HIFI Coop To Open At Ward Warehouse
HIFI Coop To Open At Ward Warehouse
The Hawaii Fashion Incubator (HIFI) is nearing the end of its funding campaign to open the Hifi Coop at Ward Warehouse (second floor above T&C Surf) March 3. “The space will be a hub for all things Hawaii fashion, and provide a place for the community to connect, collaborate and collectively move Hawaii fashion forward,” says Melissa White, Hifi cofounder. “Money is needed for lighting and electrical work, fixtures, equipment and other expenses.”
Hifi is a sponsored project of the non-profit arts services organization Fractured Atlas. Since launching in 2006, Hifi has helped numerous local designers and fashion professionals gain exposure through events, a membership program and pop-up boutique. The Hifi Coop will have a retail space for local designers and fashion events, a studio for classes and shared workspace, a library, photography studio and more. Some of the designers to be featured in the retail space include Salty Girl Jewelry, Katrina Langford and a visiting designer from Ohio called Cosmic Bobbins. The funding campaign ends Feb. 14. To donate, go to indiegogo.com/hifi or visit Hawaiifashion.org.
Allison Izu Featured In Oprah Magazine
Hawaii-based fashion designer Allison Izu is in the national spotlight this month with coverage in O The Oprah Magazine. The magazine lists Izu on page 69 as the featured petite jeans. The article tells readers “How to Wear Denim Now” and answers questions like ‘Can I wear flared jeans if I’m short?’ The answer to this petite woman’s dilemma is Izu’s Chinatown trouser.
The magazine adds, “Yes! but don’t take regular flares and hem them it will throw off the proportions. Try petite flares by Allison Izu, who designs a clothing line for women 5’6″ and under.”
Since appearing on stands, Izu says she has already received numerous orders for the featured jeans, as well as other new styles, all manufactured in Hawaii.
Allison Izu launched in Hawaii in 2008, specializing in premium denim for petite women. The collection offers several styles per season, including a wide-leg trouser, a basic trouser, the bootcut, a straight skinny and the skinny jeans. For more information, visit shopallisonizu.com.
