Government commends LIFE- Con Pacific for fostering local talents & creativity

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 17 AUGUST 2023: The Government through the Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio has commended the efforts of the Le Independent Fashion Expo-Convention (LIFE-Con) Pacific, in fostering local talents and creativity.

“For LIFE-Con Pacific, we have seen the commitment and dedication in creating and maintaining this platform over the years to elevate our creative industry specifically in fashion and art performance and we are immensely proud of their continuous drive to keep the fantastic event going,” said Tuala.

Tuala, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Arts Council (SAC) delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the LIFE-Con Pacific Session 6 Opening & Arts Exhibition at the Samoa Cultural Centre, Malifa last night.

“The Government reaching out is one of its objectives in its Pathway for the Development of Samoa to support talents and creativity such as LIFE-Con Pacific’s platform to market, promote and elevate our culture through its high level production and marketing,” said Tuala.

Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio speaking at the opening of Life-Con Pacific 2023 on Wednesday night.

As the Chairman of SAC, he said that the Council was established to devise national art forms and to coordinate the efforts of those who work in the industry and to recognise those who deserve recognition.

He said their aim is to strengthen the capacity of the arts, recognition of individuals and cultural associations to meet the challenges and opportunities of globalization in the arts and also to embrace talent and creativity and improve the technical know-how and skills in the arts and events management production, performance and arts leadership.

“We congratulate Kevin Schuster and the amazing Committee for their continuous commitment in ensuring this is realized every year and we also commend all the designers and artists and various professions that make LIFE-Con Pacific the company that you should all be proud of. It’s not just about arts and fashion but about you,” said Tuala.

LIFE-Con Pacific is known for putting up spectacular events and this year’s finale is expected to showcase additional new lines.

Jewellery & climate change lines 
LIFE-Con founder and co-ordinator Kevin Schuster said the number of designers for the final event on Friday night has dropped to seven, however, the number of lines has increased to 11 per designer to showcase their pieces.

Of the 7 designers, one is from American Samoa and the other from Fiji.

“Some of them have asked for two lines and we can’t say no because at the end of the day it is their collection and people are paying to watch their pieces,” said Schuster.

He confirmed that the new additions besides the designers fashion collection are the Jewelry line, Crazy hairdo & make-up and Climate change wear

Shuster said although the Jewellery line were part of the event last year, they were not properly showcased so the models wore only Lavalava or Sulu ‘ao’ao and really highlighted the jewellery.

“It would be the same with the crazy hair-do and make up, models will only wear Sulu’ao’ao and the focus would be on their face and hair,” he said.

The climate wear is a totally different line altogether as their collection will depict messages of concern, innovation and awareness and only 5 designers are registered for it.

Local artist Vanya Taule’alo with  one of her artworks on display with Phaedra Moore on the right.