The annual NGCB Paradise Runway show aims to bring about creativity every year as well as invest more in the fashion industry. Hosted by PNG Fashion Week, this is the sixth year that PNG Fashion Week has evolved in its iconic brand creating more and more opportunities for designers and models and showcasing Papua New Guinea’s latest designs and wearable art. PNG Fashion Week Director and Founder, Miss Philma Kelegai, stated that there’s lots of components that come together to create hype and opportunities for the fashion designers as well as the cultural creatives and how it is put on a palate for the world to see and experience it is so important. With that, Kelegai stressed that the industry needs to strive in creating an international standard at a local setting and showcase what the country has to offer in terms of fashion. “Fashion has always been around but hasn’t been accessible until now. It’s a billion-dollar industry globally that we can benefit from, so there is a need for this in PNG. Our people have over a thousand languages which immediately means over thousands of cultures and art.” “We can catapult just based on that knowledge alone. In that way we make room for new designers, talents, styles. We are evolving and so we try to create a platform that is forever showcasing new talent, new models and new designers." One of the main focuses of creating runway shows like this is to give a chance to those who can create a name for themselves as well as creating a brand. The tagline of the annual runway is ‘The Future of Culture’ that comes with a new theme introduced every year. “Voyager is our theme for this year’s runway show. We chose this theme to signify storytelling told through the textiles and fashions and just like every other year, new and different designers come on board to showcase their talents.” In addition, PNG Fashion Week aims to make this a signature event with whatever art that comes into this platform, which can be instantly marketable as long as it is unique and creative. Kelegai also expressed that as a creative artist, believing in yourself and taking the time to grow should be something that must be practiced regularly, as inspiration does not come easy. Meanwhile, Kelegai has also shared with PNGHAUSBUNG that preparations have gone well so far with the support of major sponsor, National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), SP Export and venue partner, Hilton Hotel plus others who have been supporting this annual event. Despite facing certain challenges such as financial struggles, this event in such an industry is a powerful opportunity for Papua New Guineans to benefit economically and though there is limited government support, the fashion industry can benefit financially. “The advantage we have is that we are such a diverse nation and a beautiful country, and this event will bring in more international guests and be looked at an international level. Create something that is iconic, new every year.” The runway show will be split into two events, the first show is a commercial show that will take place at Range View starting from the 13th-15th of September followed by the Paradise Runway, which will be on the 16th of September at the Hilton Hotel. A total of 65 models will take part in the runway including twenty who will take part in the commercial show with also a total of sixteen designers who will be showcasing their designs and talents during the main event, which is the Paradise Runway. Meanwhile, in its third year, SP Export has taken the naming rights of the PNG Fashion Awards. Prizes will be awarded during the main event which will include a K10, 000 cash prize to the SP Export Designers of the Year, a K50, 000 cash prize to the SP Export Rising Star and many more. “This event will only feature Papua New Guineans. We want to focus on our culture and uniting ourselves in building our community and most importantly, investing in our people.”