HCC students stage jubilant 'Juxtapose'

Nadine Kam photos
Kyle Woolsey posed with his models, including Ari South, far right, after his finale show during “Juxtapose—Central Park After Dark,” the Honolulu Community College senior fashion show.

Ten designers from Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology program presented their senior collections during the school’s annual fashion show April 25.

“Juxtapose—Central Park After Dark” saw the school’s Building 5 Courtyard transformed into a New York cityscape with a backdrop of skyscrapers, trees and small bridge on the runway.

I spotted one of the school’s illustrious alums, Kini Zamora, in the crowd, but where was his fellow “Project Runway” designer Ari South?

Well, what a surprise when—just when we thought the last model had appeared in the finale show—Ari turned up on the runway in a red ballgown created by Kyle Woolsey, for whom South had served as a mentor.

I still remember seeing Ari—when she was still Andy South—during a friendly post-fashion show walk-off at Kahala Mall. Andy in stilettos put the girls to shame, and at that time none of us knew of changes in store.

To see Ari in full blossom was a spectacular moment that will be remembered for years to come.

The fashion show also serves as a project for the school’s many educational departments. The stage and New York skyline backdrop were the work of the HCC Art, Design Center and Carpentry departments. The cosmetology department created hair and makeup looks.

Ari South, right, with Pono Fernandez, after the show in evening gowns by Kyle Woolsey.

Designer Kini Zamora with one of his mentors, retired HCC instructor Lillian Zane.

The event advertises “heavy pupu,” but guests over the past few years have been treated instead to a full dinner buffet. This year’s event, catered by JHTW Foods, embraced the theme, serving such dishes as New York steak with Big Apple demi, and pictured, pastrami-crusted mahi with mustard cream sauce. One diner said the meal alone was worth the $35 ticket price.

Designer Alexander Propios with his model Leilani Ramos. I was impressed that he designed this print and had the fabric made, as well as the placement of graphic elements on his garments. It was a puzzle that is way beyond my non-mathematical, non-mechanical way of thinking.

 The designers take their bows on stage at the end of the show. From left, Irene Cramer, Shailanne Ah Loo, Joliber Albano, Cherrie Lyn Beltran and Charae Laleo.

Students take their bows after the show. From left, Kyle Woolsey, Alexander Propios, Savanna Rains-Cole, Veronica Hendrickson and Karen Dulatre.

In the spirit of the evening, instructor and mentor Joy Nagaue carried a purse with a New York skyline to match the fashion show’s backdrop.

Here are the collections:


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“Chiology” by Shailanne Ah Loo

The idea of balance, in life, work and enjoyment of outdoors, appeals to Shailanne Ah Loo, whose meditations brought her to Chiology, based on the Chinse belief in chi, a life force energy that flows through all living things.
Ah Loo attempted to capture the free flow of wind, the abundance of nature’s colors in a collection that is playful and full of life, and adjustable to suit an individual’s needs and whims.


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“Watermark” by Joliber Albano

In the fashion world, there are designers who love structure, and those who love flow, and the two styles rarely merge. Joliber Albano is the rare designer capable of marrying the two aesthetics, to womens’ best advantage.
“I like to accentuate a woman’s body. My styles have features that create the illusion of a slim waist, pleats to add volume to a small bust, or to make it look like you have a perfect hourglass figure.”
Her philosophy grew out of her own problems finding suitable clothing for her petite frame.
“I have a small bust and found clothes that just accentuated what I don’t have, or dresses with back plunges that couldn’t be worn easily without a bra.”
Now, if she does create a plunging back, she builds in a bra, and even a simple sundress has figure-shaping princess seams.

Andy South Day at HCC

Nadine Kam photos
Andy South answered all questions about his experiences in designing on and off "Project Runway."

Make no mistake, Andy South was a star pupil in Honolulu Community College's Fashion Technology program from his first year there.

Even at that early stage, I remember his teachers could not rave enough about his work ethic, prolific output, his willingness to help other students and pitch in whereever needed, and grace in
massaging egos of his fellow student designers.

Talk of his one day appearing on "Project Runway" started early and having survived the show, so far, on he received a hero's homecoming celebration at the school on Oct. 11, which they dubbed Andy South Day.

He was welcomed by students, faculty and fans from the community and talked about his humble roots growing up in Waianae, and the dedication it took to get where he is today.

If there was any doubt about the kind of passion it takes to realize one's dreams, he revealed that at one point he got rid of his bed to make room for a cutting table, thinking that it would double as a bed, no matter how uncomfortable. And, his first studio was in a tent in his back yard. The gist is, you can work anywhere, in any circumstance, if you are doing what you love.

Students don't always get that. They wondered about the money, asking him how much they could expect to make as a designer and how much he's made from the show, which to date is nothing.

He said the safe path is to work for someone else, but it's not the route he wants to take. As a solo designer, he said he doesn't expect to make money for another decade, and that is the plight of every designer —
trying to survive and make it work until breaking through.

But his energy and enthusiasm are unflagging and he says he's hustling now to strike while he has a certain amount of celebrity. I certainly look forward to seeing his next projects and collections!


Among those who showed up was prospective Fashion Technology Program student Kini Hanson and her mom Sharon.


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Andy signed autographs and greeted  fans before cutting into his cake.