Blo Iumi celebrates 40 years of London Fashion Week in Honiara

The British High Commission hosted the second edition of the highly anticipated London Fashion Week Show Blo Iumi recently. The event featured a vibrant showcase of Solomon Islands design, celebrating both local talent and the rich cultural tapestry of London’s fashion.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic London Fashion Show, one of the 'Big Four' fashion weeks alongside Paris, Milan, and New York, Blo Iumi highlighted the work of seven talented designers and 55 models, including five contestants from the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant 2024, and attracted over a hundred guests.

The show featured four categories: Lavalava wear, Evening wear, Lotu wear, and Contemporary traditional wear, British High Commission Honiara said in a media release.

Hahe Alatala of Hahe Designs took home the top prize, which included a trophy and a mentoring session with a UK designer. Rosemary Boe of Rosie’s Couture and Wendy Gwaena of WG Designs secured second and third places, respectively.

Commendations were also awarded to Sonia Rochenberg of Sons and Daughters Designs, Prudence Beck of Threads Investment, Lava Grossmith of Lava’s Original, and Luke Gegeu of EL Designs for their impressive contributions.

Deputy high commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Emma Jane David, spoke at the opening ceremony. “Like in Solomon Islands, London’s fashion is deeply intertwined with its diversity. The city’s fashion reflects its multicultural population, drawing on a wide range of influences to create unique and eclectic styles. British fashion is at the forefront of sustainable and ethical fashion movements.”

The show also included captivating body art by local artists Hamid Ramokasa, Fred Oge, Wilson Kabe, Cassey Hairiu, and Emmanuel Manu, adorning five body-building athletes. Performances by Blad P2A and Khazin further enriched the event.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)