Business Development and Support Division

Hawaii Fashion Month brought together the private sector and government to discuss the establishment of a Designer-in-Residence (DIR) Program in Hawaii fashioned after the Macy’s DIR programs in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Chicago. Organized by DBEDT’s HI Growth Initiative that targets high-growth/high-potential entrepreneurs, the brainstorming and discussion session led by Allison Izu. Participants included Ari South of Andy South, Dale Hope, Terri Funakoshi of Hilo Hattie, Mark Tsuda of Jams World, Toby Portner of Hawaii Fashion Incubator; DBEDT officials Karl Fooks, Dennis Ling, Georja Skinner, Lauren Primiano and Marlene Hiraoka; and others in the fashion design and manufacturing industry. The goal is to institute a “boot camp”, mentoring and access- to- capital program for fashion related companies to grow the next Tommy Bahama, Pink Martini or Diesel – but from Hawaii! Go to DBEDT’s HI Growth Initiative Website for more information.