Barbara Kawakami dress on display in Dean's Office, Gilmore 202

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