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Susana Samuels & LavaLani Designs: Preserving Fijian Culture Through Sustainable Couture
Suva, Fiji — In the heart of the Pacific Islands, where tradition, storytelling, craftsmanship, and nature remain deeply connected to everyday life, Fijian designer Susana Samuels is redefining the future of Pacific fashion through her label, LavaLani Designs.
Blending traditional Fijian cultural motifs with modern couture silhouettes, Samuels has become one of the leading creative voices emerging from Fiji’s growing international fashion movement. Through a design philosophy centered around sustainability, cultural preservation, femininity, and craftsmanship, LavaLani Designs represents a new generation of Pacific designers bringing indigenous identity to the global fashion stage.
Founded in Fiji and named after her daughters Lava and Lani, the brand originally began with the creation of Masi-inspired wedding gowns and couture pieces for family, friends, pageants, and special occasions. Over time, Susana Samuels evolved from self-taught designer into a fully developed pattern maker and couture creator recognized for her sophisticated use of traditional Fijian bark cloth aesthetics, known locally as Masi.
Masi, one of Fiji’s most important cultural art forms, carries deep ancestral meaning throughout the islands. The motifs and patterns often represent stories, villages, identities, ceremonies, and community heritage passed down across generations. Rather than simply reproducing traditional aesthetics, Samuels approaches these cultural elements with deep respect and responsibility, carefully integrating them into contemporary fashion in ways that preserve their meaning while introducing them to new audiences worldwide.
Her work is strongly connected to local communities and traditional artisanship across Fiji. Inspired by the knowledge passed down through elders and family members, Samuels has spoken openly about her fascination with traditional Fijian prints from an early age, particularly through the influence of her grandmother and community heritage.
Susana Samuels & LavaLani Designs: The Spirit of Fiji Through Sustainable Couture
Today, LavaLani Designs specializes in couture gowns, bridal creations, resortwear, and custom-made fashion pieces using natural bark cloth inspiration, earthy tones, handcrafted details, and textile storytelling rooted in Pacific culture. The brand also works toward making traditional Fijian motifs and indigenous-inspired prints internationally recognizable as distinctly Fijian cultural expressions.
Beyond aesthetics, sustainability remains central to the philosophy of the brand.
In a global fashion industry increasingly searching for authenticity and responsible production, Pacific fashion offers a unique perspective grounded in craftsmanship, slow fashion values, community connection, and respect for nature. LavaLani Designs reflects these principles through cultural preservation, handmade production elements, local artistic collaboration, and meaningful storytelling through fashion.
Samuels has also emphasized the importance of educating younger generations about the meaning behind traditional motifs and patterns. Her goal is not only to create couture garments, but also to help preserve cultural identity and reconnect younger Pacific generations with their heritage through fashion and creativity.
Her growing international recognition reflects the rising global interest in Pacific fashion and indigenous design innovation.
LavaLani Designs has been showcased at Fiji Fashion Week and regional cultural events, while Susana Samuels was recently awarded Designer of the Year at Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week 2025. She also received recognition for Innovative Textile and Print Design for her creative reinterpretation of traditional Fijian motifs.
As part of her continued creative journey, Susana Samuels is also developing sustainable couture concepts inspired by Fiji and Pacific Island culture, further positioning Pacific fashion within the growing international conversation surrounding sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation.
“Fashion has the power to preserve culture, inspire future generations, and connect people around the world through creativity and purpose,” says Susana Samuels. “I want my work to honor Fiji, our traditions, and the beauty of Pacific identity while bringing our stories to an international audience.”
Instagram: @lavalani_designs
LavaLani - Celebrating Fiji Through Fashion and Craftsmanship
