HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Island style is heading to the Big Apple.
Jamiana Tan, from Kona will debut her new swimwear collection at New York Fashion Week in September.
The Kealakehe Grad created “Hilia Swim” during the pandemic.
The 25-year-old says she taught herself to sew because going to the beach was one of the only permitted activities and she was running out of bathing suits.
Still creating pieces by hand from home, Tan says it now takes about 45 minutes to finish a bikini set or a pair of board shorts.
“I just wanted to be able to create something for everyone to wear so everyone feels confident, and is able to appreciate their bodies.”
Her designs, which are inspired by local scenery, caught the eye of fashion week organizers, leading to an unexpected direct message on Instagram.
“I thought that it was going to be a scam,” Tan said. “And I was like, there’s no way. There’s no way like me, Helia Swim. I’m going to be in New York Fashion Week.”
Tan, who hopes to one day open a physical store, is now looking for models to showcase her pieces during Fashion Week, September 11th through the 16th.
Click here to check out her Instagram and to apply.
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