By SHELYN MANI
The Embassy of France in Suva is proud to once again support the Fiji Fashion Week. After Wallis and Futuna in 2012 and New Caledonia in 2013, Ms. Hani Haring, a designer from French Polynesia will have the pleasure to showcase for this year’s edition of FFW.
Born in Tahiti and raised in Moorea, nurtured by Polynesian values, Hani have been influenced by traditional costumes, dance and local craft which inspired her to become a fashion designer.
Hani and Benjamin. Photo: SUPPLIED.
At the age of 18, she participated to the creators contest “Vahine Tahiti” winning two-years in a row. This first experience in fashion encouraged her to continue her studies at the Higher Institute of Applied Arts in Paris. Her stay in the French capital was an unforgettable experience. The young graduate had the chance to rub shoulders with fashion houses such as Maxime Simoens and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, who were and still are a real source of inspiration.
Upon her return in French Polynesia, Hani Haring created her own line under the “HH Creation” brand. In 2013, HH creation joined fashion director Benjamin Schetrit. Born in France, raised around the world while traveling with his parents, Benjamin is also a professional surfer, who calls Moorea home. HH is the first “house of fashion” headquartered in Moorea, with all models designed and made there.
Hani and Benjamin created a collection especially for this edition of Fiji Fashion week, putting together Polynesian influence with French traditional material and know how like lace from Calais and embroideries from Parisian fashion houses.
“Through this show, we would like to focus on the wealth of Polynesian culture and the French know how. By this, we tried to update the myth of the Polynesian Vahiné, her elegance, her charm, her freedom,” Hani said.
“We are very happy to welcome Hani and Benjamin this year in Fidji, as their collection represent the most exquisite fusion of French world renowned fashion and Island identity : the symbol of France in the Pacific, where half a million of fellow French citizens are living on our three territories,” stated the French Ambassador to Fidji, Gilles Montagnier.
Hani Haring arrived in the country on the 22nd of May (Tuesday) and she will take part in Fiji Fashion Show on the 29th of May (Thursday) for resort wear, designers at Grand Pacific Hotel. She will be staying in the country for almost 12-days.