a modern take on tropical design made in the very islands that has influenced designers from all around the world has been my sasquatch since starting h|h two years ago. always hopeful for its existence which remained ever elusive until i walked into pacific home over the holidays and stumbled upon a small display featuring linens with a happy hibiscus motif. it was like hitting the design jackpot and i immediately started to make a mental note of everyone on my gift list who would swoon for the pretty cloth confections.
alas, it turned out the display was simply a teaser for honolulu designer kaypee soh's home goods line which i learned would not make its official retail debut until the following spring.
sigh.
now that spring has sprung you can finally take a peek at kaypee's creative lifestyle collection which features hand printed pillows and accessories made in hawaii (yay!). the new line packs a tropical punch via bold graphics and understated repeat patterns inspired by hawaii and kaypee's homeland of malaysia. kaypee's artwork, which mingles layers of photography with his own illustrations, also seems to inform a few of the designs for a decorative déjà-vu (shown below: kaypee's ginger print as art and textile).
branching out to a home collection has always been on the to do list of the award-winning designer who, upon arriving in the islands from nyc with partner edward macey a few years ago, started a boutique design firm which injected their own brand of modern island style by way of print and web projects for local businesses.
online shopping is not yet available however phone & email orders are welcome, and you can get your design fix in person at so'mace's newly opened gallery space:
hele over to the star-bulletin for a look behind the scenes.
May 20 
