Celebrating Women

Many women are healthier and happier in middle age and beyond than in their 20s or 30s, me included. We’re more comfortable with ourselves and our lives. We know who we are. Personally, I’m no longer driving myself to constantly be someone better or different—what a relief! Too often, we’re reminded about the downturns of getting older. We lose collagen, our bodies change, our joints ache, it’s a young person’s world. But what about the fact that after 40, 50, 60 and up, we’re wiser, emotionally resilient and experienced in life? That matters far more.

We’re more comfortable with ourselves and our lives. We know who we are. Personally, I’m no longer driving myself to constantly be someone better or different—what a relief!

So, for Women’s History Month, we worked on a fashion feature with accomplished women from our city, ages 40 and up, wearing clothes by local designers. We set them against the exquisite grounds of Shangri La, the late Doris Duke’s Kāhala property that serves now as a center of Islamic art, culture and design. What comes to life is a gorgeous assemblage of women in their prime showcasing Hawai‘i’s fashion talent amid a breathtaking setting.

Maura Fujihira. Rumi Murakami tank and pants, iam Jewelry & Creations earrings and cuff, Love Me Knots bracelet. Photo: IJfke Ridgley

I met the five featured women at our photo shoots, and they were radiant. I knew upon meeting them that the concept for this feature, tied to a month when we celebrate the historical accomplishments of women, was on point. It was inspiring to read their quotes that touch on what they enjoy about being their age, and what’s important to them. I asked several younger women, one who was at our shoots, how they felt about HONOLULU featuring 40-and-older women, and they universally said they appreciated seeing women to look up to, calling it a refreshing diversion from typical fashion spreads with younger models. That was particularly meaningful.

Meanwhile, another story this month shares predictions of growth careers in the Islands, and also looks at how our work culture is changing. Hawai‘i’s economic landscape has never been on the cutting edge; in fact, the same traditional industries continue to dominate. But things are changing, driven by younger generations, technology, the pandemic and global developments like climate change.

My 18-year-old daughter is reflective of some of the changing ways, especially as they relate to younger people and their approaching careers. For now, instead of college, she completed an aesthetician program and is working toward being licensed. She’s far more focused on what she wants to do than I was at her age. Seeing her intentionally explore her interests has been affirming. I fully support her shaping her own future.

It’s hard to believe you will be reading this in March—the year is speeding along. It’s an ambitious time for our editorial team, as we continue trying to enhance the magazine in various ways. Please share your feedback and comments. We want to know what you have enjoyed, could do without and would like to see as we plan future issues for 2024 and beyond.