Generosity of spirit is not a characteristic generally attributed to fashion designers. Neither is humility. Or modesty. However, emerging O'ahu designer Andrew Southiphong has all of these qualities, and so much more.

As he put the finishing touches on his collection for the Honolulu Community College fashion show, he steered me toward the work of other student designers. "Look at this dress. It's funky and punk and just so innovative. Oh, and check out this top; look what she did with the ruching at the seam. And, hey, here's another talented designer who specializes in swimwear. ..."

How weird is that — having difficulty getting a designer to talk about himself? But for Southiphong, whose fashion aka is Andy South, it's typical: He puts others first.

While a junior at Wai'anae High, Southiphong thought he wanted to be an architect. He also considered culinary arts, "but I couldn't see myself doing that for the rest of my life." Then he happened to see a brochure for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in L.A., and decided this was it: "It was almost like an epiphany. It came out of nowhere," he said.

He could not afford a Mainland college, so he decided to explore what's available locally.

Southiphong began making prom dresses for classmates and found his passion in evening wear. "Getting women dressed up — that magical world they step into — that interests me."

Three years later, Southipong has created so many garments that neither he nor his instructors have counted them. Now he's ready to graduate from HCC.

This is a record-breaking year for students in the fashion technology program at HCC. Fifteen are expected to complete their courses with the show, which serves as a sort of final exam.

While Southiphong attributes the increased enrollment to the popularity of "Project Runway" and other fashion-related reality shows, instructor Joy Nagaue says it's all about Southiphong: "I think it's Andrew. He keeps the group together. He has great leadership skills. He knows what he wants and where he's going."

In addition to carrying a full course load, Southiphong works with his mother in her lei import business and is a teaching assistant for Nagaue. He is also president of HCC's fashion society and chairs the fashion show. Yet he manages to find time for friends, family and fellow students.

At the Fresh FACE of Nu'uanu fashion show last year, Southiphong's intricate wedding gown was a standout. Fashioned from 48 spools of ribbon, equivalent to 80 to 100 woven ribbon lei, Southiphong painstakingly braided every inch of lei himself.

"His work is fantastic. Just beautiful. I really want to work with him in the future," said fashion designer Takeo, organizer of the Nu'uanu event. In fact, Takeo invited Southiphong to participate in a recent show with him, but the young designer said he could not do justice to two shows in one month. Good judgment is another of his characteristics.

Among the Andy South designs in "Cover Shot," the HCC show, is a dramatic turquoise organza gown. He pleated yards and yards of fabric, fashioning it into dozens of fluted flowers, to create a frothy, fairy-tale confection. It's ambitious, indeed.

Ambition is a driving force for Southiphong, whose instructors believe he has what it takes to become a designer right now.

Southiphong's talent is undeniable but it's his heart that makes him extraordinary.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.