PNG FASHION WEEK’S “COUTURE IN PARADISE” SENDS PAPUA NEW GUINEAN DESIGNERS TO FIJI FASHION WEEK
Designer William Maba Bray (left) and Sarah Gabut being interviewed by MC Victoria Kamen during Couture in Paradise, sharing their creative journeys and showcasing the spirit of Pacific fashion and storytelling.
📸 Photos & Content: @creativebybellamene
© PNG Fashion Week. Full credit to @creativebybellamene.
PNG Fashion Week is proud to announce that its international showcase, Couture in Paradise, has successfully raised enough funds to support celebrated Papua New Guinean designers Sarah Gabut and William Maba-Bray in travelling to Fiji to participate in the internationally recognised Fiji Fashion Week in Suva City on 30 May 2026.
Held on 22 May 2026 at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane, Couture in Paradise marked PNG Fashion Week’s first major international showcase outside of Papua New Guinea. The event brought together Pacific and multicultural creatives, designers, performers, models, photographers, and community members in a vibrant celebration of culture, couture, creativity, and commerce.
Most importantly, the event was designed with a clear purpose — to create meaningful international opportunities for Papua New Guinean creatives and help elevate Pacific talent onto regional and global stages.
Through the overwhelming support of attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and the wider community, PNG Fashion Week has now been able to directly support Sarah Gabut and William Maba-Bray on their next international runway journey.
Both designers are recognised as exceptional creative talents whose work reflects the richness, innovation, and evolving identity of Papua New Guinea fashion. Their collections embody contemporary Pacific storytelling while remaining deeply connected to culture, craftsmanship, and identity.
Designer Sarah Gabut (centre) pictured with PNG Fashion Week National Brand Ambassador Olivia Jerram (left) and her brother Yivan, making his runway debut for PNG Fashion Week.
📸 Photo Credit: Nathan Niaga Media (@nathanniagamedia)
© PNG Fashion Week. Full credit to Nathan Niaga Media.
Their first international runway showcase took place at Couture in Paradise in Brisbane. Just one week later, they will now take their designs to Fiji Fashion Week in Suva City, further expanding the presence of Papua New Guinean fashion within the regional fashion industry.
PNG Fashion Week Founder and Managing Director Philma Kelegai said the moment represents exactly what the organisation was created to achieve.
“Couture in Paradise was never just about one evening of fashion. It was about building pathways, creating opportunities, and opening doors for our people. To now see Sarah Gabut and William Maba-Bray progressing from Brisbane to Fiji Fashion Week is incredibly powerful and emotional for our team.
They are extraordinary artists and designers who absolutely deserve to be seen on international platforms. We are deeply proud to support them and push them even further into the global creative industry.”
Kelegai said PNG Fashion Week hopes Couture in Paradise becomes an annual launching pad for emerging Pacific creatives seeking international exposure and professional development opportunities.
“We want this platform to become a bridge between Papua New Guinea, the Pacific, and the world. There is so much talent within our region, and our responsibility is to continue creating spaces where our creatives can grow, thrive, and be recognised globally.”
PNG Fashion Week also confirmed that preparations are now underway for PNG Fashion Week 2026, scheduled to take place from 18–19 September 2026 at the iconic APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
📸 Photos & Content: @creativebybellamene
© PNG Fashion Week. Full credit to @creativebybellamene.
The event is expected to bring together designers, models, creatives, brands, and cultural leaders from across PNG and the Pacific region for another landmark celebration of Pacific fashion and creativity.
PNG Fashion Week continues to position itself as Papua New Guinea’s leading fashion platform, committed to championing creative industries, cultural identity, youth empowerment, and regional creative exchange across the Pacific.