Hniang Sung, a Myanmar Native, graduated this past May. She showcased her collection called “Chin Legacy” at the 59th Annual Fashion Exhibition.

We received great news that two of her looks have been selected from a rigorous referee process and will be showcased at the 2025 ITAA (International Textile and Apparel Association) conference in St Louis, MO, from November 18-22, 2025.

Hniang’s design was attributed to indigenous weaving from Chin State in Myanmar and was inspired by the cultural artifacts and beautiful, untouched nature. FDM faculty and her peers are so proud of her achievement!!

By McCarthy Minako

Barbara Kawakami (1921-2024) is an alumna from the FDM program. Born in Japan, she moved to Hawaiʻi with her family when she was three months old.  She was a dressmaker and entered UHM at the age of 53 where she earned a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising and a MA in Asian Studies.  She is the author of Japanese Immigrant Clothing in Hawaii, 1885-1941, and Picture Bride Stories.  She made this dress (circa 1970s-1980s) using fabric designed by local artist and designer Amos Kotomori.  Its unique asymmetrical cut and frog knot at the knee pay homage to tradition while rendering the dress in a modern fashion. The dress was donated to the CTAHR Historic Fashion Collection by her daughter.

By Andy Reilly

A Flower Bud was developed using tie-dye techniques and completed as a finished garment. This group project was created by freshmen and sophomore students as part of an additional course project focused on integrated fashion design.

A total of ten undergraduate students volunteered to participate. Each student was assigned a different tie-dye technique to create fabrics within a shared theme. Two students volunteered as project managers and supervised the tie-dye procedure to meet the design theme. Also, three students volunteered as sewing operators to complete the outfit. One freshman student completed over 60% of the sewing work.

Competing alongside senior-level projects, this project was accepted as a finalist for presentation at the International Textile Apparel & Association (ITAA) conference. The outstanding students from FDM 221, Spring 2025, include: Ayla Alameida, Livia Langmade, Mana Yano, Azure Wasson, Coyan Magniez, & Sophie Malooly.

The Flower Bud tie-dye fabric was submitted to the ITAA by their professor and ITAA sponsor, Dr. Shu-Hwa Lin. The ITAA design competition is highly competitive, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of only 36.5%, making this recognition a significant milestone for the students. Competing as freshmen and sophomores against senior design majors from around the world highlights their creativity, skill, and dedication.

Having their work accepted for this international exhibition means that the students’ efforts and designs are being recognized at a global level. Attached image shows the Flower Bud fabric development process. Additional images will be available after the ITAA meeting on November 26, 2025.

By Shu Hwa Lin

New FDM students and members of the FDM student club “Stole Society” participated in the CTAHR New Student Orientation on August 22nd. The FDM Program Coordinator, Dr. Kang, introduced the FDM curriculum, facilities, and students’ achievements to the new students. Members of the Stole Society shared their experiences from the FDM program with the new students. On September 12th, the FCS Chair, Dr. Jha, and the FDM Program Coordinator, Dr. Kang, attended a retreat hosted by the Academic & Student Affairs Office (ASAO). During this retreat, ASAO provided important information on undergraduate enrollment, transfers, graduation rate, retention rate, recruitment outcomes, and promotion activities. FDM has the second-largest number of students in CTAHR, with a total of 137 FDM majors. Approximately 35% of FDM majors come from both external and internal transfers. The FDM program continues to attract a growing number of students each year.

By Ju-Young Kang

Hi FDM!

I’m sure some of you may have seen me around, but this is my chance to officially introduce myself to the FDM family. I’m Dr. Olaitan Adeleke, the newest addition to the faculty and I’ll also be the one bringing you our department newsletter!

My research focuses on wearable technology and smart textiles, where fashion meets electronics to create innovative and functional designs. We’re currently in the exciting process of setting up a new lab dedicated to this area, and I can’t wait to see the creative possibilities it will inspire.

This spring, I’ll be teaching FDM 491-3: Wearable Technology & Smart Textiles, a hands-on course for anyone who loves to experiment with textiles, sensors, and design innovation. If that sounds like your kind of fun (or research direction), keep an eye out for the course or feel free to reach out via email. I’m so thrilled to be here and can’t wait to collaborate, learn, and create with all of you.

Mahalo!

By Olaitan Adeleke