PAPUA NEW GUINEA Fashion Week has teamed up with Pacific Cultural Capital Co. Inc. to give Pacific fashion designers a place to sell their clothes and accessories in Brisbane, Australia.
Instead of ending when a fashion show closes, designers now have a physical marketplace to reach shoppers directly. Through a partnership with the monthly Paradise Festival Markets at Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, local creators can sell clothing, bilums and jewelry to Australian buyers. The remaining 2026 market dates are August 29, September 26, October 31, and November 28, from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
PNG Fashion Week Founder and Managing Director Philma Kelegai said the partnership helps designers turn runway shows into real business returns.
“It is not enough for us to put our designers and creatives on a runway. We have to ask what happens after the runway,” Kelegai reasoned.
“Where can they sell? Where can they meet customers? How can they turn their creativity into income? The Paradise Festival Markets are another pathway where our people can bring their products into an international marketplace and begin building those connections.”
The partnership acts as a next step for designers who want to grow their brands and meet customers face-to-face.
“If you have walked our runway, we want you to think beyond showcasing your collection. Bring your products into the marketplace. Meet customers. Build your brand. Sell your work,” Kelegai encouraged.
“This is what building a creative industry means, creating the runway and creating the marketplace.”
