Manaola, New York Fashion Week

Manaola, New York Fashion Week

September 2017 –– After just two years on the local fashion circuit, MANAOLA debuted an exclusive runway collection on the global fashion stage of New York Fashion Week 2017. Designer Manaola Yap is the first Native Hawaiian designer to present authentic Hawaiian culture including oli, hula and traditional hula dressing ceremony at New York Fashion Week. Celebrated among Hawai‘i’s next generation of designers, Yap is lending a new voice as a storyteller, cultural practitioner and luxury fashion designer. (Manaola Hawai’i)

My experience in New York was something I will forever hold close to my heart. Being able to not only represent Hawai’i but my small town of Hilo was one of my proudest moments as a seventeen year old. I am extremely proud of my heritage as a Hawaiian woman. Walking for a designer who creates art that epitomizes the depth of Hawai’i is something I am immensely proud to talk about.