7,596 total views, 4 views today
PNG’s Fashion Brand, Lavagirl is now selling into Fiji as owner and fashion designer, Annette Sete, continues to grow her business and break into the Pacific market.
Lavagirl is a household name in PNG having established itself among the women seamstresses and the SME space with her quality fabric and distinctive prints. Ms Sete has recently returned from Suva, Fiji, as she held talks with the founder and fellow fashion designer, Michael Mausioof the House of Mausio who will be distributing Lavagirlin Fiji. Lavagirl garments including PNG’s iconic MeriBlouse or Kolos is among some of the first products into the House of Mausio as well as the fabric pieces.
Ms Sete said the arrangement would also see her MakuGifts Shops in Port Moresby carrying the Fijian brand, which will compliment her product range.
She said her business has customers from Fiji and gained popularity across the Melanesian countries so this was an attempt to bring products closer to customers.
“Michael and I have very similar attitude towards business growth and especially finding new markets, and pushing sales so natural an arrangement to ensure our products are available for customers in both countries had to be made.”
Both designers have recently shown in the Miss PNG Pacific Islands Designers Fashion Show in Port Moresby last month.
Mr Mausio speaking from Suva said the House of Mausio wanted to give its clients a variety of products and the Fiji market would appreciate Lavagirl prints, bright colours and the garment styles.
Mr Mausio said PNG was a growing and sizable market for Mausio’s prints and garments.
“In terms of volume, PNG has a more attractive volume base for any business in terms of size compared to Fiji,” he said adding the collaboration with Lavagirl would increase his presence in the local PNG market and a great footing for the Mausio brand.
The House of Mausio currently retails in Tuvalu, Australia and New Zealand.
