Olivier Theyskens presents the final part of his triptych of collections during Paris Fashion Week ...
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HISTORY MADE: THE FIRST EVER SWIM WEEK IN HAWAI‘I
AN ICONIC MOMENT FOR HAWAI‘I. THE FIRST EVER HAWAI‘I SWIM WEEK TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2022 IN A SMALL TOWN CALLED HILO ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I. FEATURING A TOTAL OF 15 INCREDIBLY TALENTED DESIGNERS AND SWIMWEAR BRANDS, BOTH LOCAL AND WORLD RENOWNED, HAWAI‘I SWIM SHOW BROUGHT THE SPOTLIGHT OF SWIM AND RESORT WEAR TO THE ISLANDS.
WITH OVER 1,000 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE OF THE ALOHA-FILLED WEEKEND OF SHOWCASES AND FESTIVITIES AND SEVERAL THOUSAND WATCHING LIVE STREAM (DONE BY LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL VIDEO TEAM KVIKS MEDIA). THE GENEROUS BUSINESS SPONSORS, MAKEUP AND HAIR DESIGNERS, SWIMWEAR DESIGNERS AND MODELS, AND THE PEOPLE OF HAWAI’I CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRST EVER SWIM WEEK IN HAWAI‘I BEING A BEAUTIFUL SUCCESS.
HAWAI‘I SWIM SHOW FOUNDERS, KALI‘A WASSON AND TAYLOR MATAS, MADE HISTORY IN BRINGING TOGETHER THE COMMUNITY AND SHOWED THAT FASHION AND SWIMWEAR IS FOR EVERYONE. WITH NATIVE HAWAIIANS AS A MINORITY IN THE WORLD, THE FOUNDERS FELT IT IMPORTANT TO SHOWCASE THEIR UNIQUE CULTURE, TALENT AND PEOPLE IN THIS SHOW.
BEGINNING WITH A CAPTIVATING TAHITIAN SHOW, THE AUDIENCE WAS MOVED ALL WEEK WITH PERFORMANCES BY SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINERS IN HAWAI’I AND HULA DANCES THAT LEFT SMILES AND TEARS ON EVERYONE’S FACES.
THERE WAS AN AMAZING REPRESENTATION FROM MODELS IN ALL AGE RANGES, SIZES, HEIGHTS, BODY TYPES, SHAPES, AND ETHNICITIES AND BACKGROUNDS. HAWAI‘I SWIM SHOW CHOSE TO DO AN IN-HOUSE CASTING FOR THEIR FIRST YEAR, OPENING THE DOOR TO EVERYONE. BEING STEADFAST IN THEIR MESSAGE OF INCLUSIVITY AND CARRYING THAT SPECIAL SPIRIT OF ALOHA, HAWAI’I SWIM SHOW SHOWED THE WORLD THAT THIS IS TRULY A PLACE OF LOVE AND EMPOWERMENT WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME!
HAWAII SWIM SHOW OVERVIEW
THURSDAY NIGHT WAS AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR OUR DESIGNERS AND MODELS TO MEET ONE ANOTHER AND HAVE A FUN TIME BEFORE THE FASHION SHOWS BEGIN. AS A MAHALO OR THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME TOGETHER TO BE A HUGE PART OF THE HAWAI’I SWIM SHOW ‘OHANA OR FAMILY, ALL WERE BLESSED WITH GIFTS FROM VARIOUS SPONSORS THROUGHOUT HAWAI’I.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND WAS THE OPENING NIGHT FOR WHAT IS KNOWN TO BE THE FIRST EVER SWIM WEEK IN HAWAI‘I. THIS NIGHT FEATURED SOME OF HAWAI‘I’S TOP LOCAL DESIGNERS TO KICK OFF THE WEEKEND. THIS NIGHT WAS FULL OF EXCITEMENT AND SUCH AMAZING SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY CONSISTED OF VIP DESIGNERS WITH THEIR OWN PERSONAL VIP SHOWCASE AT SELECTED TIME SLOTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. EACH DESIGNER REPRESENTED THEIR BRAND WITH STYLE AND CLASS AND LEFT THE AUDIENCE DELIGHTED AND WANTING MORE.
A POP-UP SHOP AND TRADE SHOW WAS ALSO HELD AT THE HILO HAWAIIAN HOTEL NEARBY WHERE BUYERS WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE SWIMSUITS AND RESORT WEAR SHOWCASED IN PERSON AND HAVE A CHANCE TO BUY THEIR FAVORITE STYLES. (POPUP PHOTOS HERE)
A CELEBRATORY PĀ‘INA (PRIVATE PARTY) WAS HELD AT THE VENUE FOR ALL MODELS, DESIGNERS, AND STAFF TO ENJOY MUSIC BY SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINERS IN HAWAI’I WHILE OVERLOOKING THE BREATHTAKING HILO BAY UNDER THE MOONLIGHT.
THE RENOWNED BRANDS THAT WERE FEATURED INCLUDED:
HYDRA HAWAI‘I BY SHARDELLE BELLAH
Hydra Hawai‘i was founded in 2020 by Shardelle Bellah, Hydra focuses on expressing confidence through the art of fashion. Hydra aims to take swimwear to new heights by using trending design elements like intricate strapwork and a variety of fabric textures. Shardelle showcased some of her newest handmade pieces that consisted of many unique and sexy cuts. Her prints consisted of animal print and neutral tones.
SWMSUTES THE LABEL BY LAY SUTERA
Established October of 2020 by Lay Sutera, SWMSUTES The Label was inspired by her love for fashion and the island lifestyle. Through her designs she hopes to blend the two and encourage all wearers to feel bold, confident and beautiful. The cut outs and styles that were showcased were very unique and beautiful. Her collection was very goddess-like and ended with a large beautiful custom piece worn by professional volleyball player, Kalei Mau.
LEI KINIS ’AUKAI BY LEINA PALAMA
Leina Palama is a 28 year old Hawaiian fashion designer for Lei Kinis ʻAukai. Being inspired by Hawai‘i’s beautiful lifestyle and its flowers, Leina’s mission is to spread love and light through her work, while keeping the culture alive. Lei kinis ‘Aukai showcased a very powerful showcase, where she kept the culture alive in her beautiful Hawaiian prints. Her matching sets were a fan favorite.
HILO KINIS BY MIKAYLA BAPTISTA
Hilo Kinis was established in 2017 by local Hilo designer Mikayla Baptista. Her mission as a designer is to encourage others to embrace and celebrate themselves. Hilo Kinis prides themselves in creating comfortable and high quality swimwear that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Hilo Kinis had a very beautiful and clean showcase. Her solid color pieces were absolutely stunning and extremely versatile. Her models were adorned with the designer’s favorite lei, the crown flower lei along with signature pieces from Kianna Hawai’i and Pāpale Piko.
KALO KINI SWIMWEAR BY MARIAH TOLEDO-TAVARES
Founded in 2013 by Mariah Toledo-Tavares. The brand was inspired by her family’s 5 generation Kalo (Taro) Farming heritage in Waipio Valley. Kalo Kini Swimwear provides flattering, stylish yet functional designs to compliment the island lifestyle of mountain to ocean. Mariahʻs showcase was outstanding, with a fun reggae vibe. Many of her styles included unique cutouts and beautiful Hawaiian prints.
COCONUT AVENUE BY MAHEALANI GAMBILL AND KELLY PILA
Coconut Avenue is a Sustainable Hawaiian Swimwear Brand featuring exclusively designed prints on the highest quality recycled fabrics. At Coconut Avenue their primary focus is on minimal waste production and distribution, honoring Hawai’i’s Culture through modern textile art, and supporting organizations that protect and preserve Hawai’i’s coastal and marine environments. Coconut Avenue featured very beautiful styles that we would wear anywhere and everywhere. The bright colors and intricate prints were just beautiful.
KAILE‘A SWIM BY LEXIE PRUDHOLM
Kaile’a Swim was founded in 2020 by Lexie Prudholm, at the time she was only 15, with just a dream & a sewing machine she created a woman owned & operated swimwear brand with a mens & womens line. Lexie showcased very versatile styles and cuts. The adjustability of the pieces were apparent. She featured neutral tones and nice spring colors. Simple yet very elegant, her pieces fit beautifully on every body type.
LEXBREEZY HAWAI‘I BY ALEXIS AKIONA
Lexbreezy Hawai’i is a second generation aloha wear brand that comprises one of a kind signature styles in a modern twist of aloha and resort wear. Founded in 2016 by Hilo native, Alexis Akiona, Lexbreezy tells a story of what aloha wear is today. Each piece speaks to a new generation of women and aims to empower wahine everywhere to be the most radiant, authentic versions of themselves with a cultural fashion experience unlike any other. LEXBREEZY collection was absolutely stunning, with bright and big prints that are very luxurious, her collection was very outstanding.
LEIMAKANI BY KALI‘A LEIMAKANI KEKELA WASSON
LEIMAKANI WAS FOUNDED IN MID 2020 BY 25 YEAR OLD HILO NATIVE, KALI‘A LEIMAKANI KEKELA WASSON. LEIMAKANI IS A BRAND THAT WAS CREATED FOR EVERY BODY. SHE SHOWCASED TWO OF HER NEWEST SELF-MADE PRINTS AND COLLECTIONS IN THE SHOW, MERGING AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN PRINTS AND MODERN CUTS AND STYLES FOR EVERYDAY USE. LEIMAKANI IS MADE WITH EVERY WAHINE (WOMAN) IN MIND. THERE WAS SO MUCH STRENGTH IN HER SHOWCASE. AS THE FIRST NATIVE HAWAIIAN DESIGNER IN MIAMI SWIM WEEK, KALI‘A WANTED TO BRING HER BRAND BACK TO HER HOMETOWN WHERE SHE HAD HER HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. She did just that. Her audience and models were brought to tears after her post-show hula. You could feel the Aloha there.
TAI SWIM CO. BY TYLER S KING (TAI)
A native Big Island girl, Tai began designing her 2023 collection as a tribute to her home. Her upcoming pieces feature prints with hand drawn indigenous plants like Wiliwili & Kou, all sewn on garments meant to transition from a hot day in the sun to a night out on the town. Crafting small batches of cheeky bikinis from recycled materials & staying true to the brand’s mission of inclusion & authenticity, her latest collections were born out of a genuine passion for swimwear. Tais colors and prints were so stunning. The detail in them were so vivid. Many styles had great adjustability with tie backs and adjustable straps. Tai Swim collection was absolutely bright and beautiful.
ALOHIWAI BY YARI TUAKALAU
Alohiwai by Yari Tuakalau showcased her brand new collection “Soul Flower”. Made up of all Native Hawaiian flowers, this print and collection is inspired by the colors and retro era of the 70ʻs. Something special and rare about Alohiwai is that all of their prints are hand drawn by Yari and her mom Nancy who is in the crowd tonight. Yari envisions the print(s) and works with her mom (the artist) to get them just right. Alohiwai showcase was so well put together. The most iconic look was the custom blazer suit. Absolutely stunning.
LOKAHI SWIMWEAR BY EMILY NEAL
Lokahi Swimwear featured their newest collection, Up with the Sun. Designer Emily Neal was inspired by waking up with the sun, and taking in all of the beauty that surrounds us as the day goes on. The collection featured an array of colors and prints- starting with the greens, the flowers, the ocean, and ending with the sunset. The cuts and versatile styles were stunning on all body types. Her models were adorned with jewelry made by a local designer of Da Hapa Hunneh.’ Models were wearing minimal makeup showing their natural beauty. Lokahi Swimwear has a style for EVERY BODY TYPE.
EVAMELE SWIMWEAR BY
Evamele Swimwear is a swimwear, lifestyle and `ohana centered brand that targets sustainability. “My designs are all about inspiring comfort and confidence. Evamele Swimwear was born on the Big Island of Hawaii and is now based In Maui . Evamele Swimwear does a variety of products for everyone including Kāne (man) , Wahine (woman) , Keiki (children) and has found a love and passion for Luxury swimwear pieces . Evamele Swimwear’s luxury swim pieces include handmade bikinis adorned with Tahitian pearls and seashells found in Hawaii. Evamele showcased beautiful and unique cuts that flatter every body. Her mesh cutout was definitely a fan favorite.
INDIGO WILD SWIM CO. BY SHELBY YORKS
Indigo Wild Swim is the only and 1st Biodegradable collection in Hawai’i. Their bikinis will only break down in Landfills, doing no harm to the environment and won’t shed any micro plastics into the ocean when worn. Locally handmade on the island of Maui. Hand dyed using eco friendly dyes and designed to show off all your favorite curves. Shelby featured a very fun collection, her pieces being extremely unique. So simple yet so elegant.
SIENNA SWIM BY SIENNA MAE GOMEZ
Sienna Swim is designed and founded by 18-year old California-born designer Sienna Mae Gomez. Known on social media for body positivity and sharing her favorite swim suits with millions of followers inspired Sienna to create her own line as a love letter to the places and people who have made her feel free to be herself, free to own her unique beauty, and empowered in her femininity. Sienna showcased colorful pieces that showed personality. Her unique cut out and strappy pieces were definitely a favorite. The collection is extremely versatile and can be worn anywhere and anytime. Her models confidently wore their pieces down the runway and had so much fun while doing it.
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HAWAI’I SWIM SHOW IS PASSIONATE ABOUT BRINGING THE FOCUS TO THE BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS OF HAWAI’I, WHERE BEACHWEAR AND RESORT WEAR RESIDE. THEY CONTINUE TO STRIVE TO SHOWCASE THE INCREDIBLY TALENTED LOCAL DESIGNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS ALONGSIDE OTHER INCREDIBLE WORLD RENOWN BRANDS, PROVIDING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR SWIMWEAR DESIGNS ALL OVER THE WORLD TO COME TOGETHER IN AN ATMOSPHERE AND PRODUCTION LIKE NO OTHER IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH! THEY WELCOME YOU TO STAY CONNECTED AND INVITE YOU TO APPLY TO BE A PART OF NEXT YEAR’S HAWAI’I SWIM SHOW 2023 WHICH WILL BE BIGGER AND BETTER YET! MAHALO.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS:
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
Keatan Kamakaiwi /Instagram: @key_10_
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Jordan Lacsina – JORDAN LACSINA PHOTOGRAPHY / Instagram: @jordanlacsina
Lay Sutera, FAE PHOTOGRAPHY / Instagram: @SHOTBYFAE.PHOTOGRAPHY
Article edit: Fashion Magazine 24
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