We are delighted to announce the launch of the Fashion Forward Foundation South Pacific, established this year by Shereena Noelle Sumeran, Dharmesh Parikh, and Ron Lal. Our mission is to empower South Asian fashion designers in Aotearoa, New Zealand, through workshops, seminars, and a platform to showcase their incredible talent.

Empowering South Pacific Fashion Designers to Launch Sustainable Fashion Labels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A new not-for-profit organisation is launching with the mission to provide a platform for budding South Pacific fashion designers, helping them develop their skills, build valuable industry networks, and successfully launch their own fashion labels. Through a unique blend of mentorship, bespoke training, and access to exclusive resources, the initiative aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity in the global fashion industry.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is clear: to offer emerging fashion designers from the South Pacific region the tools and support needed to succeed in the fashion world. This includes structured mentorship, targeted training, and access to vital industry exposure. Our vision is to become the leading platform for launching sustainable and diverse fashion brands, nurturing a new generation of designers who will lead with creativity, culture, and innovation.

Core Offerings

The not-for-profit is committed to delivering high-value programs that cater to designers at every stage of their journey. Our offerings focus on skill development and long-term growth:

• Bespoke Training: We provide targeted masterclasses, covering essential areas such as fashion design, business management, and brand development. These include workshops on sustainable fashion practices, marketing, and the latest digital fashion tools—both online and in-person.
• Mentorship & Networking: Our mentorship program pairs emerging designers with industry veterans who guide them through regular portfolio reviews, event preparation, and skill-building check-ins. We also offer exclusive opportunities to showcase their work at high-profile fashion events.
• Community & Capability Building: Our membership model fosters a supportive community, giving designers access to exclusive resources like fabric suppliers, fashion tech platforms, and manufacturing partners. These collaborations provide practical industry experience and meaningful growth opportunities.