Haute Squad on the Catwalk

What a night it was for Haute Polynesia! Months of preparation and planning leading up to this special evening! It was a FIRST for myself and most of my models, who are some of my closest and dearest friends. This was the first time I was able to complete a collection and showcase it publicly, and the first time most of my models grazed any sort of runway at an official event.

All pieces and select accessories were cut, handpainted, and sewn entirely by yours truly. A feat I'm definitely proud of. Oh wait! I actually have to give credit to my beloved daughter Sonaia (4 yrs. old) who helped me with some of the handpainted designs. Thank you baby!!

(Opening look) Modeled by the lovely Tali Serrano, this is a fun flirty look for a spunky spirit! d

Top: Trapeze blouse in linen w/ cold-shoulder red bell sleeves. Front and back of top is handpainted in the custom MONI Elei w/ gold paint.

Skirt: Full circle midi skirt in a rich espresso faux leather also handpainted in MONI Elei with gold paint.

(2nd look) Don't we love this silhouette? I call it The Sensual Sophisticate. Modeled by the ever intelligent but humble, Falesoa Sao.

Top: Low cut Corset vest w/ front lace-up and peplum waistline.

Pants: Extra voluminous culottes w/ side pockets. Handpainted w/ MONI Elei in bronze paint.

Accessories: Large shoulder flower in espresso faux leather w/ coconut button, leather waist belt.

(3rd look) Modeled by the handsome Paki Stanley was our first menswear outfit of the night.

Top: Two-toned vest. Front in off-white while back is solid brown. Elei is a custom design handpainted in brone and gold paint.

Bottom: Espresso faux leather ie faitaga

(Look #4) Slay all the way! This edgy, chic outfit is modeled by the ever so lovely Edel Vaovasa.

Top: Closed neckline, long-sleeved, peplum trimmed with black leather. Elei is our MONI design handpainted in ruby red paint.

Skirt: Full circle midi high-low hem handpainted w/ ruby red paint using our MONI Elei design.

(Look #5) Come on now! Bringing the fiery to all that class, modeled by the powerhouse beauty Faatuai Seumanutafa.

Jumpsuit: Long-sleeve cold-shoulder to full straight leg. Elei is a custom design handpainted in black, gold, bronze and outlined in gold glitter.

Accessories: Black leather belt.

(Look #6) A simple, but elegant take on semi-formal Polynesian menswear. Here we have Lincoln Luavasa modeling this look with charm and spruce.

Top: Linen long sleeved ofutino w/ mandarin collar. Elei custom design handpainted in gold and bronze paint.

Bottom: Linen Ie Faitaga w/ hem in espresso leather.

And our final look of the evening, modeled by the stunning Malu Luavasa. The print, the flow and movement of this gown calls for positive attention at any event.

Gown: Sweetheart neck, sleeveless fit to flare. Double ruffle hem high-low finish. Elei is custom design handpainted in black paint & outlined in red glitter paint.

Accessories: Ruffled neckerchief in black leather & red pleated waist sash.

"The Artist reveal" What an exciting moment I'm sure most fashion artists don't really think about but truly appreciate. You work so hard to make your vision come to life...Working day and night, obsessing over details, making sure your models are fitted and fully accessorized...hours and hours of work are showcased in dnder 15 minutes, displayed for all to enjoy (and JUDGE), and then the artist appears at the end for all to see the one who has created these pieces of art. Pretty nerve-wracking too!

Haute Squad takes a bow! I love you amazing people!