Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will carry a powerful story of faith, family, and cultural identity onto the international stage when she presents Baseman Designs at PNG Fashion Week 2026.

Born in New Zealand, raised in South Auckland, and now based in Australia, Joy will join designers from Papua New Guinea and across the region at APEC Haus in Port Moresby from 18 to 19 September.

Her appearance marks an important new chapter in a creative journey shaped by personal adversity, family sacrifice, and an enduring commitment to honouring Samoa through design.

“This opportunity to participate in PNG Fashion Week is a blessing and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Joy said. “I am deeply humbled and grateful to represent my culture, my family and my community on an international stage.”

Joy’s earliest memories of fashion stem from the Samoan weddings she attended as a child.

She remembers watching brides change between dresses and seeing bridesmaids arrive in colourful gowns that reminded her of Cinderella.

Already passionate about drawing and graffiti-inspired art, Joy received awards for her artwork at school.

However, it would take many years- and the encouragement of her family- before she began to see herself as a fashion designer.

Her creative identity is deeply connected to her ancestral villages of Faleasi‘u, Siumu, and Papa Sataua.

Her work draws inspiration from Samoa’s rich colours, siapo patterns, traditional textiles, island landscapes, and the sacred cultural symbolism associated with the malu and pe‘a.

Joy describes Samoa’s language, ceremonies, sacred practices, and inherited knowledge as measina- treasures that must be protected and passed on with care.

“I blend my Samoan culture with contemporary fashion by creating with respect and purpose.”

“Every design must honour the meaning, integrity and stories of our heritage.”

Baseman Designs takes its name from Joy’s husband, Galumalemana Auimatagi Paese, a graphic designer with more than 40 years of experience.

During his career, clients who struggled to pronounce Paese began calling him “Baseman,” and the nickname eventually became the name of the family business.

Auimatagi’s guidance encouraged Joy to learn new design tools and explore how Samoan art and cultural motifs could be incorporated into garments, accessories, streetwear, sports apparel, promotional products, and clothing created for significant family occasions.

Joy’s first garment was not created for a runway. It was a formal dress for her daughter during a time when the family was experiencing financial difficulty and her daughter was facing bullying.

Joy wanted the dress to remind her daughter that she was strong, beautiful, and worthy, and that her dark skin and Samoan identity were sources of pride.

“I wanted her attire to express her response. I wanted her to stand tall, walk proudly and enjoy her evening.”

That garment established the philosophy that continues to guide Baseman Designs: fashion can carry messages that words alone cannot express. It can restore confidence, honour identity, and remind people of their worth.

Joy’s journey has also been profoundly influenced by her son, Lofa, who has special needs.

As his full-time carer, she spent many years placing the needs of her family before her personal ambitions.

She recalls experiencing painful attitudes towards disability, including an incident during a visit to Samoa in 2004 when people stared at her and Lofa as though they were carrying an illness.

Rather than allowing those experiences to defeat her, Joy made them part of her purpose.

“I almost gave up, but God blessed me with my special-needs son and gave me a purpose to be strong,” she said. “Lofa has taught me to love and to serve in every way.”

Her work now carries a message for anyone who has felt excluded because of disability, appearance, financial circumstances, or social expectations: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and proud.

The turning point in Joy’s fashion journey came when she attended Paradise Runway in Queensland in 2026.

Seeing Pacific fashion confidently presented on the runway changed the way she viewed her own potential.

Supported by designer Mareva Bower, Joy contributed Samoan-inspired headpieces and accessories to the event.

“Paradise Runway changed my direction. I felt that God had done this for me and my family and had begun opening doors.”

Now, Baseman Designs will take its next major step at PNG Fashion Week. Joy hopes the collection will allow audiences to feel the courage, strength, beauty, and dignity of Samoa.

Her longer-term creative vision includes presenting the full ceremonial attire of a Taupou- the daughter of a high chief and a Manaia, the son of a high chief.

For Joy, these garments are not just seen as costumes; they represent village pride, service, family heritage, and cultural responsibility.

“What makes my work stand out is the heart, culture and purpose behind every piece.”

“The deeper message behind my work is love, identity and purpose. Fashion can be more than something we wear.”

“It can carry our stories, honour our loved ones, represent our families and keep our culture alive.”

Joy hopes to develop Baseman Designs across New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, the United States, and Europe while remaining firmly grounded in her faith and cultural values.

She also wants her journey to encourage the next generation of Pacific creatives to overcome fear, believe in their abilities, and refuse to allow humble beginnings to limit their dreams.

“I want the world to know that I am Baseman Designs- Joy Paese, grounded in faith, family and culture.”

“Everything I create is by God’s grace. I design because God blessed me with a gift, and through His grace, purpose can grow from the humblest beginnings.”

PNG Fashion Week 2026 will be held on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, at APEC Haus in Port Moresby.