Â鶹´«Ã½ Island teens took needle and thread to the next level at a hands-on 4-H Fashion Camp in Honokaʻa where they learned from community volunteers, University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ faculty and industry insiders. The camp was a collaboration between Â鶹´«Ã½ 4-H and the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s Fashion Design and Merchandising program.
Fourteen students created tank tops and shorts while learning the basics of sewing, fashion and entrepreneurship. The weeklong camp was taught by Honokaʻa High School fashion teacher Lisa Anderson, with support from the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) and local nonprofit Sew Fun.
Students explored fashion business, design technology, textiles and the history of the Aloha Shirt. The program highlighted fashion¡¯s deep roots in agriculture through natural fibers such as cotton and wool, connecting students to career possibilities in Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s growing fashion and creative industries.
“I liked learning how to sew. I¡¯ve never sewn before so I loved learning the basics,” said one camper. Another added they enjoyed “the sewing and friends.”
Stoking passion for fashion
Guest speakers included Mariah Toledo-Tavares of Kalo Kini Swim, Chris Whitaker from ʻOhana Fiber Mill, and Sarah Anderson of Sarah Anderson Photography, who shared stories of turning creative passions into careers. The week wrapped up with a student-run photoshoot, where participants modeled their handmade outfits.
“This was a great opportunity to bring education, industry and community together to inspire students,” said CTAHR professor and fashion researcher Andrew Reilly. He organized faculty contributions from Minako McCarthy, Marie Abigail Cristi-Kim, Youngjin Bahng and Ju-Young Kang.
Surveys showed nearly half of the students were more interested in fashion careers after camp. Parents shared that their teens have since started sewing clothes at home.
The camp was organized by CTAHR Extension Agent Marielle Hampton as part of the Â鶹´«Ã½ 4-H youth development program, with funding from CTAHR¡¯s Department of Family and Consumer Science and fabric from Discount Fabric Warehouse. For more information, contact hamptonm@hawaii.edu.