Papua New Guinea’s cultural craftsmanship made a powerful statement at Fiji Fashion Week 2025, where Florence Jaukea Kamel, widely known as the Bilum Meri, unveiled a contemporary collection centered on the traditional bilum.
Her work, rooted in heritage yet boldly modern, received regional acclaim and reaffirmed the global potential of indigenous design.
Kamel’s participation in the event was supported by Air Niugini, underscoring the airline’s continued investment in showcasing Papua New Guinean culture internationally.
The moment also marked a milestone for PNG Fashion Week, an organization committed to elevating the profiles of local designers and artisans on regional and global stages.
“Bilum is more than a bag,” Kamel said in a post-show interview.
“It is a living expression of our stories, our womanhood, our strength. Taking it to Fiji was about showing that our heritage has a place in the global fashion dialogue.”
Wearing one of Kamel’s signature pieces on the Suva runway was Incennea Minz, Brand Ambassador for PNG Fashion Week.
Her striking presence and emotional walk captivated the audience, presenting the bilum not just as a garment, but as a vessel of cultural pride and identity.
“It was more than just modelling,” said Minz.
“I felt like I was carrying the spirit of our mothers, sisters, and daughters who weaves her story into each thread.”
Traditionally handcrafted, bilums are deeply embedded in Papua New Guinea’s social and cultural fabric.
Kamel’s designs innovatively reinterpreted this tradition, transforming the bilum into structured garments that fused heritage with high fashion.
Her collection received widespread attention from designers, journalists, and fashion enthusiasts across the Pacific.
PNG Fashion Week Managing Director Philma Kelegai praised the showcase, calling it a proud representation of Papua New Guinea’s artistic voice.
“This moment reflects what we’ve always known that Papua New Guinea has a unique voice, one that resonates beyond our borders,” Kelegai said.
“We are incredibly proud of Florence and Incennea for carrying that message with such authenticity and pride.”
The success of Kamel’s presentation in Suva stands as a testament to the strength of PNG’s creative sector.
It also highlights the importance of ongoing support for cultural industries, which play a critical role in preserving tradition while fostering innovation.
As PNG fashion gains momentum, events like Fiji Fashion Week provide valuable opportunities to amplify local talent and strengthen regional cultural ties.
Kamel’s showcase, rooted in authenticity and driven by vision, marks not just a personal achievement but a collective step forward for Papua New Guinea on the world stage.
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