FDM 338: 2D/3D CAD (taught by Dr. Ju-Young Kang) combines hands-on learning with real-world technology, with an emphasis on rapid prototyping and digital workflows. Since 2015, students in this course have been developing 3D virtual fashion shows using professional 3D software. In 2025, they advanced this tradition by producing a new version of the virtual fashion show—this time integrating 3D software with AI technologies. As part of the course curriculum, students created AI-integrated 2D/3D CAD projects, including realistic fashion renderings and virtual fashion show videos. They had the opportunity to incorporate AI tools into their digital design process, refine AI-generated outputs, and gain a deeper understanding of both the creative potential and limitations of AI.

Fifty-four students’ 2D/3D CAD projects were showcased at the 59th UHM Fashion Exhibition, Lasting Legacies, held on May 2nd at the UHM Campus Center Ballroom. More than 190 attendees enjoyed our students’ showcase of 2D and 3D virtual fashion design, developed using both software and AI technologies (Watch the video).

By Ju-Young Kang

Marisa Kim, a design track student in FDM and the 2024-2025 president of the FDM student club, Stole Society (SS),  has been awarded the 2025 undergraduate Ka Hana Po'pkela award. Her outstanding leadership and compassionate nature has greatly nurtured the club, especially the SS officers and members who actively participated in club events throughout the year. Marisa is a student role-model, who supports others and who is dedicated to FDM and the Stole Society. FDM is happy to recognize her with this award!

By McCarthy Minako

The 59th UHM Fashion Exhibition, Lasting Legacies, was a resounding success, held on May 2nd at the UHM campus Center Ballroom. Twelve talented senior student designers and ten juniors showcased the unique individual and group collections for an audience of more than 190, including students’ families and friends, local businesses, and the press. The presence of UH president, Wendy Hensel, who delivered heartening remarks, added to the event's success. We are grateful for your support and encourage you to stay connected with the FDM program through our Instagram accounts: @fdm_uhm & @uhmfashionshow. 

By McCarthy Minako

If you read that title and thought, “Hold up, we have a Historic Fashion Collection?” then you might remember it as the “Historic Costume Collection.” This article is here to announce the name change of the “Historic Costume Collection” to the “Historic Fashion Collection (HFC).” For those of you who donʻt recognize either name, that's okay; I'll fill you in. The HFC houses historical fashion items spanning back to the early 1800s which belong to the following subcollections: Asia, Global, Hawai’i, and Western. In 2009, the Hawaiʻi State Senate passed a resolution designating the collection as a “world class, hidden treasure” that “is one of the most significant collections in an American university” (S.R. No.57, 2009). The name has been updated to acknowledge the fact that these items are not costumes; they are literally the fabric of our community, historical items imbued with global cultural significance. This is the reason for our current grant-funded efforts to digitize the Historic Fashion Collection and make it accessible to community members and researchers. We hope to foster community engagement, collaboration, and learning as we provide care for this collection.... Click the Read More button.

By Terri-Lee Bixby

Two MBBE Ph.D. students—Kyle Rafael Marcelino and Ty Shitanaka—were awarded this year's prestigious Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Awards in Tropical Agriculture.