Michael Pono Skousen set to show Genesis at New York Fashion Week

Hawaiʻi-based designer Michael Pono Skousen will present his Mikael Pono collection Genesis on Sept. 14 at Morningside Park during New York Fashion Week. The show marks a milestone for his independent label and spotlights a line built from natural materials, dyes and Hawaiʻi-inspired design.

Why it matters: - Genesis is a key moment for Mikael Pono as an independent label and for Michael Pono Skousen’s move from collaborator to featured designer. - The collection puts Hawaiʻi at the center of a New York Fashion Week presentation, giving Skousen a larger platform for his materials-driven approach.

What happened: - Michael Pono Skousen will present “Genesis” on Sept. 14, 2026, at Morningside Park in New York City during New York Fashion Week. - The presentation comes from his independent label, Mikael Pono. - The show is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. - Tickets are available at mikaelpono.com.

The details: - Genesis is described as a Hawaiʻi-inspired collection created with natural fibers, organic materials and natural dyes. - Skousen says the collection reflects where he comes from, what has shaped him as a designer and where he wants to take his work next. - Skousen grew up as a military child in different places but kept a strong connection to Hawaiʻi through summers and holidays with family. - Hawaiʻi remains home and continues to influence his view of materials and the natural world. - Skousen’s work has appeared in Vogue, i-D, WWD, Harper’s Bazaar and Glamour. - Mikael Pono designs have also been worn by cast members at the premiere of Apple TV’s “Chief of War.” - The Genesis show has sponsorship support from Sigma, L’Oréal and +POOL. - Photo assets are being offered for editorial and media coverage, including Genesis Collection Preview images, social media highlights and personal photos of Skousen.

Between the lines: - Skousen is building a distinct identity while still working inside a major New York fashion team. - He currently designs for Who Decides War and has contributed to looks for Regina King, Rosalía, Jordan Clarkson and Naomi Osaka. - The brand positioning blends craftsmanship, experimentation and nature, with Hawaiʻi serving as the creative anchor. - Skousen is a Parsons School of Design graduate and was a semi-finalist for the Redress Design Award 2026, with an additional win listed for The Costume Institute College Fashion Design.

What's next: - The Sept. 14 show will be the next public test of Mikael Pono’s independent direction. - If Genesis resonates, Skousen’s profile could rise further in both fashion media and the New York runway circuit. - More information and tickets are available through the brand’s announcement and event page at mikaelpono.com.

The bottom line: - Genesis is both a collection and a statement of intent: Hawaiʻi-rooted design, presented on one of fashion’s biggest stages.