
The corridor of the historic Waiola Church is engulfed in flames in Lahaina on Aug. 8 (Photograph Credit score: Related Press)
This previous summer time, Hawaii confronted an unprecedented disaster as raging wildfires consumed its lush landscapes and threatened its communities. The picturesque landscapes that had lengthy captured the world’s creativeness grew to become the backdrop of a nightmare that started on August 8, 2023. Raging wildfires, fueled by a confluence of unlucky occasions, put the very essence of this tropical paradise to the check.
The story of Hawaii’s 2023 wildfires is one in all tragedy, borne from a collection of unlucky occasions. Unusually sizzling and dry circumstances, exacerbated by local weather change, set the stage for an inferno. Sturdy winds fanned the flames, spreading the destruction far and huge. Hawaii’s distinctive ecosystems, teeming with life, have been below siege as fires raged throughout a number of islands, leaving a path of destruction of their wake. The Massive Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai have been all affected. In a merciless coincidence, among the most iconic and beloved spots, such because the Haleakalā Nationwide Park and the luxurious forests of the Hamakua Coast, bore the brunt of the blaze.
Because the islands grappled with the devastating aftermath, a stunning supply of assist emerged – the style trade. Within the face of Hawaii’s disaster, a number of distinguished manufacturers and designers stepped as much as make a distinction. They acknowledged that trend isn’t nearly garments but in addition concerning the communities and environments that encourage their creativity.
PATAGONIA
Recognized for his or her dedication to environmental causes, Patagonia was among the many first trend manufacturers to reply to the Maui wildfires. The corporate pledged a considerable donation to the aid efforts and inspired their clients to contribute as nicely. Patagonia’s dedication to preserving our planet goes hand in hand with their dedication to aiding communities affected by pure disasters.
Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, Patagonia’s international motion, issued a press release on August 11, urging the style trade to see the wildfires as a wakeup name. “This has been a summer time stuffed with alerts that local weather change shouldn’t be a future menace, it’s now; it’s coronary heart wrenching as we see the devastation of ecosystems and communities throughout us. We’re leaning into our group of motion as a solution to each assist one another and preserve working towards a more healthy future.”
TOMMY BAHAMA
Tommy Bahama, a model synonymous with island dwelling, took a extra business method with their particular “Aloha for Hawaii” assortment and a proportion of the proceeds donated to wildfire aid organizations. This initiative raised funds and unfold a message assist, nevertheless, one can’t assist however assume that the model was additionally capitalizing on the tragedy.
ALO YOGA
Alo Yoga, a model acknowledged for its trendy activewear, launched a novel marketing campaign to contribute to the trigger. They organized outside yoga occasions in Hawaii, with all proceeds from ticket gross sales and merchandise going on to wildfire aid. This initiative blended health, mindfulness, and philanthropy.
PRANA

PrAna athlete-ambassador, Anna Ehrgott on the Massive Island of Hawaii. (Photograph Credit score: PrAna)
PrAna, an eco-conscious trend model, partnered with native artisans in Hawaii to create a restricted version “Hawaii Sturdy” assortment. The gathering featured clothes and accessories impressed by Hawaiian tradition, and like Tommy Bahama, a portion of the income have been donated to wildfire aid.
TORI RICHARD

Tori Richard is the main model for males’s and ladies’s resort and aloha attire and is predicated in Honolulu Hawaii. (Photograph Credit score: Lahaia Information)
Tori Richard, a model identified for its vibrant Hawaiian prints, designed a particular assortment titled “Island Vibes for Hawaii.” Proceeds from this assortment have been used to assist native wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts along with wildfire aid. Tori Richard’s dedication to preserving Hawaii’s distinctive natural world was evident on this considerate initiative.
BILLABONG
Billabong, a model deeply rooted in surf tradition, organized “Surf for Hawaii” occasions at well-liked Hawaiian seashores. These occasions introduced collectively surf fans and raised funds for wildfire aid by way of sponsorships and donations. Billabong’s dedication to their oceanic roots resonated with the Hawaiian group.
PLAE
Ryan Ringholz, founder and CEO of Honolulu-based footwear model Plae, acquired private requests for assist in offering slippers or footwear to survivors of the Maui fires. By a neighbor he was advised that “busloads of persons are coming in with nothing on their ft,” at Maui hospitals and shelters. Not solely did Plae present footwear for survivors who misplaced the whole lot, however on Aug. 11, the model introduced in Footwear Information that it could match any buyer donations of Plae Rewards factors with all proceeds going on to the Hawaiian Group Basis’s Maui Sturdy Fund.
Plae’s dedication to Hawaii. (Photograph Credit score: Plae)
OLUKAI
Footwear model OluKai additionally centered on the disaster by donating 100% of their August ninth web site and retailer gross sales to emergency and aid efforts. The model’s charity, the Ama OluKai Basis, is now focusing its donations on Maui (OluKai matched the primary $200,000 in items to the inspiration).
SKECHERS

Sketcher’s retailer positioned in Ohana helped donate footwear and clothes to survivors. (Photograph Credit score: Sketchers)
Skechers misplaced their Maui retailer because of the wildfires. On August twelfth, the model introduced that it donated $250,000 to the Maui Sturdy Fund to assist the restoration of affected communities. Additionally they distributed roughly 20,000 pairs of footwear and 20,000 items of attire, along with backpacks and socks.
As a part of the worldwide trend group, UoF is proud to announce their donation to Hawaii Group Basis’s Maui Sturdy Fund . Should you haven’t accomplished so already, please contemplate making a donation. Different organizations to think about donating to incorporate: Americares, Maui United Means, ‘Āina Momona and/or go to redcross.org, name 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or textual content the phrase REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.