Last week one of the top fashion business in Samoa called MENA came to our island to release their newest fashion range.
MENA is a family owned, contemporary fashion brand that reflects and celebrates the vibrant and enriching South Pacific heritage.
The fashion house started in Samoa in 2002 by making Samoan dresses and puletasi (two-piece garments). The business has since grown not only in Samoa but in New Zealand too, becoming very popular and well known for there resort wear, cocktail and evening dresses — all with their signature Pacific prints. They also include men’s shirts in their lines.
Last week Friday evening, at the Tradewinds Hotel- Pavillion, in Ottovile — MENA introduced their newly released line to American Samoa in a highly successful fashion show. Called the “Koko Kaftan” collection — the fashion house launched it first in Auckland in May this year, then in Samoa recently.
“Now we are excited to have launched it in American Samoa where we have a loyal MENA following,” says Gina Loheni, one of the owners/ designers of MENA, in an interview with Samoa News.
The owners/designers of MENA are Mena Loheni and her four daughters Agnes, Jackie, Gina and Charlene. “We are passionate about our business because it ties in everything that we love under one roof — fashion, culture, color, heritage and of course family!”
“The fashion show was amazing and I loved everything about it,” said Racheal Whitcombe, a local fan of MENA fashion.
Models were all local and seemed to enjoy themselves as they showcased MENA Pacific inspired prints on the catwalk.
“MENA is one of my favorites in Samoa as they are very unique with their style, so I feel honored to model one of their awesome works”, says former Miss American Samoa Anneliese Sword, who was one of the models.
Highlighted also were men’s fashion — James Tailored — by Jerry Brunt, who is from Samoa and was one of the organizers of the event.
Nelly Samoa and Ozki DJ were part of the entertainment, which included delicious refreshments and exotic drinks. It kept the crowd going and wanting to see more. Of note, the fashion show included impressive lighting, allowing the crowd to totally enjoy the ‘catwalk’ as models strutted their Koko Kaftans.
MENA collaborated with many of the talented and professional artists from Samoa, who call themselves — the Manaia Events — comprising Peata’s Salon, The Ozki Band, Taupou Manaia, Orator Hotel, and many others who helped to make the fashion show possible last Friday evening.
Manaia Events’ Peata Pula of Peata’s Salon told Samoa News, “The show went smoothly. Venue was beautiful with a good turn out. I would definitely come back as I love American Samoa.”
MENA fashions can be found online at: www.menashop.com
