40 women trained in sewing by Fashion Designer Alvarado

August 31, 2024 4:13 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Amona Kellen.

A one-week sewing training took place at the Transpacific Building in Port Vila this week. Organised by fashion designer Vanessa Alvarado under the initiative “We Create Fashion,” the training saw the participation of 40 local women.

Vanessa Alvarado, a fashion designer who studied sewing in her home country for four years, moved to Vanuatu in 2020. Unable to return to the United States (U.S.) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to establish a small sewing business to help local women learn about dressmaking and design. She launched her sewing business in 2021.

During the training, Ms Alvarado shared her experiences and explained how she began her journey. “I knew a few Ni-Vans at that time, and they supported my business and encouraged me to arrange a monthly one-week class to teach more women about sewing,” she said.

Fashion design involves creating clothing, footwear, and accessories with a focus on aesthetics, utility, and marketability. Designers draw inspiration from various sources, including art, culture, history, and current trends, to develop unique designs that appeal to consumers. Ms Alvarado emphasised these aspects during the training.

Each woman chose her own style of sewing, creating island dresses as well as children’s shirts and other garments. Participants learned to make various island dress designs and were also introduced to New Caledonian dress styles, catering to those interested in broader design techniques. Ms Alvarado is satisfied with the turnout and the positive impact of the training, encouraging more girls and mothers interested in sewing to attend future sessions.