The inaugural Pacific Fashion Week (PFW) took place from September 18-19 at the Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī, produced by Gravitas Pasifika and The Foundation for an Engaged Pacific. Makanani Salā, Gravitas Pasifika’s CEO, highlighted the absence of a professional organization for fashion creatives in Hawaiʻi, aiming to create collaborative spaces for designers to address challenges such as high shipping costs and limited local manufacturing capabilities.
Zach Pang, CEO of MANAOLA, shared his struggles with manufacturing in Hawaiʻi, revealing that he initially faced numerous refusals when seeking local production sources. He noted that MANAOLA now manufactures in China and Indonesia but plans to introduce a black label produced in Hawaiʻi soon. In contrast, Ane Bakutis of Kealopiko emphasized sustainability and community impact through the use of natural materials and non-toxic processes, aligning her brand’s values with the health of the land.
The event featured discussions from various designers, including Fijian designer Samson Lee, who focuses on limited fabric availability in island production. Discussions also revolved around honoring cultural identities and traditions while creating contemporary art. Artists like Rocket Ahuna and Kini Zamora encouraged embracing innovative art as an expression of cultural identity.
Marques Marzan, a cultural advisor at the Bishop Museum, stressed the importance of merging historical narratives with modern experiences. Haʻaheo Zablan, general manager of the Kaimana Beach Hotel, reaffirmed the commitment to community support within the hospitality industry.
The initiative fosters connections among Pacific island creatives, aiming for collaborative solutions to shared challenges, with additional support from partners like The Gay Agenda Collective and the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau.
