Projects

UH Costume Collection
Hifi is partnering with the University of Hawai‘i Department of Apparel Product Design and Merchandising to raise community awareness and support for the UH Costume Collection.  The Collection is one of the most extensive in the country, with the largest and most valuable collection of Polynesian garments and textiles.  Hifi believes that the UH Costume Collection could be an inspirational resource for designers and a source of pride for the local community, as well as a fashion-related attraction for visitors.  Hifi shares UH’s vision of making the collection accessible to the public and finding it a permanent home.

Fashion Classes at Linekona
The Honolulu Academy of Arts’ Academy Art Center at Linekona has offered Hifi space for fashion-related classes.  Hifi is currently seeking qualified instructors for workshops and courses in garment construction and finishing techniques.  Hifi members will qualify for discounted tuition.

Oral History Project
Hifi is launching an initiative to compile oral histories of people who have been instrumental in Hawaii’s fashion history and produce educational materials (e.g., books, DVD’s, presentations) to raise awareness and appreciation for Hawaii fashion.

Honolulu Fashion Week
2007 marked the first year of Hifi’s involvement with the F.A.C.E. (Fashion Art Cuisine Entertainment) of Nu‘uanu Fashion Week in downtown Honolulu.  The inaugural event in 2006 drew over 10,000 people to Nu‘uanu Avenue for a street festival and contest-based fashion show for local designers.  In 2007, the event stretched over an entire week and included international guest designers, fashion exhibits, and multiple fashion shows in addition to the main contest.  Hifi plans to take an active role in promoting F.A.C.E. as Honolulu’s fashion week and helping it grow in coming years.

Honolulu Fashion District
Survey respondents from the local fashion community identified the creation of a central Fashion District as one of the top five priorities for Hifi.  The fashion district would be a physical locale where designers live and work, garments are manufactured under a “Made in Hawaii” certification system, and showrooms and market weeks attract local and international buyers.  Hifi will continue exploring ways to realize this vision.

Hifi Resource Center
In addition to the central resource provided by Hifi’s website, Hifi hopes to establish a physical center where the fashion community can connect and gain access to resources, professional advice, showroom space, and affordable workspace.  Hifi will use the input of the local fashion community to shape this resource and determine the services offered.

This list is just the beginning... send us your ideas for fashion in Hawaii!