To Do: HONOLULU Fashion Week

This weekend’s best events are all under one roof.

November 20, 2015

Katrina Valcourt,

Photo: Odeelo Dayondon

We’ve canceled our meetings and set our phones straight to voicemail—only one thing has our attention this weekend. We’ve been talking about it for months, and the time has finally come: HONOLULU Fashion Week officially begins at the Hawai‘i Convention Center tonight, and we’re more excited than Koko with a kitten. With enough chic shopping, runway shows, beauty bars and even a model search to last through the weekend, we might as well move in—and we want you to join us.

Call it our event-house suite.

HONOLULU Fashion Week presented by Hawaiian Airlines will be on the ground floor of the Hawai‘i Convention Center in Exhibit Hall 3, Nov. 20–22. Event admission is free; parking is $10 and accessible from Kalākaua Avenue, no in-and-out privileges.

Visit honoulufashionweek.com for more information, including interviews with some special guests, photos and videos throughout the event. Don’t forget to hashtag #honolulufw!

Friday, Nov. 20

5 to 9 p.m.

DO: Hit the Marketplace

More than 50 local designers, including Sig Zane, have set up booths featuring their products you can buy right then and there. See the full list of brands, and some of the products that will be debuting at HONOLULU Fashion Week, here.

6 p.m.

WATCH: Live Aloha runway show

One of our signature shows, Live Aloha, will showcase designs from more than 20 local brands, including Virginia Paresa, Reyn Spooner, Allison Izu, Cameron Hawai‘i and Bliss Lau, whose body chain on local model Keke Lindgard last year was a real show-stopper. All seats are full, but come early for standing room, which has pretty great views, too. Check out last year’s Live Aloha show here.

8 p.m.

WATCH: Kini Zamora runway show

This show from Project Runway standout Kini Zamora promises structural pieces with bohemian flair in his new spring/summer collection, debuting tonight. Proceeds from reserved seating ($35, click here) will benefit Reach the Runway, Open seating is first come, first serve. Check out Kini’s show from last year here.

Saturday, Nov. 21

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

DO: Hit the Marketplace

In addition to knocking out your Christmas shopping in one fell swoop, head to the beauty bar to do a little something for yourself. We spoke with makeup guru Jonathan Freitas to get some tips on how to up your makeup game, and he’ll be on-hand to give one-on-one beauty consultations to anyone who stops by the Motives Cosmetics booth.

1 p.m.

WATCH: Manuheali‘i runway show

We can’t believe Manuheali‘i is already celebrating 30 years as a brand, but we’re more than ready to join in the party. Reserved seats are $25 here, but you can also grab open seats or stand for free. See something you like? Check out Manuheali‘i’s booth in the Marketplace.

6 p.m.

WATCH: Get Out! runway show

Our other signature show, Get Out!, features surf- and street-wear you can actually rock on a regular basis in Honolulu. Participating brands include Rumi Murakami, Language of the Birds, Moon Collective, Florencia Arias, Roberta Oaks and Salvage Public. See the full list here. Tickets for reserved seating are going fast, so grab them for $25 while you can, or stand on the side to watch (don’t worry, you’ll still be able to see the runway). Watch last year’s show here.

8 p.m.

WATCH: Runway to Runway runway show

From airport runways to the catwalk, this show is inspired by fashionable destinations served by Hawaiian Airlines—New York, Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo and Honolulu. A designer line from each city will be represented. Read more about them on Lei Chic. Premium seats are sold out, so come early if you want to catch the show! Watch Hawaiian Airlines’ show from last year here.

Sunday, Nov. 22

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DO: Hit the Marketplace

You’ve got your shopping, done, your face is made up expertly—now it’s time to check out the sponsor lounges. After all, the event wouldn’t happen without them. One of our favorite things on display? Presenting sponsor Hawaiian Airlines will showcase old airplane seat covers upcycled into haute fashion by students from Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology program.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DO: Become a model

Attention, aspiring models: Roman Young and Bobby Gutierrez of Wilhelmina will be holding an open call for 15- to 24-year-olds who want to get into the biz. This is your chance to strut your stuff in front of some industry bigwigs, including Lynne Hanzawa O’Neill, who will also provide feedback and offer a runway-walking workshop. The last models will be seen at 12:30 p.m.; first come, first serve. Get more details here.

2 p.m.

WATCH: Hawai‘i Pacific Health—Beautiful Survivors runway show

HPH and Hawai‘i designers work together in a fashion show featuring cancer survivors of all ages. You can read more about the models’ uplifting stories on honolulufashionweek.com. Reserved seats are sold out, but this is one show you won’t want to miss, so come early for an open seat or standing room.