The iconic APEC House in Port Moresby came alive as Papua New Guinea’s annual fashion showcase officially opened PNG Fashion Week 2026. 

Hosted by Kurie Endopio, the inaugural Miss Enga Province and deputy Miss Papua New Guinea 2025, the vibrant opening night set the stage for a landmark event.

Officially declaring the event open, Miss Enga welcomed guests with a clear vision for the nation’s creative identity.

“Tonight, we come together to celebrate the extraordinary creativity, cultural identity, and fashion talent of Papua New Guinea.”

“PNG Fashion Week is more than a runway. It is a national and regional platform that connects fashion with business, culture, tourism, employment, education, and economic opportunity.”

Expanding on the industry’s strategic direction, Endopio highlighted “Fashion, Business, Culture, and Future” as this year's theme in guiding pillars, framing them as the bedrock for a stronger, more sustainable creative sector across Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.

The two-day event features the Pacific Fashion Markets, which was held today, tomorrow’s Pacific Fashion Summit, and three major runway showcases. 

The evening kick-started with the National Kolos Runway alongside the PNG Fashion Icons Show, setting an energetic tone before Saturday night’s signature main event, Genesis.

The grand opening also acknowledged key institutional and corporate backing, with Endopio expressing sincere gratitude to the New Zealand High Commission for supporting the summit and fashion week, alongside the National Cultural Commission for promoting national heritage and expression.

In concluding her remarks, Endopio reminded attendees of Papua New Guinea’s profound cultural richness, encompassing more than 800 languages and a thousand tribes.