To bring in the celebration of Asian American/Pacific Islander month, SPC was invited to showcase a few of our creations at the 1st annual Taste of AAPI Festival in our own back yard, KC West Bottoms!
Honoring both our cultures, we decided to display the power and status of our Samoan side with our Manaia, Vincent Tuitea, in an attire consisting of a Cowrie shell Pale Fuiono (headpiece) and Fulumanu (feathers) adorning his head, Ula Fala (Pandanus fruit necklace) around his neck, Siapo (Paper Mulberry Tree Bark cloth) & feather Kiki (waist accessory) covering his groin area, with a To'oto'o (staff) by his side to represent the presence of being upper rank.
Bringing up our beautiful Taupou, representing the grace of our culture, Lexis Talato, was dressed with our traditionally assembled 9-point Abalone Tuiga (Crown), Pale Fuiono laid with leopard cowrie shells, Fulumanu tucked behind the lave (sticks) on top of her head, an Ula Nifo (Boar's tusk necklace) and Lopa seed layered necklace, Kukui Nut bracelets and anklets, Siapo ofu siva (Bark cloth dance dress), faux I'e Toga (fine mat) in a pleated ball gown style, Raffia Kiki and Macrame/Cowrie Fusi Pa'u (Belt) to tie the whole look together!
And as much as we are Samoan, our Tongan culture is just as prevalent in our lives!
Our vision was to balance both light and dark colors in our maiden's Tau'oluga (Traditional dance) outfit by blending browns with the vibrant colors of nature. Salina Tanumai pulled off a slick mid-bun look with a dried palm leaf Tekiteki (headpiece). To tie in the modern look, Salina had a great idea to wear a simple solid white dress underneath our embroidered faux Ta'uvala (Tongan fine mat) & floral Kiekie (waist accessory). Finishing out her outfit, we created a Kahoa (Tongan Lei) made of Ti leaves, Teuila petals (Ginger flower), Carnation petals, and Baby's Breath. A simple and clean design that can serve as an event outfit as well!
To balance Salina's modern twist, Lawrence Pio, wore a traditional woven Ta'uvala with intricate yarn patterns sewn in the fine mat and white Oxford shirt, marking the turn of the century of when Tonga was indicted into the British Commonwealth.
A huge thank you to our good friends at Reflections of Polynesia, Kri Chay, Big Uce Youth Outreach, and our family behind the scenes for making this showcase a successful possibility!
We are excited to announce that SPC will be showcasing at Taste of AAPI 2024 with more PI custom outfits from all 7 cultures!
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