Tav’s in Europe

Saturday 28 March: The Cooks Islands’ most famous fashion designer is set to turn heads in Europe next week.

Ellena Tavioni (above) of Tav’s is the only Pacific designer to be invited to the Afiique-Caraibes-Pacifique (ACP) Music and Fashion show held in Brussels, Belgium.

Tavioni will leave on a fully funded trip today with 25 of her creations to showcase before a Belgian and European audience at the Palais d’Egmont theatre.

“This would be the biggest international exposure we’ve had,” she says.

Joining two designers from the Carribean and one from Africa, Tavioni will take part in an initiative funded by the European Union Development Commision and ACP culture.

“This will be a great opportunity to promote our work and from this trip I’m hoping to secure buyers.”

Tav’s have previously exported to London, South of France and Abu Dhabi.

“That was 10 years ago, we’re much more experienced and our label has grown so much since then.”

Tavioni has decided that the catwalk models will walk to Cook Islands sounds playing instead of the live band that was offered.

“I want to take advantage of this opportunity to promote the Cook Islands.”

Hoping to hold a show in London as well, she has contacted the Cook Islands Tourism to provide her with material that can be used to promote the country as an ideal place to visit.

She will return in a fortnight. -DK