PNG FASHION WEEK GOES GLOBAL WITH “COUTURE IN PARADISE” IN BRISBANE
24 May, 2026
📸 Photo Credit: Nathan Niaga Media (@nathanniagamedia)
© PNG Fashion Week. Full credit to Nathan Niaga Media.
Papua New Guinea’s leading fashion platform, , has officially made its international runway debut with the huge success of Couture in Paradise PNGFW 2026, held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane City.
The packed showcase marked a major milestone for PNG Fashion Week, bringing together an extraordinary collective of designers, models, creatives, and cultural talent from across the Pacific and around the world. The event celebrated not only fashion, but culture, creativity, identity, and international collaboration, positioning Brisbane as a powerful gateway for Pacific creative industries.
The showcase featured an impressive international lineup of designers, each bringing their own distinct cultural and artistic perspective to the runway.
Designer Sharka Bosakova, originally from Prague in the Czech Republic and now based in Brisbane, presented a striking collection known for its bold silhouettes, avant-garde elegance, and strong European couture influences. Her work added a sophisticated global edge to the showcase and demonstrated the growing international reach of PNG Fashion Week.
Designer Sharka Bosakova and young model Yvette in her design
Representing India was Anu Gunasekera, whose designs celebrated intricate craftsmanship, colour, and textile traditions inspired by South Asian heritage. Her collection fused modern femininity with timeless cultural storytelling, captivating audiences throughout the evening.
Designer Faith Abeeza brought vibrant African influence to the runway, showcasing powerful contemporary pieces inspired by Tanzanian culture, identity, and empowerment. Her participation highlighted the event’s multicultural vision and commitment to global creative exchange.
Papua New Guinea designer Linda Philau Pius showcased a collection deeply rooted in PNG identity and craftsmanship. Her garments reflected the richness of Pacific artistry while presenting a modern interpretation of traditional inspiration.
Australian-based creative Nicholas Huxley, originally born in Lae, Papua New Guinea, delivered a refined and theatrical showcase combining high-fashion styling with strong artistic direction. Huxley’s ongoing support of PNG Fashion Week continues to strengthen connections between Australian and Pacific fashion industries.
Nicholas Charles Patrick Huxley at Couture in Paradise
Emerging Papua New Guinean designer Sarah Rose Gabut presented a contemporary collection that highlighted youthful creativity and modern Pacific expression. Her participation marked an important step in her growing design journey and international exposure.
Celebrated PNG designer William Maba Bray, known for his powerful storytelling through fashion and strong grassroots following, brought an energetic and culturally grounded collection to the runway that resonated strongly with audiences.
Models participating in the showcase represented a diverse international contingent, with talent from Papua New Guinea, Australia, the Pacific region, Africa, Asia, and Europe walking the runway together in a celebration of multicultural unity and creative excellence.
The purpose of Couture in Paradise was not only to showcase Pacific and international fashion talent, but to actively raise funds and opportunities for emerging designers to access regional and global platforms. PNG Fashion Week confirmed that the event successfully achieved that mission.
As a direct result of the showcase, PNG designers Sarah Rose Gabut and William Maba Bray will now travel to participate in Fiji Fashion Week 2026, further expanding Papua New Guinea’s presence within the international fashion industry.
Founder and Managing Director of PNG Fashion Week, Philma Kelegai, described the event as a defining moment for the organisation and for Pacific fashion as a whole.
“Couture in Paradise was created to give our people international visibility and meaningful opportunities. We believe Pacific creatives deserve global platforms, and this event proved that our stories, artistry, and talent belong on the world stage. This is only the beginning.”
📸 Photo Credit: Nathan Niaga Media (@nathanniagamedia)
© PNG Fashion Week. Full credit to Nathan Niaga Media.
PNG Fashion Week has confirmed that Couture in Paradise will now become its official international flagship showcase, to be held annually every May in Brisbane, Australia. Designers, models, creatives, and cultural brands interested in participating in the 2027 edition will soon be invited to apply through PNG Fashion Week’s official channels.
The organisation says the annual event will continue to focus on cultural exchange, creative industry development, youth empowerment, and strengthening pathways for Pacific creatives to access international markets and opportunities.
With a packed audience, international participation, and overwhelming community support, Couture in Paradise PNGFW 2026 has firmly established itself as one of the Pacific’s newest and most exciting fashion and cultural showcases.