Arthur (Afa) Folasa Ah Loo

The life of the one and only Arthur (Afa) Folasa Ah Loo was sadly taken on June 14, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 39 years old. Afa was born on October 24, 1985, in Apia, Samoa, to Taupouga (Fila) Folasa Samoa and Talauati Hunt. He was a proud Samoan, with roots in the villages of Falelima and Lotopa—communities he cherished and represented with honor throughout his life. Raised by his loving grandparents, Amioga and Samuelu Folasa, Afa grew up in Apia surrounded by love, culture, and creativity. It was in Samoa that he learned many life skills including sewing, weaving, baking, and serving others —skills and values that shaped his unique and beautiful spirit. His creativity blossomed in the islands and continued to flourish throughout his life. He never did anything halfway in life- not in his designs, not in his love, not in fashion shows where every small detail mattered, and definitely not in karaoke. Afa had a way of making everyone feel special and seen. He was a champion of ideas and a mentor and friend for all at any level. He had a sarcastic way of teasing unlike any other that was blunt and honest but made you laugh and feel loved at the same time. Those who really knew him, knew that he was a humble Samoan at heart and never cared much for recognition. He lived and breathed “community over competition” and wanted everyone to succeed. Afa attended BYU–Hawaii before moving to California, and later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Salt Lake City area from 2008 to 2010. During this time, he made lifelong friendships that became like family. After his mission, he returned to Samoa, then visited Utah again in 2015 to prepare for LA Fashion Week. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Laura Empey. Afa and Laura were married on September 23, 2016, in Salt Lake City. They made their home in Orem, Utah, where they welcomed their two beautiful children. In 2021, the family moved to Northern Utah, where Afa continued to grow his fashion business and expand his creative endeavors. As a fashion designer, Afa gained international notoriety for his extraordinary talent. The stunning and elegant creations that he deemed as “sweetly bold” were shown at fashion shows around the world and his work was internationally recognized. He proudly became the first Samoan fashion designer to appear on the television show Project Runway, and his work was featured at prestigious fashion shows and exhibits around the world—including creating designs for the Prime Minister of Samoa and a showcase at Buckingham Palace for the Queen. Despite all of his accomplishments, Afa’s proudest and most cherished title was simply the role of being “Dad”. He took more joy in making his children laugh than any runway show and his greatest joy was found in his family. His family was his greatest masterpiece. Afa is survived by his loving wife, Laura, and their children, Vera Amioga and Isaac Eti. He is also survived by his mother, Taupouga (Fila) Folasa Samoa; his siblings Herman William Ah Loo, Samuel Wolly Ah Loo, Ofeira Leanava Ah Loo Asuao (Ken), Fineaso Frankie Jr. Ah Loo, Theodora Alesana, Theodosia Alesana, and Phila Amioga Setoa; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Aliisha, Keira, Keon, Ali’i, To’a, Raymond, Delsa, Emma, William, Kalani, Pua, Kosega, Josiah, Jessie, Saphira and Floral. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Amioga and Samuelu Folasa, who lovingly raised him as his parents and who now welcome him home. Funeral services for Afa in celebration of his life will be held on, Friday, June 27, at 5:00 PM The Salt Palace Convention Center 100 South West Temple Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 Grand Ball Room A private service for family and close friends, followed by a graveside service, will take place the following day on Saturday, June 28. A special thank you to Serenity Funeral Home for their care during this time. The family of Afa Ah Loo extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time. Afa’s light impacted the lives of so many, and his legacy of love, creativity, and kindness will live on forever. Please share stories, memories, photos, and videos of Afa for his children HERE. Or email to LiveLikeAfa@gmail.com

Arthur (Afa) Folasa Ah Loo

October 24, 1985 - June 14, 2025