FAQs
What is Hifi?
The Hawaii Fashion Incubator (Hifi) is dedicated to promoting Hawaii Fashion as art and industry. We believe Hawaii has the talent and resources to support a thriving fashion industry and to become a destination for the global fashion community. Hifi is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization.
How did Hifi get started?
Hifi began in 2006 with a small group of individuals who wanted to see more happening in Hawai'i fashion and decided to create a central resource for the fashion community. There are now over 1,000 people in Hifi's network.
Who's behind Hifi?
Hifi's network includes over 1,000 members of the local fashion community, from buyers & retailers to designers, media, photographers, models, event planners, makeup artists, educators, students, and fashion enthusiasts. Our core planning group meets regularly and includes professionals from many industry sectors.
Why is Hifi needed?
Hawai'i's fashion industry has a rich history. In the 1960's and 1970's the Aloha shirt was all the rage, small garment manufacturers proliferated here and the Hawai'i Fashion Guild organized and rallied support for the industry. By the mid-1990s most of the manufacturers had disappeared and the Hawai'i Fashion Guild dissolved.
Fashion in Hawai'i is now experiencing a resurgence. The growing industry has a modern face and deserves guidance, resources, and exposure at the local, national, and international level. Until Hifi was formed in 2006, the industry lacked a central resource for information, networking, and advocacy. Hawai'i has two college-level fashion programs, but many graduates continue to believe it is necessary to leave the islands in order to pursue a career in fashion. Hifi believes a fashion incubator is needed to strengthen the community and restore fashion's place in Hawai'i's economic and cultural identity.
What are Hifi's goals and projects?
Hifi strives to be a central hub for fashion in Hawai'i. Hifi's member network, website, events, and projects are geared toward connecting fashion enthusiasts, students and professionals with people, information, and resources to help them achieve their goals and collectively drive the local industry forward.
As Hifi evolves, it plans to expand its resource offerings to include brick-and-mortar facilities offering shared workspace, affordable manufacturing, classes, retail and showroom space, and other expressed needs of the community. The facilities will provide a gathering place for Hawaii's fashion industry and create an informational resource and destination for visitors and the general public. Hifi plans to expand educational opportunities in fashion for K-12 and higher education and develop events, marketing and branding strategies to promote Hawaii's fashion industry at the local, national, and international level. Hifi will also continue to support the preservation of the University of Hawaii's Historic Costume Collection. Visit our Projects page for more information.
What has Hifi accomplished?
Hifi has collaborated with community partners on many events and has showcased more than 50 local designers through fashion shows, trunk sales, and our pop-up boutique The Coop. Our annual exhibitions of historic garments from the UH Costume Collection have garnered valuable support for the Collection, including a State Senate Bill recognizing its significance. Hifi has formed media partnerships with Hawaii RED Magazine and Paula Rath to provide valuable exposure for our members. Our projects and events have received coverage in major media outlets including The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hana Hou! Magazine, Disfunkshion Magazine, Lei Chic, Pacific Edge Magazine, and Modern Luxury Hawaii. We have promoted Honolulu's college level fashion programs and connected students with mentors and internships. Latest news and accomplishments are listed on our Home page.
Who should join Hifi?
Membership is for anyone interested in or involved in fashion, from enthusiasts that want to stay informed on fashion happenings to students and industry professionals (designers, retailers, models, makeup artists, photographers, etc.).
What does membership include?
Professional Membership includes listing in Hifi's member directory, access to Hifi's member forum, opportunities for exposure via Hifi's newsletter and media partnerships, invitations to networking and fashion events, participation in Hifi's sales and fashion events, exclusive member offers, and more. Student and media memberships are also available at discounted rates. Visit our Membership page for details
How can I get involved?
Join Hifi, make a donation, or sign up for our newsletter here.
