OUR STORY . . .

In 2006, recognizing that Hawai‘i’s growing and evolving fashion community was without a central resource for information, networking, and advocacy, Melissa May White and Toby Portner co-founded the Hawai‘i Fashion Incubator (Hifi).  Hifi is a membership-based organization whose mission is to inspire, promote, and sustain an integrated fashion community in Hawai‘i.  Hifi's goal is to restore fashion’s place in Hawai‘i’s economic and cultural identity through community-building and alliances with education, economic development, the arts, and tourism. 

Hifi's co-founders conceptualized the Hawai‘i Fashion Incubator as a central hub where members of the community can interact, collaborate, and collectively drive the local fashion industry forward, drawing inspiration from fashion incubators elsewhere (e.g., Toronto, Los Angeles, New Zealand).  In April 2007 Hifi hosted an event at the Arts at Mark's Garage to introduce the concept and solicit the input of the local fashion community.  A panel of local fashion professionals discussed the future of Hawaii's fashion industry and 50 attendees completed surveys, the results of which have helped inform Hifi’s mission and projects.  In May 2008 Hifi launched its membership program. 

Hifi’s network presently reaches over 1,000 members of the local fashion community, from buyers & retailers to designers, media, photographers, models, event planners, makeup artists, educators, students, and fashion enthusiasts.  It reaches that network through its membership program, electronic mailing list, and social networking sites. 

MEET THE FOUNDERS . . .

OUR MISSION . . .

Hifi’s mission is to inspire, promote, and sustain an integrated fashion community in Hawai‘i.

Hifi aims to raise awareness and appreciation of fashion as both art and industry through alliances with the arts,
government, and business sectors, cultural organizations, and educational institutions.

Hifi’s membership program fosters collaboration and resource sharing within Hawai‘i’s fashion community,
providing guidance and resources and linking local talent with the global marketplace.

Melissa May White has been enamored of fashion since childhood.  A onetime designer turned fashion journalist and community organizer, her writings and fashion spreads have appeared in The Honolulu Advertiser and other local publications.

Toby Portner has a threefold passion for fashion, wellness, and education.  A Resource Teacher at the Hawaii Department of Education and designer of clothing line tobyp, Portner constantly explores ways of fusing her diverse interests.