Acclaimed Papua New Guinean designer and cultural advocate Florence Jaukae Kamel, widely known as the Bilum Meri, has been announced as the headline designer for PNG Fashion Week 2025 and will also represent Papua New Guinea at Fiji Fashion Week, stepping in for fellow designer William Maba Bray under the PNG Fashion Week banner. A passionate voice for cultural preservation and women’s empowerment, Florence has consistently elevated traditional bilum weaving in the contemporary fashion world. Her feature runway show in Port Moresby will unveil a new couture collection that combines ancestral techniques with modern design and is expected to be one of the major highlights of the event. The collection will showcase bilum craftsmanship with innovative silhouettes and natural fibers. Each piece will tell a story, celebrating the generational knowledge of women across Papua New Guinea. From her beginnings in Goroka to international exhibitions in Brisbane, Auckland, and Sydney, Florence has championed bilum not just as art, but as identity. “Bilum is more than fashion—it’s identity, it’s womanhood, and it’s power,” Florence said. “To headline PNG Fashion Week and represent PNG in Fiji is a great honor I carry for all our women.” In addition to its cultural significance, Florence’s headlining show will also serve as a fundraiser for the PNG Fashion Designers Association (PNG FDA). This newly formed body aims to support local designers through industry standards, collaboration, and professional development. “This is not just a runway show—it’s a movement,” said Philma Kelegai, Managing Director of PNG Fashion Week. “Florence’s leadership and creativity will help build the foundation of PNG’s fashion future.” As part of a regional fashion exchange promoting Pacific designers internationally, Florence will travel to Suva to showcase her collection at Fiji Fashion Week 2025. She steps in for William Maba Bray, who is unable to attend due to personal commitments. While Bray won’t be travelling, PNG Fashion Week confirmed that he will debut a new collection later this year at the Bilum Festival in Goroka. “Florence is a natural choice,” said Kelegai. “She represents craftsmanship, culture, and purpose. We are proud to have her represent PNG.” Florence is also the founder of Jaukae Bilum Products, a social enterprise that works with women artisans across Goroka, Lae, Madang, Mount Hagen, and Chimbu. Through her work, she promotes economic independence—particularly for single mothers and women in rural areas. “I started weaving to support my children,” Florence said. “Now I do it to uplift others. Bilum is no longer just for survival—it’s a symbol of transformation and dignity.” Her headline show at PNG Fashion Week is scheduled for Friday, 19th September 2025 at APEC Haus. It is expected to be a signature event in the country’s fashion calendar, celebrating Kastomi, creativity, and community. Proceeds will support infrastructure, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives under the PNG Fashion Designers Association.