Emerging Papua New Guinean designer David Rei Kila-Pat is preparing to represent Papua New Guinea on regional and international fashion stages this year, with scheduled showcases in Samoa, Australia and at PNG Fashion Week 2026.
The founder of Maimai Designs has been selected for a series of appearances across the Pacific following his rise through PNG Fashion Week, where he first entered the national fashion scene in 2024 and established himself as one of the platform’s promising young designers.
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Drawing inspiration from his heritage in Oro Province and New Ireland Province, David’s collections blend Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity with contemporary Pacific fashion and have gained increasing recognition across the creative sector.
His growing profile includes contributing to the traditional costume worn during the Miss Pacific Islands 2025 competition, which helped secure the regional title for Papua New Guinea and highlighted local cultural artistry on a Pacific stage.
Beyond fashion showcases, David remains active in community and creative initiatives across Port Moresby and within his home provinces through garment production, cultural projects, mentorship and collaborative work aimed at promoting cultural expression and community development.
Industry peers and collaborators have recognized him not only for his design ability but also for his professionalism and collaborative approach within the fashion community.
“David represents the very best of what PNG Fashion Week seeks to achieve,” said Brigette Kassman, Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of PNG Fashion Week.
“He is talented, hardworking, respectful and deeply connected to his culture. Since joining the platform, he has demonstrated remarkable growth both professionally and personally.
“We are incredibly proud to see him taking his work beyond Papua New Guinea and representing our country on regional stages. His success reflects the opportunities that exist when young people are given a platform to develop their talents and pursue their creative ambitions.”
David’s international showcase schedule begins in July 2026 when he travels to Samoa to participate in LifeCon alongside Pacific designers and creatives.
On August 1, 2026, he will travel to Brisbane, Australia, to feature as one of the headline designers at Paradise Runway, a PNG Fashion Week-supported event celebrating Pacific fashion, culture and creativity.
The showcase will bring together designers from across the region and provide Australian audiences with exposure to contemporary Papua New Guinean fashion.
Following his overseas appearances, David will return to Papua New Guinea to present his latest collection at PNG Fashion Week 2026 at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on September 18–19.
As one of the platform’s emerging talents, he is expected to be among the standout designers featured during the national event.
PNG Fashion Week Founder and Managing Director Philma Kelegai said the platform continues to focus on identifying and developing local creative talent while creating pathways into regional and international markets.
As Papua New Guinea’s national fashion platform, PNG Fashion Week supports designers, models, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to develop skills and expand opportunities.
David’s progression from local design work to regional showcases reflects the growing recognition of Papua New Guinean fashion across the Pacific and highlights opportunities available to emerging creatives through industry platforms.
His journey continues to demonstrate how cultural storytelling, creativity and sustained commitment are helping position Papua New Guinean fashion on the regional stage.