First Lady: The Movement Expo 2014

This was the third time I've attended the FirstLady: The Movement (FLTM) expo, with this year marking their 5th annual expo.  The annual event, which is usually held in the summer, was held on November 14th this time around.  It was once again held at the romantically beautiful YWCA Laniakea courtyard, alongside Cafe Julia.  If I've never mentioned it before, the FLTM expo is a culmination of talent and a celebration of women, where their works are showcased as vendors at the event.  In addition to the general expo, there was also a fashion show with pieces from Patty's Closet this year, which I again helped to produce.  This year's fashion show was the second one the event has ever hosted, that turned out to be even more spectacular than the last.  I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the people who helped to make the expo and the fashion show spectacular.  Below are glimpses that I snapped from that night, although I wasn't able to take any shots of the fashion show, since I was helping backstage at the time.  =]

Entrance arch into the YWCA Laniakea courtyard.

Another view into the courtyard.

Table view of featured vendor Mixe Medium.

Detail shot of Mixe Medium's beautiful table display.

View of a couple of the vendor tables and the check in table.

Shots of featured vendor Melody's Treats HI.

Shots of featured vendor Gold Cvltvre.

Courtyard view + shot of Cafe Julia.

DJ Tittahbyte provided the evening with high energy beats.

With the FirstLady founders Rachael & Donna, and Riana (DJ Tittahbyte).

Models getting ready to head out for the fashion show backstage.

Adding finishing touches to models in their lineup before heading out.

First and second looks worn by models of Top Model Hawaii.

Some of the models backstage after the show.

Models in their first looks.  From left to right: Tjan Hall, Markie Reichman, Meghan Van Ness, Sheville Lee, Charyse Christi-Marie, Emmy Agustin, China Kelly, Lia Jamerson, Sammie Shiroma, Lheo Egalin-Ingco, Jennifer Portalatin, Easter-Lily Smith, Loryn Guiffre. 

Backstage shot of the fashion show, where the models are wearing their second looks.

HFM - Outfit: Hawaii Fashion Designers Market

As some of you may know, Hawaii Fashion Month is a week under way, and several festivities have already taken place as far as events associated with it are concerned.  I was able to both assist with and attend Outfit: Hawaii Fashion Designers Market on behalf of the First Lady The Movement street team.  The event was held on both the 2nd and 3rd of October in the bottom warehouse space of TJ Maxx in Ward (Kakaako).  This event posed an amazing opportunity for up & coming and established local designers, to showcase their creations to the fashion community and bring exposure to the public.  There were an abundance of local creative talent that displayed pieces they have crafted, ranging from clothing, to swimwear, jewelry & accessories, and artwork.

Aside from the vendor type of booths that were being exhibited, there were also displayed installations of established local businesses such as Hilo Hattie, Reyn Spooner, and Goodwill Hawaii, that really exemplify who they are in a way that was visually stunning.  Other visual installations that were displayed were features of local fashion designers, some of which are recent graduates of the University of Hawaii system of programs.  Along with the stationary visual displays, there were also fashion shows that went on during the course of the event, as well as do-it-yourself activities held in the Hifi (Hawaii Fashion Incubator) Lounge run by Art & Flea Hawaii.  All in all, I found this event to be successful, and a great culmination of creativity in the local community.  I'll be attending a few more events for Hawaii Fashion Month, so be sure to check out my posts on those sometime soon.  Below are pictures from the Outfit Hawaii event, most of which were taken by me (except the one I'm in, of course).  =]

For more information about the event, check out:

http://outfithawaii.com/

View from outside of Outfit Hawaii Fashion Designers Market.

Maryrose a.k.a. "Maryberry" and I at the registration table outside, volunteering for First Lady The Movement.

The stage/runway in the center of the event.

Side view of the stage/runway.

End of the runway, where the models posed during the fashion show.

The Hifi (Hawaii Fashion Incubator) Lounge, where DIY projects run by Art & Flea Hawaii were happening.

 At the Hifi Lounge, you could decorate canvas tote bags, and make bracelets.

Local fashion designer Allison Isu's booth.

Local jewelry designer Panacea Designs booth.

Local jewelry designer Mango Luxe's booth.

Installation of garments by up & coming local fashion designers.

Installation of garments by up & coming local fashion designers.

Display by Hilo Hattie, with the HUGE aloha shirt in the background (I think it was sized as 400 XL).

Display by Reyn Spooner and Goodwill Hawaii.