An emerging Papua New Guinean designer has taken her collection to the international stage of Pacific Runway 2016 in Sydney.

Winner of the inaugural Stella Runway 2016 Designer of the Year Award, Genevieve Igara-Falevai, the designer and founder of Wantok Clothing in Papua New Guinea, showcased her unique Papua New Guinea designs at Pacific Runway 2016 in October.


An accidental fashion designer, Genevieve passed on a career in economics to follow her passion to create beautiful garments with a Papua New Guinean twist. Starting her label in 2015, Genevieve has been awarded Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Project Runway 2015 and 2016; Stella Runway 2016 Designer of the Year; and dresser for Miss Papua New Guinea 2015 and 2016.


The Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea partnered with Stella Magazine and Sydney-based Raffles College of Design and Commerce for the Stella Runway 2016 Designer of the Year Award, supporting Genevieve to participate in training in Sydney, as well as Pacific Runway 2016.

Raffles College of Design and Commerce in Sydney offered Genevieve a five-day business and fashion mentoring program in October leading up to her participation in Pacific Runway. Genevieve will also benefit from a twelve-month mentorship with the college on brand development.

Stella Magazine photographed Genevieve's collection in iconic Sydney locations which will be published in a future edition of the magazine.