Natural fibers, organic materials and earthy textures define looks from Mikael Pono’s Genesis collection, exploring the relationship between fashion, craftsmanship and the natural world.
Emerging designer Michael Pono Skousen presents Mikael Pono: Genesis, a Hawaiʻi-inspired collection created with natural materials and dyes.
NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Fashion designer Michael Pono Skousen, who considers Hawaiʻi home, will present “Genesis,” a new collection from his independent label Mikael Pono, on September 14 at Morningside Park in New York City during New York Fashion Week.Skousen currently works as a designer with New York fashion brand Who Decides War, where he has contributed as part of the design team to looks for prominent figures across sports, music and entertainment, including Regina King, Rosalía and Jordan Clarkson. Most recently, he contributed to the team behind Naomi Osaka’s arrival look for the 2026 US Open.
Alongside his work with Who Decides War, Skousen has been developing his own creative voice through Mikael Pono. His designs have been featured 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."
With Genesis, Skousen brings those experiences together in a collection distinctly his own.
A military child who grew up in different places, Skousen maintained a strong connection to Hawaiʻi, spending summers and holidays there with family. Hawaiʻi remains home and has become a defining influence on his creative perspective and his relationship with materials and the natural world.
Working with natural fibers, organic materials and natural dyes, Skousen explores unconventional materials and processes while drawing inspiration from the colors, textures and landscapes of Hawaiʻi. Genesis reflects his interest in what fashion can become when craftsmanship, experimentation and nature intersect.
“Genesis represents a beginning,” said Skousen. “It reflects where I come from, what has shaped me as a designer and where I want to take my work next. Hawaiʻi has deeply influenced the way I think about materials, color and our relationship with the natural world.”
The September 14 presentation marks an important step in the development of Mikael Pono as an independent label, bringing together Skousen’s professional experience in New York fashion, experimentation with natural materials and creative connection to Hawaiʻi.
The Genesis fashion show is presented with sponsorship support from Sigma, L’Oréal and +POOL.
Event Details
Mikael Pono presents “GENESIS”
Date: September 14, 2026
Location: Morningside Park, New York City
Time: 5:00PM
Tickets are available at mikaelpono.com
Photo Assets
MEDIA ASSETS | Genesis Collection Preview | High-resolution images of select looks from Mikael Pono’s Genesis collection that will be presented during the September 14 fashion show in New York City during New York Fashion Week. Images are available for editorial and media coverage of the collection and event.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS | A curated collection of photos from Mikael Pono’s Instagram.
MICHAEL PONO SKOUSEN PERSONAL PHOTOS | A selection of personal photos of Michael Pono Skousen, including images from his childhood and early years, offering a glimpse into the experiences, places and influences that helped shape the designer behind Mikael Pono.
About Mikael Pono
Mikael Pono is the independent fashion label of New York-based designer Michael Pono Skousen.
A military child with deep family ties to Hawaiʻi, Skousen considers the islands home. His work draws inspiration from Hawaiʻi’s natural environment while exploring natural fibers, organic materials, dyes, texture and unconventional approaches to garment construction.
A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Skousen currently works as a designer with New York fashion brand Who Decides War, contributing to runway and celebrity projects. His work with the brand has included contributions to looks for Naomi Osaka, Regina King, Rosalía and Jordan Clarkson.
Through his independent label, Mikael Pono, Skousen is developing a design language distinctly his own—bringing together his connection to Hawaiʻi, professional experience in New York fashion, craftsmanship and experimentation with natural materials.
Awards & Recognition
Semi-Finalist | Redress Design Award 2026
Winner | The Costume Institute College Fashion Design
Michael Pono Skousen
Mikael Pono
+1 808-278-8842
info@mikaelpono.com
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