HONOLULU – A dress designed by a recent University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa fashion graduate debuted in a photoshoot for A Book Of magazine featuring Te Ao o Hinepehinga,the actress who plays Kupuohi in the Apple TV+ series Chief of War. The original garment, inspired by natural decay and regrowth, was hand-painted by Kalia Ferri and perfectly complemented the lava-inspired aesthetic of the shoot.
Ferri, a graduate of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ (CTAHR) Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program, secured the placement through UH alumnus Matt Bruening, who invited her to assist with styling and press shoots for the Chief of War premiere. Her design-a dress featuring a painted orange and red cut-out evoking shelf mushrooms-was initially showcased in FDM’s spring 2025 fashion exhibition.
“I learned a lot from my fashion professor Minako McCarthy, who taught my design classes and encouraged my painting,” Ferri said. “And I thank my other teachers in courses for sewing,fashion forecasting,trend analysis and the business side of fashion.”
The opportunity marks a important early success for Ferri, who is relocating to New York City to pursue her fashion career. The FDM program provides a comprehensive skillset, encompassing design, technical skills, and business acumen, preparing graduates for the competitive fashion industry.
