Utah Pacific Fashion

Dec 27

Improving my documentation of work has been a self-identified area for growth. Juggling multiple projects, I often neglect to showcase the significant effort invested in their success. Now, it's time to shed light on one of the most impactful projects I contributed to earlier this year.

A close friend, Afa Ah Loo, invited me to join a team of creatives for the launch of Utah Pacific Fashion (UPF). The objective was to organize a groundbreaking fashion show spotlighting Pacific Islander designers from across the globe, providing them with a platform to showcase their designs in Utah. UPF marked the first fashion show of its kind in Salt Lake City, and we collectively recognized its potential to benefit and inspire the growing Pacific Islander community in Utah. With just a few months to prepare for the show, I knew immediately upon joining that it would be a demanding endeavor.

*Robin has entered the chat

My involvement with UPF began in April, with the fashion show looming in July. Tasked as the Social Media Manager for UPF, the reality of startup dynamics meant wearing numerous hats and embracing responsibilities beyond the job title. I wasn't solely responsible for posting content; I was also tasked with content creation and marketing to drive ticket sales for the fashion show. Balancing this role with my full-time position as a Customer Success Manager at a tech company presented a considerable challenge. However, given my deep passion for representation within the Pacific Islander community in the fashion industry, I eagerly accepted the position. The opportunity was too compelling to turn down. How could I say no?!

In the limited time leading up to the show, I produced content that aligned with UPF's branding, resulting in a 33% increase in Instagram followers, culminating in a sold-out show with over 600 attendees. As the moment arrived, featuring 18 designers and over 100 models ready to grace the runway, the anticipation reached its peak.

Words fail to express the joy that came from witnessing my Pasifika community showcase their talents. UPF successfully curated a fashion show that seamlessly blended culture and creativity. A noteworthy aspect was the diverse representation on display. While all designers were Pacific Islanders, UPF invited individuals of all ethnicities, genders, and sizes to casting calls. The runway became a canvas for everyone to catch a glimpse of themselves, creating a profoundly beautiful experience that was able to resonate with anyone that attended the show.

As we gear up for the exciting ventures of 2024, I am thrilled to announce my collaboration with the innovative team behind UPF to introduce the Creative Pacific Foundation! Elevating the fashion show into a comprehensive six-day event, I am honored to take on the role of Creative Director. Anticipate an even greater infusion of representation in Utah's creative landscape. Explore our schedule and seize the opportunity to be a part of this transformative event as a designer, model, HMUA, or sponsor by visiting creativepacific.org!