HONOLULU (KHON2) — Students in the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Fashion Design and Merchandise program are making the final preparations for their annual fashion show.
KHON2 got a special preview of the show and how it will play out. This year’s theme is “Lasting Legacies,” which is appropriate because, unfortunately, this is the last year the show will be produced in this fashion.
According to the school’s public relations specialist, Kelly Nitta, this year will feature the biggest collection of senior designers since 2009.
“We have 12 seniors, each with their own videography, as well as their own unique booths. All the models, juniors and seniors and senior designers will be walking the catwalk, as well as the juniors walking into the Campus Center courtyard,” Nitta explained.
Senior Edelina Bagaporo will be presenting her collection “Grow Up, Diva.”
Bagaporo explained that her collection is inspired by how she started out in fashion design in the first place.
“I think that my artistry is heavily informed by my lived experience,” she said.
“I always wanted to pursue fashion as a career from a young age. I think it offers such a nice, seamless transition into my post-grad where I want to pursue fashion as a career, so it’s my past and my present and my future all in one.”
Aunty Johnnie Ladera highlights Pacific Asian art in her designs.
“I like koi fish, I like the cherry blossom, of course I like my lehua blossoms and pua kenikeni. So, that is where my inspiration comes from,” said Ladera.
Some of her designs feature upcycled material. In fact, she created a pair of pants made from her own wedding gown.
“The skirt of my wedding gown, and I just embellished it with heat-vinyl transfer. The top is a thrifted dress and then the neoprene from our lab, I added it into that.”
“When this is done, I am looking to work on a children’s line and if things work out, I would like to continue teaching beginner classes at the Muumuu Library. It’s a community space and everyone is welcome to come,” said Ladera.
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The department’s annual fashion show will take place at UH Manoa. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. For all the information, click here.