Culture is an anchor — especially for our young people — and so Indigenous motifs are never “just design” to me. They are reminders of where we come from
My parents and my Rotuma community taught me an important lesson. When youth are grounded in culture, they find something deeper than confidence. They are strong in their values, identity, and ways of being. Our traditional customs can steady young people through change, pressure, and uncertainty. It helps them meet life with integrity.
That grounding matters more than ever, because one of the greatest challenges facing Fiji and the Pacific is climate change. In moments where the future feels fragile, culture reminds us who we are. It shows us what we carry. It highlights what we are responsible for protecting.
It’s also why we need a more intergenerational approach to decision-making and development. Young people should not be spoken about as “future leaders.” They must be included as voices living this reality right now.
In the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the youngest community leaders in this country. She is the Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services. From Lekutu in Bua, Vani Catanasiga reminded me of the value of intergenerational leadership. Even more, the importance of faith and culture in community work. Seeing how she carries those foundations into her leadership of the country’s largest community development organisation was a powerful reminder.
The strongest leadership is often the kind that knows exactly where it comes from.
So when the organisers asked for “black,” Team Suva’s goal was to bring Indigenous culture and motifs into the frame — to honour Viti in our very first photoshoot for the Miss Fiji Pageant. In a theme that could easily become only about colour, the intention was to make it about meaning.
That’s why it felt right to wear KUIVITI Pacific — one of the labels in this country that is truly synonymous with Indigenous Pacific pride. It was my honour to wear an ensemble custom-made for me by the designer behind the label. Epeli Tuibeqa is also the Creative Director behind my team of chaperones.
“We are absolutely thrilled. We feel deeply honoured to see Rhyelle Aisea – Miss Suva 2025 shine in her first official shoot. She showcases the powerful spirit of Indigenous design,” Kuiviti’s Epeli Tuibeqa said.
“Your commitment to wearing our diverse culture as an anchor is truly inspiring for all our young people. Rhyelle, we are supporting you every step of the way! Keep glowing, keep leading, and keep anchoring us all in the beauty of our heritage. We can’t wait to see what you do next!”
Epeli’s work gave me a quiet power—not loud, not forced—just confident, grounded, and unmistakable from home. I am so grateful for the way God has brought us together.
This shoot was also a reminder. Representation isn’t only about being seen. It’s about how we are seen and what we choose to carry into the frame.
If young people can look at images like these and feel proud of their identity, proud of their motifs, proud of their culture — then the work is already doing something important.
I hope the outfit reminds our youth that when instructions are given, they can respectfully add individual flair. They can also add personality and purpose to the way the look is carried out.
A special acknowledgement to Miss South Pacific 2011, Alisi Rabukawaqa. She was one of my chaperones and the stylist for this shoot. She brought her experience, eye, care and Mana to every detail.
I am deeply grateful to my youth support team. The content creators, Vasiti Rakarawa and Esther Rova, captured the day so beautifully. They kept the energy light, supportive, and full of laughter.
Still glowing and grateful. Ready for what’s next.
#MissFijiPageant2025 #MissSuva #KUIVITIPacific #EpeliTuibeqa #AlisiRabukawaqa #IndigenousDesign #BlackShoot #Youth #Culture #ClimateAction #IntergenerationalLeadership #VinakaVakalevu
Wasa Ni Tadra, Miss Suva’s official fabric printer, proudly supports her wardrobe.
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