Hawaii Fashion Month

HFM2014 Week 2! Best Of Instagram

hawaiifashionincubator — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:03:31 +0000

Here’s our picks for the best IG shots around Honolulu Fashion Week and Hawaii Fashion Month 2014! Thanks to all who submitted. Be sure to tag #hfm2014 and tag @hawaiifashionmonth so we can find yours!

Nagaue’s Nurturing Work Ethic Earned Her 2014’s GFA Award

Chelsea Tsuchida — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:50:45 +0000

Joy Nagaue is this year’s recipient of the Governor’s Fashion Award.

As the department chair for Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology Program, Nagaue has taught fashion students at HCC for 35 years, first as a part-time lecturer and then as a full-time professor and head of the school’s fashion technology program since 1988.

The program, designed to teach students necessary technical skills such as clothing construction, industrial sewing, flat patternmaking, fashion sketching, and designing, also prepares them for a wide range of occupations in the fashion industry. But for Nagaue, the most important lesson she teaches her students is to care.

“Care about what you do, whatever it may be. If you do, everything will fall into place,” she said in an email interview. “Caring about what you do and how you do anything in life will always impact the results.”

Nagaue graduated from from the University of Hawaii with a BS in Fashion Design in 1969 and was a designer for Hilda Hawaii. But she made the choice to stay home and care for her two kids for six years before returning to work. “This time, I knew it had to be a job with a schedule similar to my children’s. So teaching was a good fit at that time,” she said.

Having graduated from UH at a time when she says “fashion was really big in Hawaii,” Nagaue believes that now, more than 40 years later, Hawaii’s community can rekindle that interest. But first, she says, we must also consider how our community has changed. “The population is different, our lifestyles are different. So our designs must fill a need to these changes.”

Nagaue’s interest in fashion started when she was just seven years old and sewing her own house slippers out of fabric scraps and cardboard. When she attended sewing school at 10 and made all of her and her family’s clothes, Nagaue said, “Fashion just seemed like a natural consequence.”

Her caring and nurturing approach, along with her expertise and experience, has helped produce many successful and well-recognized designers. Some of her famous alumni include “Project Runway” stars Jay Nicolas Sario, Ari Southiphong, and Kini Zamora, as well as Danene Lunn, owner of Manuhealii.

“Every designer is unique in Hawaii,” Nagaue said. “Our weather and lifestyle is so perfect. Designers should design for whatever interests them, like surfing, formal or casual wear, etc. Students need to just look at themselves for inspiration – the success will come.”

She attributes her work ethic and inspiration to her parents, who owned a small grocery store near her house in Palolo Valley. Taking a cue from her parents (who worked 12 to 15 hours a day for seven days a week), Nagaue works a minimum of 14 hours a day, six days a week. “I rest on Sunday,” she said, “if housework is rest.”

Of her 35 years at HCC, she said she’s never missed a single day of teaching, “except to attend ‘Project Runway,’ but I still consider that work days.”

Nagaue’s parents never discouraged her and never told her that she could not succeed. “They did everything possible to help me perfect my craft – sent me to sewing school from 10 to 15 years old, wore everything I made for them, and made sure I received an education to pursue my dreams,” she said.

And now Nagaue has provided that same support, encouragement, and guidance for so many aspiring designers and fashion students.

The Governor’s Fashion Award honors an outstanding individual that has served as an exemplary professional and member of the fashion community for at least 25 years, and has demonstrated leadership and innovation in an area of the industry.

Nagaue was selected unanimously by a nominating committee of respected professionals within Hawaii’s fashion community, including Dale Hope, Amos Kotomori, Nadine Kim, Paula Rath, and Paul Brown, and received the prestigious award on Sunday, Nov. 9, after the HIFI Connects panel, “The Business of Fashion,” at the Hawaii Convention Center.

In recognition of HCC’s contribution to Hawaii fashion, the public is encouraged to support HCC’s Fashion Technology Program fundraiser, titled “Full Circle,” on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 pm. Tickets for “Full Circle” can be purchased here. For more information about “Full Circle,” contact hccrsvp@hawaii.edu.

And The 2014 Governor’s Fashion Award Goes To…

hawaiifashionincubator — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:39:19 +0000

Governor Neil Abercrombie will present the 2014 Governor’s Fashion Award (GFA) during HONOLULU Fashion Week at the conclusion of “HIFI Connects: The Business of Fashion”, which starts on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

And this year, we’re giving just one person the GFA award, Honolulu Community College (HCC) fashion technology Department Chair Joy Nagaue!

Nagaue was unanimously selected by a nominating committee that included Hawaii fashion and style leaders Dale Hope, Paula Rath, Nadine Kam, Amos Kotomori, and Paul Brown. The committee was convened and facilitated by HIFI.

The GFA honors an outstanding individual who has served as an exemplary professional and member of Hawaii’s fashion community for at least 25 years, and has demonstrated leadership and innovation in an area of the industry.

“Joy’s commitment to nurturing Hawaii’s fashion talent is unwavering,” said Kotomori. “She usually works quietly behind the scenes, but her undeniable contribution to Hawaii fashion speaks volumes.”

At the helm of HCC’s fashion technology program, “Miss Joy” has taught and mentored many of the islands’ foremost fashion talents, including three Project Runway contestants, designers behind brands such as Manuheali’i, and countless others who have flourished in successful fashion careers around the world.

“Joy has been like a mother figure for many of us who have gone through HCC’s program, offering guidance when we need it and maintaining close relationships with us even after we’ve graduated,” said Project Runway alum Ari South. “She also has a keen eye for recognizing when a student is hungry to learn more, which I feel is important for educators at the college level, and will put in the extra time and energy for that student.”

The selection of one of Hawaii’s leading fashion educators is consistent with the GFA’s forward-thinking goal of supporting the infrastructure and individuals that set the stage for the industry’s future growth. In recognition of HCC’s contribution to Hawaii fashion, the public is encouraged to support HCC’s Fashion Technology Program fundraiser and fashion exhibition from HCC’s student designers and alumni, called “Full Circle, A Dining & Fashion Experience,” on Wed. Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Stage Restaurant in the Honolulu Design Center. Click here for more info or email hccrsvp@hawaii.edu.

“HIFI Connects: The Business of Fashion” is a morning of networking, presentations, and discussions about the business of fashion in Hawaii and abroad, hosted by the Hawaii Fashion Incubator (HIFI). Those interested in attending HIFI Connects and the awards presentation can purchase tickets here. Tickets are $25, and seating is limited. RSVPs are required. Tickets are free for members of the Hawaii Fashion Exchange, as well as for students and faculty of HCC and UH.

HIFI Will Host Kauai Designers At HONOLULU Fashion Week

hawaiifashionincubator — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 02:22:46 +0000

The Hawaii Fashion Incubator (HIFI) will present a fashion show comprised of designers from the Kauai Art Factory (KAF) during HONOLULU Fashion Week on Friday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center as part of Hawaii Fashion Month (HFM). The show is free, but seating is limited. General admission tickets are available here.

The KAF Show, dubbed “A Journey To Kauai” will showcase a range of looks that bring together the designs of six Kauai designers, featuring a blend of apparel, swimwear, jewelry and handbags never before seen together on a runway. Jose Santamaria is the lead producer, with models from Wilhelmina Hawaii, styling by JS Jose Santamaria Enteprises and Therese Wahl, makeup by Motives Cosmetics, and hair by Paul Brown. Tamara Rigney is designing custom botanical headpieces.

Established in 2013 with a goal of providing a “dynamic hub for the arts” on the Garden Isle, the Lihue-based KAF is a group of art enthusiasts, novice artists, as well as creative professionals from a variety of art disciplines, including fashion design.

KAF designers who together will make their Oahu debut include:

Jewelry designer Veronica Groepler of Veronica Jewels
Chanterelle Chantara of Chez Chanterelle
Lucia Peterson of Bikini 808 Hawaii
Handbag designer Jennifer Todice of Tikishiki
Accessories designer Audrey Auld of Salt Designs
Jewelry designer Melea Matthews of Melea Artistry

HIFI’s presentation of the show comes less than a month after the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce announced November as Hawaii Fashion Month–Kauai.

“The Kauai Art Factory Show on Oahu is just one example of HIFI’s blossoming partnership with Kauai and other islands,” said HFM co-founder and co-director Toby Portner. “Now is the right time for these designers to show what they have to offer to Hawaii fashion.”

Here’s our listing of other HFM-Kauai events.

The Best Way To Attend HONOLULU Fashion Week? Volunteer!

hawaiifashionincubator — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 21:06:24 +0000

Aloha! If you want access to the great events, panel discussions, and fashion shows happening during HONOLULU Fashion Week, pay attention:

We have immediate volunteer needs to support the exciting fashion shows and the epic retail pop-up space (unlike anything ever seen in Hawaii) at the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibition Hall Nov. 6 through Nov. 9. Please email Amanda Stevens (Director of Volunteers & Talent) at amanda@hawaiifashionmonth.com to confirm if you are available to volunteer this week and indicate your day, shift, area of interest, and T-shirt size.

Thursday, November 6: 4:00pm-10:00pm
(pop-up event support, dresser)
Friday, November 7: 12:00pm-5:00pm or 5:00pm-10:00pm
(pop-up event support, dresser)
Saturday, November 8: 11:00am-4:30pm or 4:30pm-10:00pm
(pop-up event support, dresser)
Sunday, November 9: 10:00am-4:00pm
(pop-up event support)

Of course, you may volunteer for more than one shift, with a break in-between. As always, mahalo from the Hawaii Fashion Month team!

Who Will Win The #HFM2014 Instagram Prize?

hawaiifashionincubator — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:56:27 +0000

Fear Of Missing Out got you down? Don’t fret! Here are some of our favorite photos posted during Hawaii Fashion Month 2014’s first weekend! (Stay updated on all HFM events with our officially super handy calendar.)

To add to all the fun, we’re throwing an Instagram contest that takes you through the HFX Fashion Photography Showcase, currently on view in store windows at Ward Village. Up for grabs are tickets to exclusive VIP events and prize packs, courtesy Ward Village! Here’s how to play:

Follow @HawaiiFashionMonth and @WardVillage
Locate where the 10 Hawaii Fashion Exchange displays are
Take a photo of the display
Caption must include: Photo credits along with hashtags #HFM2014, #HFXHawaii, #fashionforward and #wardvillage
Turn your Instagram profile public so entries can be viewed and confirmed
Each photo will give you an entry into the drawing (up to 10 entries per user)

Below, our favorite #HFM2014 pictures from the first weekend of HFM 2014!

An unconventional fashion show disguised as a poker game! #hfm2014 #yourdapper

A photo posted by @chants808 on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:29pm PST

The beautiful contestants of Miss Hawaii USA at our Grey Goose Summer Club. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful Sunday afternoon!

A photo posted by modernhonolulu (@modernhonolulu) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:58pm PST

#HFXhawaii # HFM2014 featured fashion photo by Eric Tagayuna with Model Sam Armitage @sammyboy808

A photo posted by Miss Mayhem (@motivesmayhem) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:08pm PST

Hawaii Fashion Month presents Roque Cozzette: Fashion Makeup #hfm2014 #cozzette #inifinitemakeup #cozzettebrushes #veganbrushes #veganmakeup #brushcleaner #cozzettefashionmakeup #cozzettefashionseminar #magisto

A video posted by Hawaii Fashion Month (@hawaiifashionmonth) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:52am PST

Photo from @kitv4 this morning, @hawaiianairlines promoting their flight attendant uniforms through the decades and the #MAMo show they’re presenting during #HONOLULUFW. (L-R): 1956 uniform, 1971 uniform, 1992 uniform, Hawaiian Airlines Director of Community Relations Debbie Nakanelua-Richards with Lara Yamada. #hfm2014

A photo posted by Hawaii Fashion Month (@hawaiifashionmonth) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:02am PST

We’re kicking off #hfm2014 with a splash in the #GreyGooseDayclub at the @modernhonolulu with our friends. It’s going to 6pm tonight so come down!

A photo posted by Hawaii Fashion Month (@hawaiifashionmonth) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:03pm PST

We’re at #fashionforward at @wardvillage to launch #HFXHawaii and kick off #hfm2014! Do you know about our Instagram giveaway?

A photo posted by Hawaii Fashion Month (@hawaiifashionmonth) on Nov 11, 2014 at 10:01pm PDT

@yourdapper – @hawaiifashionmonth launch event. #hfm2014 photo credit @tokifoto

A photo posted by Toby Tamaye (@atmarketing) on Nov 11, 2014 at 12:37am PST

Moani rocking KYOTE tonight on KITV. 5,6, &10 pm. Big thanks @theresewahlstyling @hawaiifashionmonth……… watch KITV Hawaii News each night in November to see local designers showcased on the air. #kyotedesigns #hfm2014 #sandpeoplehi #hawaiicoins #madeinhawaii #hawaiidesigner #modularjewelry #upcycled

A photo posted by KYOTE modular jewelry (@kyotedesigns) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:41pm PST

It’s about that time! @hawaiifashionmonth #hfm2014

A photo posted by Katrina Aguirre (@kacheena) on Nov 11, 2014 at 1:09am PST

We are walking past our feature at Ward Center celebrating Hawaii Fashion Month from now until the end of November! #hfm2014 Thank you @corypix #corylumphotography for the photo and @hortonpost for my awesome dressed up shorts

HFM 2014: Here’s Your Guide To The Weekend

hawaiifashionincubator — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 19:03:34 +0000

Hawaii Fashion Month 2014 is officially here! With our calendar full of fashion shows, pop-up boutiques, workshops, and panel discussions, here is your guide to the first weekend of HFM 2014. Head over to Frolic Hawaii to see the full guide to the 2nd-annual Hawaii Fashion Month.

Saturday, Nov. 1

Fashion ForWARD Opening Event
Nov. 1, 6-8 p.m.
IBM Building, 1240 Ala Moana Boulevard
By invitation only

It’s the Hawaii Fashion Month 2014 VIP Kickoff Party! Join the Hawaii Fashion Exchange (HFX) at hawaiifashionexchange.com and find the access code on the HFX Opportunities page to gain access to the official launch of HFX and HFM 2014. Presented by HIFI, Ward Village and FLUX Magazine, the VIP party will feature DJ Mr. Nick and models wearing Randy Leano. This event is by invitation only.

Opening of HFX Photography Exhibition
Nov. 1-30
Ward Village Shops, 1142 Auahi St.
Free

Starting Nov. 1, when you walk through Ward Village during Hawaii Fashion Month you’ll see stunning images featuring members of the Hawaii Fashion Exchange on display in store windows.

We’re installing 12 huge photographic prints in all — images made by such photographers as Dallas Nagata White, Adam Jung, and Daniela Voicescu, and featuring the work of the many local fashion professionals who make a fashion photograph possible: designers, stylists, models, makeup artists, and assistants.

In conjunction with HFM’s kickoff on Nov. 1, a walking map of the photos, designed by FLUX Magazine, will be available at various storefronts throughout Ward Village and Ward Warehouse to guide you through each of the photos.

Sunday, Nov. 2

Grey Goose Day Club
Nov. 2, 12-5 p.m.
MODERN Honolulu, 1775 Ala Moana Boulevard
Free

Join Grey Goose and the MODERN Honolulu as they host a special Grey Goose Dayclub featuring Kaimana Beachwear, MAIA Couture, and jewelry from Lane Tanner Designs as a part of Hawaii Fashion Month. It’s also a fundraiser for Miss Hawaii.

Addiction Nightclub resident DJs Compose and Anit, in addition to Wittmier as SuperCW, will set the vibe with music ranging from tropical house, chillwave, and nu-disco to old school hip-hop and the top hits. They’re joined by special guests Partius Monsterious and Taylor from OMIA.

Roque Cozzette Workshop – Bridal Beauty Makeup Techniques
Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HIFI COOP, 1050 Ala Moana Boulevard, Level 2
$349 or $395 at the door

During this seminar, Roque Cozzette will discuss the synergy of airbrush and how to identify correct product choices that make or break a bride on her most important day. Register online: roquecozzette.com/events

HIFI Connects: A Panel Event With Local And International Fashion Pros

hawaiifashionincubator — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 19:00:58 +0000

The Hawaii Fashion Incubator (HIFI) will host HIFI Connects: The Business of Fashion, Coffee + Dialogue, featuring a panel discussion comprised of internationally recognized fashion industry professionals on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibition Hall during HONOLULU Fashion Week. The event will also feature a panel of prominent Hawaii fashion professionals and the presentation of the 2014 Governor’s Fashion Awards by Governor Neil Abercrombie.

“HIFI Connects will present different perspectives on the business of fashion from within and outside of Hawaii,” said HIFI co-founder Toby Portner. “To move forward as an industry, we need dialogue about where we are, where we’re aiming to go, and what it’s going to take to get there.”

The HFX Mentor panel consists of accomplished professionals with connections to Hawaii, helping to paint a bigger picture of the global fashion industry. The Hawaii panel features local leaders who support the growth of the industry here on the ground.

HIFI Connects is open to fashion professionals and enthusiasts alike. Drawing upon many combined years of expertise, panelists will share insights into the current status of the local industry and discuss the future of Hawaii fashion, what is possible, and how to make it profitable and thriving.

International panelists include:

Lynne O’Neill: A fashion show producer with more than 30 years of experience producing New York Fashion Week runway shows for such designers as Tommy Hilfiger, Herve Leger, Catherine Malandrino, Vivienne Tam, and Rebecca Minkoff.
Jacky Tang: Vice president of branding & retail development for popular brand Opening Ceremony, Tang specializes in brand and merchandise development.
Roman Young: A graduate of ‘Iolani School, Young is the Director of Talent for Wilhelmina Models in New York, and has appeared on MTV, MSNBC, E! Entertainment, CNN, and as a judge on America’s Next Top Model.
Bliss Lau: Designer of a successful accessories brand that is carried in boutiques worldwide, Lau is also an associate professor at Parsons The New School For Design where she teaches how to build a strong brand vision.
Henry Navarro: An artist specializing in fashion as public art, Navarro is a faculty member in the fashion program at Ryerson University in Toronto. He will introduce “Aloha Na‘au,” a collaborative project for summer 2015.

Featured speakers in the Hawaii industry panel include:

Mark Tsuda of Jams World
Ed D’Ascoli of Xcel
Joy Nagaue of Honolulu Community College
Georja Skinner of the Creative Industries Division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

At noon the space opens to the public for HONOLULU Fashion Week’s Marketplace and participants are encouraged to stay to shop, mingle, and network.

HIFI Connects is Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibition Hall during HONOLULU Fashion Week. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25, or free for Hawaii Fashion Exchange members, and can be purchased online at hificonnects2014.eventbrite.com.

Learn Fashion Illustration By One Of The Best: Louda Larrain

hawaiifashionincubator — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 05:12:51 +0000

This post originally appeared on PaulaRath.com and appears here with permission from Paula Rath.

Fashion illustration is a skill that can be just plain fun. And you don’t have to be a fashion designer to enjoy it. Just loosen up and be ready to play!

Renowned textile artist Louda Larrain is teaching a half-day workshop on fashion illustration in conjunction with Hifi and HFM (Hawaii Fashion Month). Louda is a mentor in the Hawaii Fashion Exchange (HFX), Hifi’s recent membership initiative. (Learn more about her in my blog.)

The workshop is suitable for aspiring and experienced illustrators and it’s designed to be intimate, so space is very limited.

The Fashion Illustration workshop will be held:

Sunday, November 16

Noon to 4 p.m.

Hosted by Fishcake Gallery, 307 Kamani St. in Kakaako

Cost: $70 for the general public and $35 for HFX members

The workshop will cover:

A presentation on fashion illustration history
A demonstration explaining illustration approaches and methods
Numerous drawing sessions with a live model, followed by a critique of each participant’s work
Exercises to communicate students’ fashion ideas through drawing

I remember when I was a fashion student at HCC and I shared my fashion illustration class assignments with my husband, Jerry, who is an orthopedic surgeon. It drove him nuts because the proportions are so wacky and, well, kind of outrageous and beyond Barbie. He would go on and on about how I just couldn’t draw that way because no one’s legs are that long, no one’s head is that small and, well…. no one’s proportions are like that.

Well, you know what? When it comes to fashion illustration, imagination reigns and reality flies out the window. We get to live in la-la land for a little while. Try it. I think you’ll have a blast.

– Paula Rath

Follow Paula Rath at paularath.com: “Hawaii fashion and fitness.”

HFM Kicks Off Fashion ForWARD At The Beautiful IBM Building

hawaiifashionincubator — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 21:49:41 +0000

Hawaii Fashion Month (HFM) kicks off its second year with Fashion ForWARD, a celebration at the IBM Building Courtyard on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., hosted by Ward Village.

“We are extremely grateful to have Ward Village as a partner and HFM’s official shopping center sponsor,” said HFM co-founder and co-director Melissa White. “HFM is a community-driven effort, and Ward Village’s year round support of the Hawaii Fashion Incubator (HIFI) and its programming enables us to provide great opportunities to showcase and elevate Hawaii’s fashion industry.” FLUX Magazine is the event’s featured media sponsor.

In addition to kicking off HFM, Fashion ForWARD will also debut Ward Centers’ retail rebranding into Ward Village, as well as officially launch the Hawaii Fashion Exchange (HFX), HIFI’s new membership platform and resource directory for Hawaii fashion.

Also opening is the HFX Fashion Photography Showcase, which will display the work of local fashion photography HFX members all month long in storefront windows throughout Ward Village. Guests will be encouraged to walk the photo exhibit and enter a soon-to-be-announced Instagram contest with weekly giveaways.

Fashion ForWARD will be a great opportunity to network with HFM sponsors, VIPs, and featured HFM talent; HFX membership is your ticket to this exclusive event. Membership information and registration can be found at www.hawaiifashionexchange.com.

Cocktails are provided by Martini & Rossi Prosecco and Grey Goose Le Melon, food by Kaka‘ako Kitchen and Ono Pops, and music by KTUH’s DJ Mr. Nick.