Page 43 - Fiji Traveller Issue 1

KuiViti: Promoting culture through clothes

Fijian culture through fashion. People ask
me what I’m selling. My answer is, ‘I’m not
selling clothes, I’m promoting my culture,’”
Tuibeqa asserts.
Each design has a story. “The comb was
my first ever print and it was inspired by my
grandmother, aunt, and mom, who used
the comb for their Fijian hair.”
The Teteva design was Tuibeqa “being
rebellious” in response to Fiji Airways’
attempts to copyright that design.
A large scale masi print was also inspired
by his grandmother, who loved to print
‘kesakesa’ on her masi. “The motif I used
on that print was one I saw her do countless
times.”
His most recent print design, which is
flooding local social media feeds, is called
the ‘Laca Drau’. “It was also inspired by
my grandmother’s cutting up [of] different
fabrics in squares and putting them
together to make gloves, quilts, [and] chair
covers - so I just cut different designs and
prints, mix and mash them together to
create a laca drau print,” Tuibeqa says.
The designer is also inspired by friends
working as climate activists.
“Most of my friends are heavily involved in
climate change activism, so wherever I can
use my talent to amplify their voice, I would,
whether it’s through photoshoots, designs,
or creative direction,” says Tuibeqa.
He sees KuiViti contributing to the fight
against climate change into the future.
KuiViti is a sought-after brand with the
Fijian diaspora, with Fijians living overseas
feeling connected to their land when they
don one of Tuibeqa’s garments..
“I used to get four orders a month before,
but now I get an order almost every day.
Sometimes in a week I get ten or more
orders to ship overseas,” he says,
“Currently, I have orders from the UK,
US, Australia, New Zealand, and just
recently from Switzerland, so it’s exciting,”
he says.

Words by Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti

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