Tag us at #HFM2013 and the Governor’s Fashion Awards #GFA2013!
The inaugural Hawaii Fashion Month, which officially commenced on Oct. 1, will see the return of the prestigious Governor’s Fashion Awards as the finale to the month-long festival that has put Hawaii fashion in the spotlight and raised awareness of the potential to grow fashion as a billion dollar industry for the State.
The Governor’s Fashion Awards, hosted by the Hawaii Fashion Incubator with support from the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, will be held at Hawaii’s most stylish hotel, The Modern Honolulu, the official hotel partner of HFM, on Oct. 30 from 5:30 p.m.
The Awards will recognize Hawaii fashion’s past, present and future in more than a dozen award categories from retail and design to photography, beauty, styling and more. The evening will mark two major Hawaii fashion milestones: Hilo Hattie’s 50th anniversary and ‘Iolani Sportswear’s 60th anniversary. David “Pua” Rochlen, founder of Jams World, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Hawaii Fashion Month and the Governor’s Fashion Awards provide opportunities to showcase the Aloha State as an international fashion destination,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “By investing in our local talent, we’re putting the spotlight on the island fashion industry, which has the potential to become a billion dollar industry and further diversify our island economy.”
“The inaugural Hawaii Fashion Month and the revival of the Governor’s Fashion Awards, which were last held more than 10 years ago, provides exposure for both established and emerging designers and retail outlets, aligns opportunities for collaboration, and highlights various fashion identities unique to specific areas, including Kaka’ako, Chinatown, Waikiki, and the Neighbor Islands.”
Co-founder of Hawaii Fashion Incubator, Melissa White, added: “With the rise of emerging talent, the reinvigoration of established brands and collaborations between the two, there has never been a better time for the community to come together to both celebrate and elevate the industry.”
While the Governor’s Fashion Awards will see Hawaii’s fashion community step out to honor its leaders, the prestigious celebration is open to all fashion enthusiasts. Tickets are $125 and available online at HawaiiFashionMonth.com.
The evening will feature a runway show produced by Ralph Malani capturing the evolution of Hawaii fashion from the colorful tropical prints and designs of the 50s through to the globally-inspired looks of today’s local designers. Guests will be entertained by local musicians Mahi Crabbe and Aiden James.
The 2013 Governor’s Fashion Awards nominees include:
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
· David “Pua” Rochlen of Jams World
Established Designer of the Year
· Fighting Eel
· Letarte Swimwear
· SurfLine Hawaii Ltd (Jams World)
Emerging Designer of the Year
· Matt Bruening
· Muumuu Heaven
· Coradorables
Major Retailer of the Year
· Hilo Hattie
· Nordstrom
· Neiman Marcus
Boutique Retailer of the Year
· Muumuu Heaven
· Rix Island Wear
· Jams World
Designer – Contemporary
· Amos Kotomori
· Bernard Foong
· Andy South
Designer – Aloha Nominee
· Kealopiko LLC
· Pili Design
· Coradorables
Designer – Couture/Formal
· Anne Namba Designs
· Feliz Salas
· Andy South
Designer – Jewelry
· Salty Girl Jewelry
· Jason Dow, Inc
· Panacea Designs
Photographer of Year
· Harold Julian Photography
· Mellie Tjoeng Photography
· Dallas Nagata White Photography
Wardrobe Stylist of the Year
· Geremy Campos
· Amos Kotomori Ltd
· Kim Smith
Beauty Professional of the Year (Hair, Make-Up, Products)
· Face Art Beauty
· Paul Brown Salon
· Beauty by Tania
Outstanding Professional (Production, Models, Talent, Manufacturing, Arts, Industry Advocate)
· Paul Brown of Paul Brown Salon
· Terri Funakoshi of Pomare
· Don Kang of Hilo Hattie