Models show the zero-waste, natural fiber creations of Japan textile artist Akihiko Izukura at the launch of Hawai'i Fashion Month, with hair and makeup by Paul Brown.
Well, it's finally happened! After more than a year of talk, planning and anticipation, the inaugural Hawai'i Fashion Month (HFM) debuted Oct. 1 with a kick-off party featuring food, music by Taimane, the Pushovers and DJ Toma, clothing displays and a fashion show by textile artist Akihiko Izukura, in a soon-to-be-developed retail space below TJ Maxx.
For the longest time, the fashion community was on its own—many little islands as far as marketing and promotion of individual brands. This time around, the monthlong event highlighting Hawaii fashion is a community-driven project initiated by the Hawaii Fashion Incubator (Hifi), with the support of the state's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit YWCA’s Dress for Success program.
In proclaiming October as Hawai'i Fashion Month, Gov. Neil Abercrombie noted that Hawaii's fashion industry already generates more than $750 million in annual sales, $20.4 million in tax revenues and 3,630 jobs. He aims to make it a billion-dollar industry that showcases Hawaii's diversity and local design and manufacturing talent, and has been true to his word in supporting the industry since taking office.
In a press statement last month, he said, “Hawai'i Fashion Month will also build our strength as an international retail destination while creating jobs and keeping hard-earned dollars in Hawaii. It’s another opportunity to ‘Buy Aloha, Give Local.’ ”
Unfortunately, though the launch party was attended by a who's who of industry insiders, only a handful of party-goers—all who undoubtedly wanted to look their best for the special occasion—actually dressed local, missing the point of an event intended to celebrate Hawaii fashion. That was a disappointment and an indication that, even though I have watched Hawaii fashion come a long way in the 20-plus years I've been covering the industry as its biggest cheerleader, there is still a long way to go in making the clothing desirable for every occasion. (I wore Gillia by Saori Santos, and followed up the next day at OUTFIT with Tori Richard.)
And, as much as I love the work of Izukura—I now have three of his garments—he is from Japan, and there was no other local designer show on opening night, also surprising for an event to celebrate local fashion.
Let's try to do better at 6 p.m. Oct. 4, when the Hawai'i State Art Museum plays host to a Bridal & Formalwear Fashion Show of local designers, and "The Way We Wear" exhibition, where the dress code is black tie/evening.
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