Geoff and Nini Eri, the creative force behind OFAE Arts, are set to bring a powerful narrative of family, cultural identity, and Papua New Guinean enterprise to PNG Fashion Week 2026.

The emerging label will present its latest collection at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on September 18 and 19, marking its second runway appearance following a successful debut in Brisbane in July 2026.

Designed for Papua New Guineans both at home and across the global diaspora, OFAE Arts was founded with a clear and deeply personal purpose: to create garments that allow wearers to proudly declare, “I am from Papua New Guinea.”

For Geoff, the foundation of the brand was laid long before his entry into fashion. Born at St Theresa Hospital in Hohola, Port Moresby, he spent parts of his childhood in Sydney and Canberra while his father, the late Sir Vincent Serei Eri, served as a diplomat representing Papua New Guinea in Australia.

Sir Vincent- a distinguished author, public servant, diplomat, and former Governor-General, was also a passionate hobby oil painter. Watching his father create art sparked a lifelong passion for drawing and visual design in Geoff.

“My greatest influence was my father,” Geoff said. “From an early age, I became interested in painting and drawing.”

The family’s roots in Gulf Province remain central to the label’s aesthetic. Though raised between Hohola and Australia, Geoff identifies Louapo in Iokea village as home.

The rich heritage of Toaripi culture, traditional Gulf carvings, and the artwork that adorned his childhood home continue to shape his artistic vision.

At the core of OFAE Arts’ identity is the emblem of the crocodile, inspired by Sir Vincent’s landmark 1970 book The Crocodile—widely celebrated as the first novel published by a Papua New Guinean author.

Looking ahead, Geoff aims to translate the novel’s themes, stories, and characters into contemporary fashion, turning a pivotal piece of PNG’s literary history into wearable art.

What began as a modest passion project, starting with a single black PNG polo shirt Geoff designed while living in Blackwater, Queensland, quickly gained traction.

Encouraged by family and local PNG community members in Blackwater and Emerald, the initiative evolved into a full-fledged brand serving the global diaspora.

The trajectory of OFAE Arts also underscores the immense economic potential within Papua New Guinea's creative sectors.

Every locally conceptualized garment generates secondary economic activity, fueling jobs across design, manufacturing, printing, modelling, photography, marketing, retail, logistics, and event production.

Furthermore, culturally distinctive apparel creates high-value export potential across diaspora networks, tourism, and sportswear.

Yet, turning a creative vision into a viable business has presented significant hurdles.

Geoff is candid about navigating financial setbacks, manufacturing bottlenecks, and the steep learning curve of commercial operations.

“Cut your losses, learn from them and start again.”

These challenges have ultimately honed the brand’s dedication to material quality, precise manufacturing, and refined craftsmanship.

Moreover, Geoff’s journey mirrors the reality for many emerging PNG designers; creators rich in cultural innovation who require greater structural access to manufacturing, capital, professional development, and international retail markets.