In 2006, recognizing that Hawaii is growing and evolving fashion community was without a central resource for information, networking, and advocacy, Melissa May White and Toby Portner co-founded the Hawaii Fashion Incubator (Hifi). Hifi is a membership-based organization whose mission is to inspire, promote, and sustain an integrated fashion community in Hawaii.
Hifis goal is to restore fashion’s place in Hawaii is economic and cultural identity through community-building and alliances with education, economic development, the arts, and tourism.
Hifi`s co-founders conceptualized the Hawaii Fashion Incubator as a central hub where members of the community can interact, collaborate, and collectively drive the local fashion industry forward, drawing inspiration from fashion incubators elsewhere (e.g., Toronto, Los Angeles, New Zealand). In April 2007, Hifi hosted an event at the Arts at Mark is Garage to introduce the concept and solicit the input of the local fashion community.
A panel of local fashion professionals discussed the future of Hawaii is fashion industry and 50 attendees completed surveys, the results of which have helped inform Hifi`s mission and projects. In May 2008, Hifi launched its membership program.
Hifi`s network presently reaches over 1,000 members of the local fashion community, from buyers & retailers to designers, media, photographers, models, event planners, makeup artists, educators, students, and fashion enthusiasts. It reaches that network through its membership program, electronic mailing list, and social networking sites. Google PR -
In 2006, recognizing that Hawaii is growing and evolving fashion community was without a central resource for information, networking, and advocacy, Melissa May White and Toby Portner co-founded the Hawai‘i Fashion Incubator (Hifi).
Sandal Tree: Fashionable footwear and accessories: catalog, pictures, store locations, and contact information. Newt at the Royal : Newt at the Royal invites you to inspect our collection of Sombrero Montecristi and own a personal piece of fashion tradition that will never go out of style!
Kapua: Kapua is the family home business of Donn and Nece DeShayne. We have lived in Hawaii for 36 years, mostly on Maui. We have been decorating clothes with tropical flowers Crazy Shirts: Our Specialty dyed t-shirts are all the rave! Customers love our T-shirts dyed with natural ingredients and real flavors. Choose from a wide array of Ingredients and designs. Whether you
