Miss World Fiji departs for China next week

Miss World Fiji (MWF) 2012, Koini Vakaloloma will depart Fiji on the July 15 to contest the title of Miss World 2012 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China.

Fiji will be welcomed onto the Miss World stage and will endure a month long tour through Hong Kong, China and Mongolia before the crowning of the 62nd Miss World on the 18th of August.

As part of the national gift auction to support various charities through Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose program, Miss Fiji will be presenting a unique oil painting.

In a statement, MWF national pageant director Andhy Blake said the painting was done in collaboration with Pacific Studies in house artist at the Oceania Centre in the University of the South Pacific, Tui Lovelace.

The painting represents Miss World Fiji’s Beauty with a Purpose theme of Mental Health that features original art which signify traditional i-taukei patterns, a turtle and two human figures both signifying the struggles one faces when encountering Mental Health issues namely depression.

Blake said Miss Fiji will highlight two unique aspect of our country as part of her presentation  – the ‘Tagimoucia’ flower that is only found in Fiji and the heart shaped ‘Tavarua Island’ which recently hosted the Volcom World Surfing Championships.

The evening gown, designed and made by Fumaru Fatiaki with inspirations from a 60’s styled John Galliano gown will also embody the ‘Hibiscus’ print including black pearls and shells.

Blake said it will be up against 119 other designers from around the World vying for the best designer evening gown award.

Miss Fiji’s national costume will symbolise the ‘guardian’ or owl, a unique part of our Fijian culture.

By Ropate Valemei