Model Citizen

Reijeli Maraiwai Yalibau

August 3, 2025

Meet Reijeli Maraiwai Yalibau, at 30 years old, already a 15 year veteran of international runways and one of our region’s top models.

KaiViti-Australian Reijeli* grew up in Suva, Fiji before moving to Australia, “that’s where we lived when it was time for school, but as soon as school was done we’d all go to my mums village, it’s a small village just pass Korovou town.

That’s where I learned to cook, to bake, to sew, to farm, that’s where I earned my first dollar selling mandarins on the Kings Highway, that’s where I learnt to survive really. When I think of home, that’s where I think of.”

Currently a fashion student / part-time model and full-time mum, Sydney based Reijeli is also a thrifting-whisperer, a talent she uses to help other mothers find their style-mojo as a Personal Thrifting Stylist.

Find out more in the INTRODUCING SHOPERA HOUSE editorial starring Reijeli.

Book Reijeli: models@thestylander.com

Photographed by Dusk Devi Vision

1. 5 songs that are your current mood.
‘Tintarella De Luna’ – Mina / ‘Keep Driving’ – Harry Styles / ‘Feels Like I’m falling in Love’ – Coldplay / ‘Bye Baby’ – Ruby Turner / ‘Waves’ – Kanye West

2. When did you start modelling and what was it for?
I was 15 and it was for Fiji Fashion Week, runway but also promo shoots.

Image by Pedro Virgil for Fiji Fashion Week 2013.

Then there were also community based fashion shows like charity luncheons, which I enjoyed, plus experiences with [major Fiji department store] Tappoo City, We had to be literal mannequins standing in the window. Modelling took me on my first overseas trip, to Port Moresby, PNG for their Fashion Week.

I modelled in Fiji for 5 years then migrated to Australia just before my 20th birthday, and immediately joined [legendary names] Ethnic Model Management** and Pacific Runway.

3. Runway or photoshoot; what do you prefer and Why?

Honestly I’m more in my element with Runway because that’s what I’m used to, but I’m going to say photoshoots because I’m able to express myself more, change my moods/facial expressions to match whatever look we’re shooting…and it’s a lot more fun on set.

4. Favourite modelling moments:

RUNWAY: Opening the Fiji Fashion Week Resort Show 2014, walking for [top tier Fiji designer] Hupfield Hoerder.

I wore a gorgeous, voluminous, [signature HH] orange skirt with matching hat, the top was just layers of flower garlands, salusalu, enough to cover the front completely, leaving the back bare. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever worn!

It also happened to be my last walk for FJFW and I knew it then, so I really took my time down the runway with that look, it deserved it.

PHOTOSHOOT: this would have to be the one with [*TS Publisher, photographer Dusk Devi] in 2015. That bold red lip by the pool and the black backdrop one with pigtails. Two completely different looks shot on the same day!

5. What do you think makes someone a model and not just a pretty face?
I think versatility and work ethic. Being able to understand then deliver the desired look of the designer/photographer. And then have the work ethic to back it up, killer combo.

6. Photographer Dusk Devi says “Reijeli radiates a drop dead gorgeous coolness that elevates everything she wears. Despite her experience and popularity, and really because of it, she remains humble, congenial, caring, understands how to take direction and is a pleasure to photograph.”

Why do you think you are a good model?

This is a tough one, I think for me, it’s my ability to commit to a project and see it through. I remember one particular shoot I did where it was absolutely freezing and we were at the beach for over 6 hours but you’d never know I was freezing my butt off when the images came out.

7. What is fashion to you?

To me fashion is like my superpower. When I put on an outfit I’ve carefully put together, for that day, and then wear it out, I immediately walk taller, I walk with purpose for the things I will accomplish that day. My days immediately become more productive.

In some ways it sort of saved me… or at least it got me through postpartum depression.

8. What is your personal style signature / your favourite look?
I’m not sure I have one but I do love a “tomboy femme” look, I think that’s what they’re calling it! It’s pretty much boyish streetwear but with a feminine touch, but I also do love a good 50s style dress with a matching set of pearls and pumps… I’m just a girl 🙂

9. How did you get into thrifting?
Oh I’ve been thrifting my whole life. When I was little, I would save money just so I could go to Value City and buy clothes. I was the sibling you would borrow clothes from

10. What is your ultimate dream job?
A freelance fashion stylist.

11. Tell us about your thrifting gig and its name “Thrifty Maramas”
@thriftymaramas__
Oh I tried to play with Mamas and Marama that’s why it’s spelt MAraMA but I realized quickly that the non Fijian mamas would not get it so the name is a work in progress.

I started it mostly for the Mamas 🙂 I wanted to show mums that it was possible to still look and feel good after kids. Yes it may take a little effort and it definitely doesn’t need to break your bank. That’s why all the outfits I put together are thrifted or repurposed hand me downs from my mum or my sisters.

12. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done (so far)?
Honestly… grow 2 human beings inside me and then nurture and take care of them every SINGLE DAY, without sick days. This mum shit is crazy beautiful man! Shoutout to all the moms, you are the ONE.

13. If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

Bible. Pocketknife. Journal (& pen). Lip balm. A long faux fur jacket.

14. If you could “plug-in” and immediately master any skill in the world, what would it be?
Master of language. That was my biggest takeaway from Fashion Week this year, I need to learn more languages. Mandarin is #1 on that list.

15. THREE things you love about yourself…. and ONE thing you would change.
I love the way I was brought up, in the islands. I’m always proud of that.

Gift of giving – I will give you my last dollar if you need help and I have done this many times before. Probably need to change this and take care of myself first lol
I compliment strangers daily, usually it’s for their outfits or their hair but I love the smile I get back from strangers when it happens.

One thing I would change is how I see myself. That’s something I’m working on right now.

For too long I’ve believed the bullies in school and the bullies in my adult life and their opinions of me that I almost lost track of who I know I am… and who I was raised to be.

~TS~

PRONUNCIATION:

Reijeli: Rrey – CHeli

Maraiwai: MA – rrye – why

Yalibau: Yah/leem-bow

“kai Viti”- preferred term to denote indigenous person of Fiji

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