Hawaiʻi Swimwear Brand Hilia Swim Invited to New York Fashion Week—With a Commitment to Bring Local Talent Along
Hawaiʻi Swimwear Brand Hilia Swim Invited to New York Fashion Week—With a Commitment to Bring Local Talent Along
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Hilia Swim, a Native Hawaiian wahine-owned swimwear brand founded by Jamiana Tan of Kona, Hawaiʻi, has been invited to present its collection at the world-renowned Runway 7 during New York Fashion Week in September 2026—bringing Hawaiʻi-based models to the global runway in a commitment to local representation.
Hilia Swim began in 2020, during a time when the world slowed down and the ocean became a place of grounding. After years of purchasing bathing suits that never quite fit right, Tan decided to try creating her own. With no formal training in design or sewing, she taught herself how to cut patterns, work with fabric, and construct swimwear by hand—learning through trial, error, and persistence.
The very first suit was made for her younger sister.
That experience shaped the heart of the brand. The vision became to create swimwear of such high quality that you don’t just see the difference, you feel it. Today, every Hilia Swim piece is handmade and customizable, designed to honor real bodies and celebrate individuality, while helping elevate Hawaiʻi as a place known for exceptional quality and talent.
Now, Hilia Swim is preparing to take that vision to one of the world’s biggest fashion stages.
As a Native Hawaiian brand, representation is central to this opportunity. Tan is committed to bringing local models from Hawaiʻi to walk the New York Fashion Week runway—offering ʻōpio an experience that is often inaccessible without leaving home or having industry connections.
“This opportunity is about more than showing in New York,” says Tan. “It’s about creating access and showing what’s possible when we invest in the talent we already have here in Hawaiʻi. Our people deserve to be seen on these stages, just as they are.”
Bringing a full team from Hawaiʻi to New York—including models, travel, lodging, fittings, and production—comes with significant financial costs. To make this vision a reality, Hilia Swim is actively seeking corporate sponsors, community partners, and individual donors who believe in elevating local talent onto a global platform.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for brands and businesses aligned with Hilia Swim’s values of quality, culture, and representation. Sponsors will receive brand visibility during New York Fashion Week activations, social media recognition, press exposure, and the opportunity to be directly connected to a historic moment for Hawaiʻi representation in fashion.
Funds raised will directly support:
-Travel and accommodations for Hawaiʻi-based models
-New York Fashion Week participation and production costs
-Providing meaningful opportunities for local talent on a global platform
This moment represents more than a runway show—it is about representation, opportunity, and carrying Hawaiʻi with us wherever we go.
To support Hilia Swim’s New York Fashion Week journey:
To become a sponsor, donate, or learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact Hilia Swim at hiliaswim1@gmail.com or visit hiliaswim.com. Supporters can also follow @hiliaswim on social media or donate directly at https://gofund.me/5b7f4f270.