Suva, September 24, 2016 - Emerging designer Samson Lee is set to pay tribute to his late sister through a fashion extravaganza to fundraise for WOWs Kids.
The show titled ‘Cevuga’ celebrating the richness of life will also officially launch his brand ‘Samson Lee Fiji’.
Maraia Maisena Lee, who lost her battle to a rare form of bone cancer 2 years ago, was a connoisseur of life, Lee recalled fondly.
Tatiana opens the show for the 'Cevuga' evening wear collection at GPH
“My sister used to joke that she had a PhD in life because she was into everything from the arts to cooking to celebrity goss, she knew everything and that thirst to experience life left a lasting impression on me, which is why I felt her loss very deeply” said Lee.
Two years on Lee who has been touted as the new kid on the ‘fashion’ block to watch, has made a splash in the industry with his bold masi motif prints and vivid colour combinations.
“After my sister passed away I was working at an NGO and realised that life is too short and I need to be doing something I love and I’m passionate about, so I took that risk and started ‘Samson Lee Fiji’” said Lee.
‘Samson Lee Fiji’ has grown from strength to strength and now stocks at Treehouse Boutique and House of Design. The brand has notably dressed Fiji celebrities such as 7’s captain Osea Kolinisau and his fiancé Tavu Fa , former All Black Joe Rokocoko, reigning Miss Fiji Islands, Zara Begg, Talei Draunibaka and also designed the corporate uniform for Fiji Airways for the Tourism Expo.
Backstage, models ready to walk
“Tragically my sister couldn’t have children and for me personally I wanted to honour her by giving back to Fijian children with cancer because as cliché as it sounds they really are our future”
Funds raised for WOW’s will be used for child care support and some medication.
The ‘Samson Lee Fiji’ brand builds on the simple principle of life and celebrating the richness of it.
“My brand is all about our Pacific richness, the colours, the culture, the people in essence my take on fashion is celebrating the richness of all of that,” said Lee.
For Lee the tropical flower ‘cevuga’ or ginger flower encapsulates the richness of life he’s celebrating.
At the official launch of his brand Lee will be presenting ‘The Cevuga Collection’ which will consist of eveningwear, resort and ethnic wear.
“I am channelling our Indian roots for inspiration for my ethnic wear, it’s something new that I hope people will connect with” said Lee
Lee also said that people could expect a more couture and debutante look for his eveningwear.
“I’m asking people to dig deep come ready to bid on our auction items which I guarantee will be worth it” said Lee.
Samson raised $14,000 FJD for WOWs Kids.
Lolomas,
Neisau