The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program is celebrating Muʻumuʻu Month this January with an exhibit showcasing vintage muʻumuʻu dresses. These stunning pieces were chosen by nearly 30 high school students from Waipahu High, some of whom may become the next rising stars in Hawaiʻi’s fashion scene.
Fashion Design and Merchandising blends Hawaiʻi’s rich culture with modern design. Educators believe that introducing students to historical fashion can reveal various career paths, from design and entrepreneurship to retail and sustainable fashion.
Professor Andy Reilly emphasizes that fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a reflection of culture and history. “We want students to understand their roots in Hawaiʻi and how this heritage influences what they wear,” he said.
Waipahu High School’s fine arts teacher, Alice Iraha, echoed this sentiment. She feels it’s essential for students to explore not only fashion but also the art and business skills that can be gained from it. In addition to curating the exhibit, students learned about computer-aided design, equipping them with tools to create digital sketches and visualize designs before they’re made.
Muʻumuʻu Month began in 2014 when designer Shannon Hiramoto wore a different vintage muʻumuʻu each day in January. This gesture sparked a statewide effort to keep the garment’s history alive.
The student-curated collection will be displayed at Miller Hall throughout the month, reflecting the commitment of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to honor Hawaiʻi’s past while providing practical skills for the future.
Understanding the significance of clothing helps students recognize its role in shaping identity and culture. “Clothing can tell stories about who you are,” Reilly noted, encouraging students to consider how their choices can impact others.
In today’s world, fashion is increasingly tied to sustainability. Recent studies show that over 60% of consumers are now considering the environmental impact of their clothing choices. This shift may motivate young designers to focus on sustainable practices as they enter the industry.
Connecting fashion with technology is crucial as well. The rise of tools like 3D modeling in fashion design allows for innovation while respecting traditional techniques. As students explore these new avenues within their culture, they contribute to a vibrant future for Hawaiʻi’s fashion landscape.
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