Cook Islands was well represented at the recently held Creative Pacific Foundation’s second annual marketplace and Fashion Show held in Sandy, Utah, - a suburb of the Salt Lake City valley, United States.

The week-long event included cultural workshops, panel discussions from fashion, cultural and business leaders, a day of marketplace shopping, a gala topped off with two evenings of spectacular fashion shows featuring new and established fashion designers from Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and of course, the Cook Islands.

Representing the Cook Islands during the marketplace was Geena Napa-Pauga, daughter of Piltz and Tarani Napa of Puaikura. Her ‘ei katu and rito accessories were extremely popular with the shoppers.

During the first of two fashion shows was Manea Designs by Atuirangi, created by Cynthia Atuirangi-ki-Tuakirikiri Cowell-Tongia. The wife of Arerangi Tongia of Ruatonga whose family is known for their cultural knowledge, her garments featured Cook Islands motifs ranging from tivaevae, floral, tattoo, and carving designs which were digitized and embroidered via industrial embroidery machine.

Cowell-Tongia, strongly believing in spreading cultural knowledge and understanding, prepared written descriptions of each garment’s design for every model so they would learn and understand the cultural significance of the items they were wearing. Each outfit was accessorized by black pearls, ‘ei katu or pare rito as they strutted down the runway to local music, thanks to Matariki FM.

Creative Pacific Foundation’s co-founders, Benjamin Bloomfield-Powell, a master hair stylist who has worked in Europe and throughout the Pacific and Afa Ah Loo, the first Samoan contestant on Project Runway, believe in celebrating the cultures, diversity and innovation of Pacific artisans and designers. They believe where artistry meets culture and creativity, there are no bounds. -Cynthia Cowell