Today we’d like to introduce you to Afa Ah Loo
Afa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in the independent country of Samoa. And i was adopted and raised by my maternal grandparents. And both of my parents were very creative, my dad being a musician and builder and my mom being a weaver and seamstress. And because of this, i grew up in a very creative environment. I ended up taking sewing classes in high school and that sparked my interest in sewing and i continued to sew and pretty much taught myself everything i know about fashion. Fast forward to many years later, I ended up showcasing a collection during Fiji Fashion Week where I was selected to become a designer to showcase at LA Fashion Week and from there my success continued showcasing in Utah, Washington, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia, London, and so much more. I was selected to become the designer for Samoa to design for the Miss World Samoa that competed in the Miss World pageant in China. I then received a special invitation from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to showcase my designs at Buckingham Palace, alongside other Commonwealth designers. I also made history as the first and only Samoan designer to be casted on reality TV hit show Project Runway.
From there, I have helped co-found two fashion events that highlights Pacific Island creatives and designers. One last year called Utah Pacific Fashion and this years event called Creative Pacific that I am a co-founder with Benjamin Powell who is beauty and hair educator and stylists, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing really is “smooth sailing”. There is always struggles and bumps on the way of any journey. For me has been self doubt and believing that I am good enough to be in many spaces that I have been able to a part of. Esp as a self taught designers as myself, most times I feel inadequate to be around those who have been “educated” in this industry. The other thing that I think artists face, is the critique that we get from people of not myself as a person but also my work, that has been something that I have learned throughout the years to grow a thick skin and learn how to not let it get to me. I have learned that fashion is subjective and not everyone will love or agree with your work and that is totally fine.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in bridal and evening wear. I love to incorporate my Samoa and Pacific Island roots and heritage into my work. I am most proud to be Samoan and to be from the biggest ocean in the world and be able to make an impact on peoples lives whether big or small.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes, I wanted to let people know about our upcoming Creative Pacific Week on Sept 23rd – 28th!
Creative Pacific is a six day celebration of culture, creativity, and innovation. This event showcases the rich diversity of the Pacific Islands and beyond, bringing together designers, artists, and industry professionals from various backgrounds.
Creative Pacific is not just a fashion event, it’s a platform that fosters unity, creativity, and collaboration. It’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and the vibrant diversity of the Pacific Islands.
Our mission extends beyond cultural exchange; we strive to create opportunities for community members to become successful entrepreneurs, guiding them in their career pursuits. Additionally, we are committed to not only creating and promoting educational and economic opportunities, but also providing mentorship and scholarships for creatives across various cultural groups, fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey, where artistry meets culture, and creativity knows no bounds.
You can learn more about our event on our website www.creativepacific.org
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @afa.ahloo
- Facebook: @afa.ahloo
- Other: https://www.creativepacific.org
