2026 DESIGNERS
Laitahikoa Designs
Designer: Siona Fruean
Siona Fruean, a native of Samoa, comes from a family that honors tradition, family values, and history. He is a gifted artist passionate about music, creative arts, and design. His family, known as Laitahikoa Designs Hawaiʻi, includes talented graphic designers, media developers, and business owners. Established in 2018, their business aims to nurture the talents of his family. Mr. Fruean holds a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies and serves as a community leader impacting all generations.
Missing Polynesia
Designer: Meilin Vitale
Founded in 2001, Missing Polynesia has remained committed to keeping the Pacific spirit at the heart of everything we do. Passionate about creativity and inspired by the Pacific Islands, Missing Polynesia embodies the value of design by weaving cultural art with modern influences.
Our journey began from humble beginnings — first at the International Marketplace and later at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Honolulu, where we proudly shared our designs with the community. In those early days, we set up simple booths, met customers face-to-face, and watched with gratitude as people connected with our pieces. Little by little, we grew, moving from swap meets to mainland (California, Nevada, etc.) events and trade shows, each step bringing us closer to where we are today.
Funk N Soul97
Designer: Tia Semi
Perth-based model and fashion designer with disabilities, creating bold, modern resortwear inspired by vibrant Polynesian heritage. Each design blends striking colors and patterns with comfort and confidence — from relaxed everyday pieces to statement formal dresses for any occasion.
Through Funk N Soul97, fashion becomes a celebration of individuality, culture, and self-expression. With national and international runway experience, showcases include Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, Fiji Fashion Week, New Zealand Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week’s Flying Solo.
House of Kamamalu
Designer: Kira Kamamalu
An artist of many mediums, Hawaiian culture is a thread that runs through all the work of KK. Having completed 2 residencies, over 16 one woman art shows, numerous collaborative shows, the Florence Biennale in 2013, solo fashion shows and shoots, KK also teaches art and the many crafts of Hawaiian culture.
This Hawaii Island artistʻs combination of classical style and Polynesian subject matter is the distinctive thread for everything created by The House of Kamamalu.
Dezigns by Kamohoali'i
Designer: Kumu Micah Kamohoali'i
Dezigns by Kamohoalii clothing company based on the Island of Hawai‘i was created by renowned Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoalii in 2005 and shares foundational values of Hawaiian culture to its audience through art and design. This line of clothing strives to educate in the ways of Hawaiian designs, metaphoric imagery, cultural significance with strong symbolism and interpretations.
Dezigns by Kamohoalii encompass all of Hawaiʻi’s natural environments and honor the excellence and brilliance of the Hawaiian people. Kamohoalii’s passion for art led him into graphic design and his family’s legacy in Hawaiian Kapa led him into fashion. While merging these two elements the birthing of this company was formed. Dezigns By Kamohoalii feature layers of ʻike kuʻuna or traditional Hawaiian knowledge embedded in each design and inspired by his family’s mastery skills in working with Kapa, ʻOhe Kāpala, and Kākau. We honor the breath of life from our Kupuna by perpetuating, preserving, and retelling our stories in the designs we wear on our clothing.
Born Hawaiʻi
Designer: Jeremie Makepa
Born in Hawaii, Born Hawaii is a family-owned business established by our Ohana to represent the people of Hawai'i. Each family member has a role in our small business. Dad, Jeremie Makepa, is the designer, and Mom, Kahelelani Makepa, runs the whole operation with the help of our three kids, Wailana, Waika, and Wahianu. Born Hawai'i designs are inspired by our beautiful home, HAWAI'I.
KUA
Designer: Makua Camarao
KUA is a lifestyle brand designed from the mind of Makua Camarao. KUA offers collections of men’s, and women's apparel through an uncommon view of facile styling, intriguing detail to creation and design. KUA embodies innovation in fashion, prioritizing creation of making apparel in new ways.
Alepa Collective
Designer: LeiAloha Nakaya & Kuuwai Kahokuloa
Alepa Collective is a Hawaiʻi-born fashion brand rooted in faith, family, and purpose. Inspired by the meaning of “Alepa” (Alpha), the brand reflects leadership, foundation, and identity grounded in God. Blending refined island formalwear with everyday style, Alepa Collective creates elevated pieces designed with intention—drawing inspiration from church, special gatherings, and daily life in Hawaiʻi.
A signature element of the brand is the use of Niʻihau shells, honoring the islands’ cultural beauty and rarity. Through each collection, Alepa Collective expresses a deep respect for heritage, craftsmanship, and place. More than fashion, Alepa Collective represents strength, dignity, and the values we carry into every space.