Models show off bridal wear by local designer Hupfeld Hoerder on the first day of the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf and Spa. Photo:LITIA MATHEWSELL
By LITIA MATHEWSELL
Fiji’s wedding market received positive exposure through a bridal fashion show at the opening day of the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange (BFTE) in Natadola yesterday.
Models sashayed down a catwalk exhibiting a shared showcase of contemporary and traditional bridal wear.
The bridal wear is by local designers Hupfeld Hoerder and Hutch Looney, the Pacific director of California-based Brides magazine.
Spectators included BFTE wholesalers, operators and Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa visitors, providing ample exposure for what Mr Looney described as a growing market for the country.
Mr Looney has attended every BFTE and the Fiji Tourism Convention before that and produces honeymoon and wedding marketing programs with Air Pacific and Tourism Fiji.
“When I started working here in 1991, people laughed at the concept of honeymooners from the United States,” Mr Looney said.
“But today for the North America market, they represent about 14 percent of all North American visitors now on their honeymoon.
“The destination wedding market is just starting to grow for Fiji but the potential is enormous,’’ he said.
Mr Hoerder said he merged traditional local fibres such as masi and magimagi with contemporary designers for a more couture look that would also showcase Fiji’s and it’s allure.
Pooja Natasha of Nadi-based Paradise Brides Fiji said wedding concepts had revolved from traditional church settings to outdoor themes.
‘’Many that travel here to get married want the beautiful beach wedding and just recently, we have begun organising waterfall weddings, which is a slight change but shows the changing trends in the market,’’ she noted.
The Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange continues today.