CTAHR and the Heliconia Society International will present the Society’s XXII Conference at the UH Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom, March 23–25, 2025. 

A new anthurium cultivar produced by CTAHR's anthurium breeding program was named in honor of a renowned Canadian floral designer at the 2024 Fresh Look Expo, hosted in Hilo by Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association (HFNA).  

Professor Andy Reilly and Graduate Student Jordan Antonio received the “Paper of Distinction Award” for the Cultural track at the 2024 conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA).  ITAA is the premier organization for textile and fashion scholars and presents awards based on a rigorous selection process.  Reilly and Antonio’s paper was a case study of Native Hawaiian fashion designer Micah Kamohoaliʻi and how he utilizes cultural values to guide his designing and manufacturing processes.  This work highlights issues of agency, sustainability, and authenticity.  The paper will be published in early 2025.  Reilly and Antonio acknowledge this research was made possible via a HATCH grant from the US Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service.  

By Andy Reilly​

FDM alumna Kristen Domingcil gave a guest talk in FDM 101 Introduction to the Fashion Industry on Tuesday, October 15.  Kristen and her colleague, Emily Fujimura, both work for Trendtex Fabrics and talked about the fabric business, from design to production and sales.  Kristen graduated in 2011 and has since worked in NYC for Ralph Lauren and Yigal Azroul, and returned to Honolulu a few years ago where she worked with the merchandising team for Jeans Warehouse and the wholesale team for Angels by the Sea.   Kristen told the students that her love of fashion comes from textiles and she enjoys helping to develop not only the look and prints of textiles, but the textures and weaves.  Emily advised students to take as many electives in fashion as possible so that they have well-rounded skill set. 

By Andy Reilly​

Mini totes bags are one of the trendy items lately. FDM student club, Stole Society, led by Masisa Kim (SS president) and five dedicated FDM student officers, had the 1st-semester event – making own mini totes—on September 30th, 2024. Over 22 participants from various majors had a rich learning experience at the Miller Design Lab. They learned how to use a machine and add lace trims and other embellishments, creating cute and fancy mini totes. This hands-on experience has surely enriched their skills and will motivate them for future events. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who generously donated fabrics and trims to FDM. We truly appreciate your support. Please check out @stolesociety for upcoming events and Stole workshops. 

By Minako McCarthy​