The highly anticipated Zonta Fashion Frenzy (ZFF) series returns this month, celebrating Hawaii Island’s fashion and creative industries while raising funds to support local women and girls through service projects and scholarships.
Timed around International Women’s Day, this four-part event series showcases the intersection of history, tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Hawaii Island’s fashion scene.
“Fashion has long been a form of storytelling, and Fashion Frenzy is a way to honor the rich legacy of Hawaii Island’s makers while paving the way for future creatives,” Ashley Kierkiewicz, ZFF co-chair, said in a press release. “This series is a tribute to the artistry, resilience, and innovation of local designers — past and present. From legacy brands to emerging designers, we’re excited to share these stories, uplift wahine entrepreneurs, and inspire the next generation of makers.”
The series kicks off this Thursday with the premiere of “That’s Sew Hilo,” a fashion documentary produced by Na Leo TV with support from the Atherton Family Foundation.
The film explores the sewing, tailoring, and garment-making on Hawaii Island — both past and present — while highlighting beloved local brands such as Kurohara’s, Hata’s, Okolehao by Mark Yamanaka, Sig Zane, Designs by Kamohoali‘i, Hana Hou Hilo, House of Kamamalu, LexBreezy Hawaii, Ola Hou, Alohiwai and more.
The screening takes place at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theater, with tickets available for $15 at the theater box office or online at hilopalace.com.
On Friday, Zonta Hilo and Purple Mai‘a’s FoundHer co-host the Hulilau Makeke, an all-wahine marketplace from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sangha Hall in Hilo.
Nearly 50 wahine-owned businesses will showcase fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, live painting, and more. Attendees can shop local, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and experience live fashion shows at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Entry is free, with a suggested donation of $5.
From March 10-29, the SEW FINE fashion exhibit will be on display at Temple Children Art Studio (164 Kilauea Ave., Hilo).
Sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, this curated showcase offers a deeper look at Hawaii Island’s fashion evolution through vintage and contemporary garments, brand stories, archival photographs and historical newspapers. The exhibit is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Monday, March 17, local storyteller Leilehua Yuen will host a special talk on fashion, culture and history.
The final installment of the series, “The Place that Hurts &Glitters,” is a process-based workshop designed for survivors of domestic violence to explore their personal stories through visual storytelling and collective creation.
Led by visiting Swedish artist Ishtar Dakhil, an artist-in-residence with Temple Children, the monthlong workshop series integrates art, creative writing and personal reflection as tools for healing and empowerment. The group’s work will be unveiled in April through a short film by Na Leo TV, with physical artwork installed in a traveling exhibit across Hawaii Island.
Funds raised through Zonta Fashion Frenzy directly support Zonta Club of Hilo’s service projects and scholarships. For a full event schedule and more details, visit zffhilo.org. Follow @zontaclubofhilo on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and behind-the-scenes content.
