Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology Program transformed Capitol Modern Museum into a runway of creativity and innovation during its annual student fashion show, “A Night at the Museum,” on May 7.
The live showcase featured original collections designed by students in the program, with the evening centered around the senior collections of seven graduating designers.
Family members, alumni, faculty, community supporters and fashion industry professionals filled the venue to celebrate the students’ work and artistic vision.
The annual show highlighted the range of skills students develop through the only technical fashion program in Honolulu offering comprehensive training in areas such as clothing construction, industrial sewing, pattern making, textile art, computerized grading and fashion design.
Hands-on experience sparks student designers
Students receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and software to prepare for careers in fashion and apparel production.
For senior designer Jade 奥ā?颈濒颈尘辞办耻 Herrera, the runway show was deeply personal.
“I really felt the need to, you know, just put myself out there, show I exist, hope other people resonate with me,” Herrera said. “I just followed what I felt called to do.”
Herrera also reflected on the support she received throughout the program.
“I’m so incredibly grateful for all of the seniors who showed today, all of my instructors,” she said. “I really can’t express how much I’m grateful for them.”
Senior designer Lacie Kau described the experience as both emotional and rewarding.
“It felt like a relief from my stress,” Kau said. “Like my success has come true. Like the show time finally came and it’s like you’re seeing everything. All my dreams and all my hard work put into it is such a blessing.”
For Silver Ueno, seeing months of preparation come to life on the runway was surreal.
“It’s been such a long time coming that once it actually happened, it was like, oh, this is happening,” Ueno said. “But no, it was amazing. I really appreciated all the crowd support. My models, of course, just all the support means a lot.”
Committed to educational experiences
Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen C. Lee said the show reflects the college’s commitment to career-focused education and student success.
“Our students are gaining real-world experience while showcasing incredible creativity and professionalism,” Lee said. “Events like this demonstrate the talent being developed at Honolulu Community College and the important role career and technical education plays in Hawai?i‘s workforce and creative industries.”
Honolulu CC is recognized as one of Hawai?i‘s premier career and technical training institutions, offering more than 30 academic programs across fields including construction and trades, creative services, public safety, technology and design, transportation and maintenance, and human services.