As model (and incoming UH student) Makana Gomes sported various types of shirts, Andy Reilly of the Fashion Design and Merchandising program, Dept. of Family and Consumer Sciences, educated the audience at the Honolulu Museum of Art on the relation between aloha shirts and personal identity.

The 58th UHM Fashion Exhibition, In the Multiverse, was held on the 30th April at the UHM campus center Ballroom. We had more than 170 attendees, including students’ families and friends, local businesses, and journalists. Fashion students showcased exquisite collections through authentic videographies, museum-formed expositions, and salon-style live model presentations. 

We all appreciate your support!! Please keep tuning in to the FDM Instagram and UH Fashion Show Instagram for updates on the FDM program. @fdm_uhm & @uhmfashionshow

By Minako McCarthy​

Recruiting future students is a vital part of maintaining a healthy college program.  Throughout the year, faculty attend college fairs at local schools and talk to students about a career in the field of fashion.  “Students often have a preconceived idea of what opportunities exist in fashion and college fairs are a good way to help students find a good fit,” Andy Reilly, professor in FDM, said. “Our presence at the college fairs benefit both the student and our program as many of the students aren’t aware that a fashion program exists at UH Manoa,” shared Dr. Cristi-Kim.

Drs. Abby Cristi-Kim and Andy Reilly attended a career and college fair at Farrington High School on April 26, 2024, to talk to potential students about the FDM program.  They estimate they met with about 100 students who expressed interest in learning more about the program and what it can do for them.  Many of the students they talked with had taken, or were planning to take, fashion courses offered at Farrington High School.  The students they talked with said they wanted to be a designer, own their own store, or work in sales.  

Their efforts have paid off as well; 114 students have applied to the FDM program for Fall 2024. 

By Andrew Reily & Abby Cristi-Kim

Bring your eye for flair and impeccable sense of taste to UH Campus Center Ballroom at 5:30pm for the 58th annual UHM fashion show! The event will provide invaluable experience and training for the FDM students involved and will give them the opportunity of presenting their work and accomplishments in the program to the public and members of the business community. 

Nine lucky students traveled with me to one of the largest fashion conventions in the world in Las Vegas, February 14 and 15. Each year, “Magic” attracts vendors and manufacturers from around the world to showcase their collections to industry buyers. This event is not open to the public, but as faculty in the Dept. of Family and Consumer Sciences, I was able to take students to experience this aspect of the fashion industry.