HFM: Fashion ForWARD

Get excited, it's that time of year again.  No, I don't mean the holiday season, but something hopefully just as exciting...Hawaii Fashion Month!  This will be only the second time Hawaii Fashion Month will take place, but by no means should it be considered something to take lightly.  Tons of fabulous events have been in the works, most of which I'm hoping to attend, so be on the lookout for my posts from those to come.  This past Saturday (November 1st) meant the official start of Hawaii Fashion Month, and was appropriately kicked off in style.  To start off Hawaii Fashion Month, the Fashion ForWARD event was held at the ultra swanky IBM courtyard in Ward Village, where a plethora of Hawaii's fashion scene gathered to mingle and commemorate the start of the month-long series of events.

The evening played out to be quite the lively ordeal, and was definitely the place to be and be seen.  Aside from the sleek courtyard environment, the event also presented a sampling of delectable small bites provided by Kakaako Kitchen and Ono Pops, as well as cocktails by Martini & Rossi Prosecco and Grey Goose Le Melon (really wishing I snapped photos of the fabulous food served).  The scene also consisted of models dressed in ornately constructed gowns by designer Randy Leano, that waltzed around the event, and posed for many pictures.  In addition to kicking off the start of Hawaii Fashion Month, the event also celebrated the launch of Hawaii Fashion Exchange (HFX), and the HFX month-long photo exhibit displayed around Ward Village.  Below are shots I snapped from that evening, aside from the one I'm in (of course) - Photo Credit: Ericka Bueno.  For more information on Hawaii Fashion Month, check out: hawaiifashionmonth.com  =]

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.