Samoan Fashions

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Western Samoa

in the

fashion stakes

AUCKLAND and Sydney audiences in November had their first look at what the infant West Samoa fashion industry can do, when six Samoan girls modelled 27 garments, all designed in Apia. West Samoa aims to establish a reputation over seas. The showing, sponsored by Air New Zealand, was a great success.

Many orders were received and arrangements are being made to establish regular Australia and NZ outlets.

Four designers exhibited at the showing. Three of them were present to do their own modelling—Miss Leone Betham, Mrs. Freida Paul and Mrs. Tommy Burr. The three have their own Apia boutiques. Mrs. j Sophia Rankin did not come on the tour. Mrs, Paddy Walker, Samoan born NZ fashion consultant, pre sented the fashions to audiences, which were mainly trade and Press, j Additional attractive models on the tour were Miss Momoe Malietoa, daughter of West Samoa’s Head of State: Miss Tui Schaafhausen and Miss Sia Moimoi.

Polynesian pareu prints and hand printed tapa motifs featured at the '

Mrs. Paddy Walker and Miss Betham (who is the daughter of West Samoa's Minister for Finance).

lowing. Most garments were full ngth, but there was some sports ear. Colours were clear and pure, rices were from a low SWSIO to 50.

Accessories of seashells, turtle tell or polished coconut, in simple ste and never overdone, brought iccial praise from audiences. The >wns on these four pages were lotographed in Sydney.

On p. 121, Miss Schaafhausen ows a Freida Paul-designed even g coat of white silk organza with bark-coloured tapa design, over a m formal, slit at each side. On 122, top, Leone Betham wears r own full-length slim-line hostess >wn of ginger, highlighted with ibroidery of polished coconut pieces, ith her is Curtis Wallwork, who iring the showing displayed various irts designed by Mrs. Burr.

In the lower picture on p. 122, omoe Malietoa displays a two-piece rk blue linen hostess gown with wrapover skirt and a silver tapa sign, by Mrs. Burr. Necklace is arl shell.

On p. 123, Miss Moimoi wears an ricately cut, Freida Paul-designed stess gown falling from one shoulder hot pinks and greens. On p. 124 rs. Paul models a Sophia Rankin signed hostess gown in black, 3wn and white with bell sleeves.

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Tommy Burr (nearest camera) and s Schaafhausen, who is normally a library assistant.