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Fibres/​Yarns/​Fabrics

Hawaiian Airlines partners with designers to transform aircraft seat fabric into fashion

Seven designers were asked to create wearable fashion and accessories from 19 First Class and 23 Main Cabin seats and headrests.

26th November 2015

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Honolulu

Transport/​Aerospace, Clothing/​Footwear

When Hawaiian Airlines rejuvenated the cabin of its Boeing B717 aircraft earlier this year with modern, lightweight seats, the carrier has to decided what to do with the old seats. Hawaiian's innovative solution was on display to the public at Honolulu Fashion Week, when stylish garments and accessories made from the seat fabric were unveiled in an exciting exhibit.

Graduates of Honolulu Community College's (HonCC) Fashion Technology Program and participating designers from The Cut Collective + Creative Lab's Fashion Immersive Program welcomed the airline's Cabin[to]Couture project as a platform to showcase their skills using exclusive seat materials.

"Fashion and design have always been deep-rooted in the Hawaiian Airlines brand," said Alisa Onishi, director of brand management at Hawaiian Airlines. "This project allows us to give back to our local community through education in a very unique and original way."

Honolulu Fashion Week

Honolulu Fashion Week presented by Hawaiian Airlines took place from 20-22 November at the Hawai'i Convention Center with the opening of the Honolulu Fashion Week Marketplace – a free event where guests can shop from 50 local designers, beauty bars and sponsor booths. All the upcycled pieces were on display throughout the week as part of the airline's Cabin[to]Couture exhibit.

On 21 November international celebrity designers showcased capsule collections at Hawaiian Airlines' Runway to Runway Fashion Show, a concept inspired by fashionable destinations serviced by Hawaiian Airlines.

Wearable fashion and accessories

"I got a call from Hawaiian Airlines asking if we had any students or alumni that could do an upcycle challenge, and I thought, with what? They explained that student designers would be given first and coach class seat covers to create wearable clothing," said Joy Nagaue, professor of the Fashion Technology Program at Honolulu Community College. "I accepted - our students can do anything. I'm overjoyed they've been given this great opportunity."

Earlier this year Hawaiian Airlines began retrofitting its Neighbour Island fleet with a modern redesign featuring lightweight main cabin seats from Acro Aircraft Seating Ltd. The partnership with HonCC and The Cut Collective to repurpose large amounts of unused seat material was seen as a fun and creative way to demonstrate social and environmental responsibility.

Seven designers were asked to create wearable fashion and accessories from 19 First Class and 23 Main Cabin seats and headrests. The designers' inspiration range from the early looks of flight attendants to intricate shapes within the seats themselves.

Participants of the upcycling project

Chai Lim, a 2013 HonCC Fashion Technology Program Graduate, was inspired by the notion of air and flying, Lim's garment is represented by an airy, flowing short skirt paired with a clean, structured strapless top. Jacky Lau, a 2013 HonCC Fashion Technology Program Graduate, was inspired by the shapes within the seat covers and created a futuristic tail jacket paired with fitted cargo pants lined with pocket details. Randy Oribello, a 2014 HonCC Fashion Technology Program Graduate, produced womenswear patchwork bustier, which is layered with strips of main cabin seat covers paired with a short skirt and peplum.

Chanterelle Chantara was inspired by her memories of the 2014 Honolulu Fashion Week, which presented 85 years of Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant uniforms. Emiko Miyazawa, a Fashion Immersive Participant, is the owner of M33Ms jewellery designs. Her design is a durable, easy access fanny pack with flaps that fold over the front. Jana Lam is an owner of textile studio and accessories brand Jana Lam. Her piece, the Weekender Travel Tote, is an extension of her popular line of totes and clutches. And, finally, Lizzy Chitamitre, was inspired by the sophistication of Hawaiian Airlines' flight attendants of yesteryear. She designed a cocktail dress that flows seamlessly from work into the evening.

www.hawaiianairlines.com

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