The FDM 495: Capstone Portfolio class had the great opportunity to talk story with two local fashion designers and entrepreneurs, Summer Shiigi (Ten Tomorrow) and Rumi Roberston (Rumi Murakami label). The two designers discussed their background information, their triumphs, trials, and tribulations in owning a small business. The fashion gurus encouraged our soon-to-be graduates to ask questions in regards to the fashion industry and in owning a small business in this current business climate, what to expect after graduation, as well as what advice they can share with new fashion graduates in a very competitive field. The FDMseniors were thrilled that the designers disclosed their experiences and insights and are grateful to have met with Summer and Rumi. We are truly appreciative to have Summer and Rumi’s unyielding support all these years. They have been the best mentors to FDM students in our internship program, as well as very active FDM Advisory Board members. Mahalo, Summer and Rumi!

By Abby Cristi-Kim

Nine lucky students traveled with Dr. Andy Reilly 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, Dr. Reilly was able to take students to experience this aspect of the fashion industry. 

Students attended Magic’s industry seminars at the Las Vegas Convention Center, students attended industry seminars.  One seminar provided an overview of branding; did you know that brands have eight seconds to get a message across to a potential customer on social media?  Another seminar included representatives from the manufacturing industries in Africa, Egypt, and Sri Lanka, who talked about their workforce skills and regional resources.  According to Stephanie Sirju, the trip “made me appreciate my fashion degree beyond what I had in the past and left me with lifelong knowledge, advice, and connections with amazing people.  Not only that, this event put you in a very realistic environment and I’ve learned to navigate myself in fashion environments a lot better.” .......For more information, click the following "Read more" button.

Dr. Shu-Hwa Lin, Department of Family & Consumer Sciences Fashion Design & Merchandising, leads a group of UH students (including one FDM, one Business, and three Engineering students) and one Textile & apparel student from Washing State University to attend the NASA MITTIC Fall 2023 Pitch competition. These six students and Dr. Shu-Hwa Lin were invited to visit Houston, TX, for three days to give a poster presentation, an oral presentation, and an exciting VIP tour of NASA, which included the Mission Control Center, Training Center, and Rocket Center. Participants are Chester Leoso, Matthew Kirimitsu, Johnathan Hollis, Alexander Castillo, Johnell Ladera (from UH), and Nehemiah Duran (from Washington State University). All students presented very outstanding and professional presentations. Dr. Lin expressed that she was proud of students’ outstanding performances (both poster and oral presentations). Watch the video (LINK) -written by Shu-Hwa Lin