Jamiana Tan, a 25-year-old from Kona, Hawaii, will showcase her Hilia Swim collection at New York Fashion Week in September. The self-taught designer created her brand during the pandemic, drawing inspiration from local scenery to promote body confidence. Her unexpected invitation came via Instagram from fashion week organizers.
Jamiana Tan, a graduate of Kealakehe High School in Kona, launched Hilia Swim during the pandemic when beach visits were among the few permitted outdoor activities. Running low on bathing suits, the 25-year-old taught herself to sew and began crafting pieces by hand from her home. Today, she still produces items manually, with each bikini set or pair of board shorts taking about 45 minutes to complete.
Tan’s designs aim to make swimwear inclusive, as she explained: “I just wanted to be able to create something for everyone to wear so everyone feels confident, and is able to appreciate their bodies.” Influenced by Hawaii’s local scenery, her collections have gained attention beyond the islands. Recently, fashion week organizers reached out directly via Instagram, an opportunity Tan initially doubted. “I thought that it was going to be a scam,” she said. “And I was like, there’s no way. There’s no way like me, Hilia Swim. I’m going to be in New York Fashion Week.”
The debut will occur during New York Fashion Week from September 11 through 16. Tan is currently seeking models to feature her pieces and hopes to eventually open a physical store. Her journey highlights how grassroots creativity can lead to global stages, bringing island-inspired style to a major fashion event.
