qiolevu, Nicholas Kama, Shane Pickering, Su Samuels and Rosie Semisi Emberson.

The creative and dynamic program allows designers to develop their idea of fashion and how it will synergise with the global fashion market.

The runway showcased combined designers whose work blends deep cultural heritage with innovative design and thinking.

Each collection was developed under the guidance of Lucy Jones, an award-winning designer and accessibility advocate, and Paul Rider, an acclaimed international fashion design and construction academic who has helped shape the visual identities of international fashion houses and publications.

Far from a sales-driven event, The Pacific Intruders was an intentional space for dialogue and critical engagement, inviting fashion buyers, stylists, editors, and industry leaders to connect with the designers and provide feedback which will shape the future of Pacific fashion.

The title – The Pacific Intruders – reflects a proud disruption of traditional fashion narratives, reframing Pacific identity through bold silhouettes, unexpected materials, and powerful storytelling.

Managing director of Fiji Fashion Week, Ellen Whippy-Knight said the event was significant to both designers and the broader fashion industry.

"This isn't just a runway – it's a turning point," she said.

"The designers are challenging ideas of Pacific fashion and its potential. They're not asking for space; they're taking it."

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, said the Union strongly promotes both cultural diversity and identity.

"The European Union strongly promotes cultural diversity and identity. We recognise that diversity can be expressed through several creative means, including fashion design," she said.

"By awarding these grants to Fijian designers we also support the local creative and cultural industry that has a strong potential not only to strengthen cultural identity in the Pacific but also to generate income and create job."

With global conversations around cultural equity and representation growing stronger, The Pacific Intruders offered a look at the new creative force rising from the Pacific.

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