20 Questions with Hawaiian Clothing Designer and Reality TV Star Kini Zamora

We take a peek behind the scenes at the “Project Runway All Stars” alum and designer’s Hālawa studio.

December 3, 2019

Robbie Dingeman, , Video by Katie Kenny,

The talented Native Hawaiian designer and Project Runway All Stars alum Kini Zamora just completed a fabulous reproduction of the gown Queen Kapi‘olani wore to her 1883 coronation that’s now on display at ‘Iolani Palace. After we saw that gown in the throne room, we talked Zamora into showing us his latest creations, which range from totally glam with a message to “I need to wear that this weekend.” And while we visited his Hālawa studio and shop, we got him to dish about a few other things, too.

Designer Kini Zamora pauses with his new-but-old reproduction of the gown that Queen Kapi‘olani wore with her husband, King Kalākaua, to their coronation on Feb. 12, 1883. The retro project took nearly a year to complete and is on display in the throne room of ‘Iolani Palace.

Photo: David Croxford

99-1132 Iwaena St., ‘Aiea, (808) 202-4471, kinizamora.com

This is a sneak peek into our January issue. Read more about the epic coronation gown Zamora designed and built as part of the ali‘i gown restoration project in the January 2020 issue of HONOLULU. It will be available on newsstands and for purchase at shop.honolulumagazine.com. Subscribe to the print and digital editions now.