November is Hawai‘i Fashion Month, and the goal is to showcase local talent and promote sustainable statewide growth of this industry. Events highlight designers, stylists, manufacturers, retailers, photographers, hair and make-up artists, and much more. HPR’sNoeTanigawa reports on an upcoming discussion of the business of fashion.
A discussion and networking session with fashion professionals happens this Friday, November 6th, 6:30-8:30, at the Honolulu Design Center Cupola Theatre. It's called "HIFI Connects: The Business of HI Fashion." Last year this networking event attracted 200 participants and promises to be as successful this year. Featured presenters include:
- Malia Jones, Malia Jones Swim, a Hawaii born designer, model, and professional surfer who has launched an eponymous swim and resort wear line.
- Robert Ikeda, Circle Group Inc and Cameron Hawaii, an LA based consultant and designer that works with brands to brand, develop and produce their lines, and whose family has deep roots in the Hawaii garment industry.
- Kay Sides, HATch Inc., the Hawaii-born owner of one of LA and New York’s most prestigious showrooms, HATCh Inc., which represents brands including James Perse, and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.
Find out more about Kay Sides’ business, HATch Inc., fashion showroom galleries in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas that manage and present the work of select contemporary designers.
If you’re looking for opportunities to buy some locally designed clothing:
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 The Royal Hawaiian Center’s “Royal Designer Walk” will include trunk shows, designer “meet & greets” and pre-season sales at participating merchants who carry local designs.
Times: 6 to 6:45 p.m. VIP Reception & Fashion Exhibit
Building C lawn
7 to 8 p.m. Royal Designer Walk
Trunk shows and designer “meet & greets” at various stores.
8 to 8:45 p.m. Royal Grove Fashion Show
Local design student creations in the Royal Grove
This year’s HONOLULU Fashion Week, November 20-22 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, promises to be bigger and better. Entry to the Marketplace and runway fashion shows are free
Pop up shops will feature works by established Hawai‘i designers like Sig Zane, Amos Kotomori, Manuheali’i, and Reyn Spooner, alongside up and comers like Rumi Murakami, Kini Zamora, In4mation, Roberta Oaks, Ten Tomorrow, Language of the Birds, Alison Izu, and Matt Bruening.
Over fifty designers are confirmed at this posting, including four international designers who will be showcased this year: Todd Snyder from New York, Ellery by Kym Ellery from Sydney, LIE SANGBONG by Lie Sang Bong from Seoul and Aula Aila by Yukimi Kawashima from Tokyo.
Check the HONOLULU Fashion Week site for a full schedule, including links to featured designers.
Find background on the fashion industry through the Hawai'i Fashion Incubator, HIFI.
