By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Leading Fijian fashion designer Temesia Tuicaumia says he treats every garment as a vessel of culture, ensuring they are not only beautiful but purposeful.
“My TEMESIA.CO pieces marry classic tailoring with Pacific sensibilities, structured yet fluid, modern yet rooted in tradition,” Temesia says.
“There is symbolism, history, and meaning in every cut and detail.”
Temesia’s considered approach to his designs has earnt him much praise since he showcased his first collection, aged 16, at the inaugural Fiji Fashion Week show in Suva.
Nearly two decades later and paving the way for the future generation of Pacific designers, Temesia has taken out the Male Design Wear of the Year accolade at Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week, in June.
Part of the TEMESIA.CO collection at the 2025 Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week.
He is currently gearing up to show his designs at New Zealand Fashion Week, staged from August 25-30, 2025, in Auckland.
Temesia says fashion has always been woven into his upbringing.
“That’s not just in the sense of clothing, but in the way we express identity, heritage, and values,” he says.
“I grew up surrounded by creativity, cultural storytelling, and strong community influences.
“TEMESIA.CO was born out of a desire to blend timeless tailoring with Pacific narratives, ensuring our people’s stories have a place on the world stage.”
When he is not designing, Temesia is an early childhood educator and a social media influencer, and he finds creative inspiration in those around him.
“I am inspired by the resilience and beauty of Pacific people from the intricate weaves of our artisans to the quiet dignity of our elders.
“I draw energy from my family, my faith in God, and the knowledge that every garment can carry a legacy forward.”
Thanks to the likes of Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week, Pacific fashion is getting more time on catwalks around the world, than ever before.
At this year’s event, a docu-series showcasing the challenges and triumphs of what makes it so exceptional was filmed, and it will screen on Pasifika TV ahead of New Zealand Fashion Week.
Vibrant, unapologetic, and deeply connected to community, Temesia says Fiji fashion is unique as it intersects different many worlds – Indigenous iTaukei artistry, Indo-Fijian heritage, Pacific craftsmanship, and global influences.
“Every piece from Fiji holds a story that can be traced to the land, the ocean, and the people who shaped it.
“Through TEMESIA.CO, I work directly with local artisans, weavers, and designers to honour their craft, ensure fair recognition, and safeguard the authenticity of our narratives.
“We document processes, share the origins of each motif, and use fashion as a living archive for Pacific history.”
Temesia sees the upcoming New Zealand Fashion Week as another opportunity to amplify Pacific voices in a global space.
“My hope is to represent Fiji and the Pacific with excellence, build meaningful connections, and open new pathways for our artisans and emerging designers to thrive internationally.”
TEMESIA.CO will be part of the Kāhui Collective Runway Show at New Zealand Fashion Week, on August 27, 2025.
Pasifika TV is screening the Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week docu-series from August 20, 2025. Check the Pasifika TV Guide for the schedule.
