island hopping with machine machine

pa'u long shorts

time to check in with machine machine designer shannon hiramoto who just happens to rock one of the more unique points of view in hawaii's cozy style scene. when we first stepped into machine machine's world last year, shannon was whipping up her handmade creations back home on kaua'i, however after taking the summer off to wander around europe and bali, love with a local boy (whom she met during her journey) lured her back to oahu.

what has always intrigued me about shannon's work is how many of her designs retain hints of her stream of consciousness sewing style even though, as any project runway fan knows, garments typically take shape on the sketchpad and dress form before needle and thread get down to business.

this time around shannon continues to play with silhouettes and has embraced an "aloha-infused" aesthetic as evidenced by machine machine's current crop of garments rocking a pa'u waistband. denim is also getting reworked via sublime stitching which has transformed standard issue fare with a more modern and youthful twist made for city living.

mini muumuu

trouser skirt

one of the best things about supporting an indie designer is that most styles can be made to order so drop shannon a note if you need a different size or to inquire about custom work.

take a peek at the current collection over in the machine machine etsy shop.

flaunt it maternity

lovely hula girl

during her first pregnancy, jodi kaopuiki encountered the familiar wardrobe dilemma of having nothing to wear. frustrated by the standard pregnancy options of billowy tops and empire waistlines and the lack of stylish yet comfy tees that were her pre-baby staples, jodi decided a maternity collection of cute tees designed for island moms-to-be was long overdue.

flaunt it launched late last year with a debut collection filled with tees made to show off growing bellies. an hour glass cut hugs your baby bump while an extended length keeps you covered in all the right places. whimsical designs printed in lovely colorways complete the look which will get you through the earliest stages of motherhood looking pretty but without sacrificing comfort.

flower child

babe on board

and, if you want to shower your favorite mom-to-be with something sassy, take a peek at flaunt it's noveltee line which is filled with playful baby announcements like i'm not a genie bottle.

shopping options include the official flaunt it website, an etsy shop, and kahala kids.

springing up at manuheali'i

monstera dress + onipa'a pullover

manuheali'i can always be counted on for mixing modern cuts with new interpretations of traditional alohawear patterns. here's a peek at the latest looks painted with pretty springtime colors that have been popping up recently in the online shop.

jet setters may want to take note of the lovely canvas travel tote which shows off your hawaiian style when you take your show on the road. the latest addition to manuheali'i's accessory line features a roomy inner compartment to hold all the necessities and exterior pockets for added organization. the design is in limited supply and available in three two colorways (all the red totes have been snapped up by savvy fans).

'awapuhi travel tote

and, since styles and sizes have a way of selling out quickly online, manuheali'i now offers a courtesy call service that will notify you when that special something you were coveting is back in stock.

shop online or at manuheali'i's two outposts on oahu.

tamara catz open house

oahu brides-to-be: finally, a save the date that doesn't require any work on your part other than marking your calendar. tamara catz has booked the coral loft in chinatown on saturday for a one day open house featuring her dreamy island inspired bridal collection.

no wedding plans? no worries, the maui designer's resort 08 collection (shown above) will also be in the house for first looks to one and all.

and if that's not reason enough to spend the afternoon in chinatown, confections from cake couture cupcakes will do its best to woo you in between fittings.

appointments may be made via email - info [at] tamaracatz [dot] com - or phone - 808.579.9184

• when: sat, mar 8th - 11a to 6p
• where: coral loft, 1033a smith street

tattoo lesson

it's been far too long since the last design roundup so enjoy this little show & tell of polynesian tattoo design made for the modern age.

1 - good china gets a maori makeover with this swoon worthy 18-piece porcelain dinnerware set.

2 - since h|h last checked in with manoatoa, the polynesian tee company has continued to release fresh designs inspired by the art and culture of the pacific islands. the newest design is the eye catching mata tee with a cool wraparound graphic.

3 - readers loved the mix of wall sticks featured in 2007 so here's a tribal twist via scribble's tahitian series.

of course, all of these modern interpretations are rooted in the past so click over to youtube to see a fascinating video of the traditional tapping method. the clip is from skin stories, a pbs documentary which aired a few years back that chronicles the history of tattooing throughout polynesia (dvd copies are available at native books in ward warehouse).