Local fashion designer Tanya Whiteside made significant strides in the commercial fashion industry by launching her fashion showcase in Suva, as reported by The Fiji Times on November 12, 1992.
The article highlighted that Ms. Whiteside, one of the South Pacific’s most talented young couturiers, along with her business partner and husband, Robert Gho, would use the showcase to retail her designer collection.
This new fashion outlet was the first of its kind in the South Pacific.
“In fact, the boutique is an expression of all elements Robert and I personally desire in a retail outlet — a cool, comfortable and unhurried atmosphere, soft relaxing background music, pleasant, experienced sales service and staff, and a top-quality product,” stated the article.
“We want our customers to experience enjoyment, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfilment when they buy Tanya Whiteside.”
Customers at the new Tanya Whiteside outlet would receive personal attention from the designer herself.
While she had two assistants trained to cater to customers’ needs, Ms. Whiteside would be available in the boutique for several hours each day to offer advice and assist customers.
Mr. Gho said the venture marked a new phase of development in the couple’s retail enterprise, Tanya Whiteside Ltd (TW Ltd), which they established in 1987.
Since its inception in early 1988, TW Ltd focused mainly on designing and exporting semi-exclusive leisurewear to Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.
However, a growing demand for exclusive Tanya Whiteside items locally highlighted the need for an outlet catering to people wanting to buy the TW label. “Our Suva shop is that gutsy step in faith that many business people have to take at some stage in their careers. For Tanya and me, that time is now,” he said.
“Having the boutique means we have control over our own merchandise and the freedom to retail our exclusive items in the way we feel is best.
“Tanya has a unique gift as a fashion designer and an artist, and marketing and retailing her items require very special attention and promotion.”
Recently, Ms. Whiteside has been able to devote more time to the artistic element of her designs.
“In the pieces on display in the new boutique, customers will find the real me.
“Because I am not designing for export where market tastes and trends can dictate or have a considerable bearing on a collection, there’s a greater sense of freedom and fun in the color and design combinations of the garments on sale.
“Designing for simplicity of style, versatility, comfort, and enjoyment is a joyful challenge for me.”
Starting their journey in late 1977, Ms. Whiteside and Mr. Gho entered their business proposal for fashion designing and marketing in the first-ever Fiji Development Bank/Westpac Banking Corporation-sponsored Start Your Own Business Competition.
They won first place and used their prize money to launch their fledgling business.
“Fashion is an extremely difficult market to enter. We managed to win orders from individual importers from New Zealand, Denmark, and New Caledonia.
“Robert and I intend on knocking on international doors, but our new venture in Suva, which we are both very enthusiastic about, has given us new focus in our business enterprise. It has given us confidence not only in ourselves but also in our country.”