Black Pearl Designs

Black Pearl Designs logo shop is now open

2009-07-04T16:14:00.000-10:00

What is that you say? Black Pearl Designs new look is in the works. Along with a redesign, we are going to be adding in more products, more how-to-tie instructions and a couple surprises on the way. We are almost 5 years old and all throughout our anniversary we'll be introducing new products, news and of course, designs.

One of the additions is the new Black Pearl Designs logo shop. This is where you'll be able to find our designs. You can pick up a shirt or bag of our Black Pearl Girl - Tehani. She's great! Sassy, intriguing, enchanting and a little sultry. Look closer and you'll notice that she is wearing our signature Tehani pareo.

In the future you'll be able to see additional designs showing off some of the creative designs of our artists and crafters.

Hard-to-get Island Kili bags

2009-07-03T08:05:00.006-10:00

You might remember Jackie Onassis carrying one of these, or maybe a young woman in the Cook Islands walking to church, but once you've seen the Island Kili bags, you won't forget. They are the epitome of island class. Originally made by the islanders from Bikini Atoll, the intricate weaving of young coconut leaf fibers is all done by hand. In Polynesia, the fibers are called niau blanc.

Inside the bag you'll find a layer of classic 1/4 inch wide lauhala strips woven together to insulate. The top of the bag is attached at one end and opens with a flip of the lid. Woven handles complete the look.

Its perfect for any time of year, but even better in the warm summer months. The bag is light so its easy and effortlessly taken from place to place. Store your iPod or iPhone, essential makeup, travel lotion or pareo. It lifts casual island style to new elegance.

Check out the 2 sizes available priced $48 for the small and $72 for the medium. It'll make you feel like booking a flight just to stroll through an island getaway or Hawaii Vacation. If you can afford a little pampering, take the trip. If a trip is a little out of range, save up. It's worth it. In the meantime, this Island Kili bag will keep the islands fresh in your mind every time you pick it up or get compliments and jealous looks.

New Mahana Pareo color - Nave Nave Purple

2009-06-30T22:24:00.004-10:00

Don't look for a Hawaiian sarong? Or even an Indian batik sarong? The Tahitian pareo with its vivid colors, comfort and ease of tying to fit your style is the must-have item this summer. Check out the colors, cuts and sets. And look for seasonal colors throughout the year.

Soft and melodious are just a couple of words that can describe our new Nave Nave Purple Mahana Pareo. This Tahitian pareo or pareu in Tahitian, is one of our classics. Add in the two tones of purple and you have a great summer look that is both comfortable and functional.

It's the perfect beach coverup that is light enough to pack away in your purse or small beach bag without a thought about weighing you down. Made from 100% cotton, it breathes effortlessly.

The hand dyed material features a uniquely Tahitian look by adding in the Tahitian tiare motif and photosenitive ink where the suns rays sets the colors and creates variations by highlighting and imprinting designs above and below the fabric. The pareo can hug your body as close as you want or flow freely in the slightest breeze.

Miss Tahiti 2009 invites voting by phone

2009-06-16T19:29:00.005-10:00

The 2009 Miss Tahiti beauty pageant will be awarded later this month in Papeete, Tahiti. Twelve young women from every corner of French Polynesian are vying for the coveted title.

This year the pageant has opened the beauty pageant to include the public in deciding who will be this years Miss Tahiti. Residents may call (36 70 15) in to a special line to vote for their choice (fees apply). The results will be factored in and added to the results of the judges.

This years competitors include:
Mereani Meyrand - Rangiroa, Sage Averii - Punaauia, Heirai AVAEORU - Rapa, Hinerava Ohu - Marquesas/Rapa Nui, Tapeta Purakaueke - Moorea, Niuriki TEREMATE - Punaauia, Poerava VOIRIN - Bora Bora, Heimata LUCAS - Papeete, Maiana MU - Raiatea, Tatiana FAAEVA - Huahine, Puahinano Bonno - Marquesas, Moïne DELIGNY - Paumotu

Last years Miss Tahiti, Hinatea Boosie, will hand the crown over in front of a live audience. The winner will go on to represent French Polynesia in the Miss France competition.

Marquesan exhibit continues in Pirae

2009-06-04T11:24:00.002-10:00

The 28th exhibition of Marquesan art has started at the Aorai Tini Hau Hall in Tahiti's north coast Commune of Pirae. Many art objects created by the talented people from French Polynesia's northernmost archipelago, the Marquesas Islands, can be seen until June 7.

More at Tahiti Presse

Sneak Peek at our new look

2009-05-31T12:29:00.006-10:00

Since our beginning we have been looking for an iconic image. Well, at Black Pearl Designs, we think we have found it... or rather her. Meet Tehani.

We'll be introducing her throughout the summer and celebrating the new addition to our ohana. She's great! Sassy, intriguing, enchanting and a little sultry. Our tiare bearing vahine is sure to attract attention. Take a closer look and you'll notice she is wearing our signature Tehani pareo.

With her introduction, we'll be adding in some great new products, handicrafts, hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind Polynesian artisan works. Check back often as we grow.

New designs from artisan Patu

2009-05-31T09:55:00.005-10:00

With our recent trip to Tahiti, we hooked up with several premier artisans. Patu, an accomplished Marquesan style tattooist and carver, loves to create new designs, he's more than willing. He already is in great demand and creates our popular carved Tahitian black pearls for us already. After showing us his most recent work, we knew we were going to add more of his work to our offerings.

We're introducing three new pieces that Patu created. The Tuianu necklace, Menemene necklace, and the 'Oeha necklace. All three feature intricate carvings balanced out with the ever present Tahitian black pearl.

The Tuianu necklace, a favorite style in Tahiti creates interest not only from the tattoo carvings but also the classic shape and criss-cross weaving of black satin rope tying a pair of hanging black pearls. Each piece, of course, is unique, not only because of the carvings and black pearls, but also because of the varying hues of the shell itself. If you want to make a fashion statement with an accessory, this is a great way to do so.

Patu pays special attention to the designs he carves on the Menemene necklace. Using what he has learned from growing up surrounded by carvers and artisan, he combines both new and old styles. The classic shaped round shell is definitely a focal point, but don't forget the black pearl.

'Oeha simply means rectangle. But the carvings and design of this necklace is anything but simple. Traditional Marquesan carvings are hand carved into the mother of pearl shell. A separate shell piece is attached below and a black pearl follows. The vertical look is stylish and slimming.

As our budget for artisans gets larger, look for more great and creative works on our website - Black Pearl Designs.

Never a better time to book a vacation to Tahiti

2009-05-22T17:28:00.003-10:00

Just coming from a trip to Tahiti, I'm already ready to make a return trip. And seeing some of the rates and offers makes me want to book a flight. If I only lived on the mainland, this would definitely be our next family vacation. But I'll have to settle on living here in Hawaii...

Actually, after going to Tahiti, I've learned to appreciate our country even more. Tahiti is great, but there's nothing like home.

Anyway, I've been getting several emails with offers for Tahiti vacations offered by Air Tahiti Nui. I've seen rates as low as $366 (one way) and vacations (including hotel) as low as $898. These are unheard of rates. But after seeing first hand how low the occupancy rates are there, I'm not surprised.

Tahitian dance costume looks from HIVA

2009-05-01T13:41:00.003-10:00

Take a look at some of the costumes traveling with the show - HIVA led by Tumata Robinson. She has taken her Tahiti Ora traditional dance group international with performances of its "Hiva" show in France, Canada and New Caledonia.

US High school students discover traditional Tahitian culture

2009-04-28T10:02:00.000-10:00

(Tahitipresse) - A group of 20 High school students who visited Tahiti and Her Islands these days had a chance of getting familiar with Tahitian dances.

They spent two weeks in French Polynesia and the 10th grade students also went during the last days of their stay to the Tahitian conservatory in Papeete.

More at Tahiti Presse

Tau Rima Tahiti - Last Weekend

2009-04-24T15:50:00.001-10:00

Letter from Scott Barlett
Graduate Assistant
Ethnomusicology
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

I'm just writing to let you all know that this is the last weekend that Tau Rima Tahiti: Crafting Performance will be on display at Hamilton Library. I hope that you can make a visit if you haven't seen the exhibition already, and feel free to distribute this information to your performers and associates.

If you're unable to make it (or in addition), please visit the online exhibit, at http://www.museum.hawaii.edu/exhibits/taurima/

In the Flickr photo set, feel free to make comments on the objects and videos, I'd love to here performer and craftsmen's feedback!

There is also an online version of the exhibit survey. This is linked from the exhibit website, and can be found at http://www.surveyshare.com/survey/take/?sid=86885

Tau Rima - Crafting Performance showcased online

2009-04-02T11:15:00.005-10:00

The University of Hawaii (UH) has now made Scott Barlett's Tau Rima exhibit available online. It's a virtual museum of the exhibit now being featured at the University of Hawaii's Hamilton Library. The exhibit runs until April 28, 2009.

"Tau Rima is a colloquial Tahitian term that describes skilled work or steady hands. It refers especially to craftsmanship, competition, and performance. Tau rima and great creativity go into every costume, carving, and musical instrument that is a part of 'ori Tahiti, Tahitian dance."

The exhibit features many craftsmen of the local Tahitian dance community of Hawaii. Barlett has brought works of art from leaders of dance groups (ra'atira), Tahitian drummers and musicians together into a vibrant presentation.

Dance costumes made from shells, feathers, tapa, bark, beads, and cloth are displayed alongside toere and pahu drums, faate'ete, and video presentations showing dance performances as well as works in progress of drum and costume making.

Contributing to this exhibit include:
Maeva Anderson, ra'atira (Oriata)
KBS Instruments
Mafatu Krainer, drum maker and carver
Tahia Parker, ra'atira (Marania Haoragi)
Rose Perreira (Tahiti Nui International)
Christopher Ramento, ra'atira (Here Tama Nui)
Denise Ramento, ra'atira (Here Tama Nui)
Etua Tahauri, to'ere maker and carver
Cathy and Charlie Temanaha, ra'atira (Te Vai Ura Nui)
Tyrone Temanaha, Jr., to'ere maker and carver
Catherine Teriipaia, (Polynesian Cultural Center)
Pola Teriipaia, ra'atira (Manutahi Tahiti)
Robyn Manu Williams, ra'atira (Ote'a Kia Mana)

In addition to the exhibit ArtMania will feature Tahitian performance and craft demonstrations and will take place in the UHM Art Department on Sunday, April 5. Witness music and dance exhibitions, to'ere and skin drum construction demonstrations, and try your own hand at Tahitian crafts.

Tahiti museum to exhibit 70 traditional Tahitian dance costumes for 2 months

2009-01-28T09:05:00.003-10:00

Seventy colorful traditional Tahitian dance costumes will be exhibited from Feb. 3 to March 29 at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, with a special tribute made to the Joseph Uura, one of the most famous costume designers.

More information at Tahiti Presse

Tahitian dance featured at Miss America pageant

2009-01-25T21:29:00.002-10:00

That crowd pleasing roar you heard last night was for Miss Hawaii - Nicole Fox (vegasdeluxe.com photo).

In case you missed it, she made it to the top 10 finalists in the 2009 Miss America Pageant. For her talent she performed a short otea in a large feathered headdress, matching hipband and with Tahitian toere, ihara, pahu and fa'atete in the background.

Here's the TLC Network clip with Nicole Fox' talent performance:

2009 Miss America Pageant - Miss Hawaii Talent Performance

Nicole followed in the footsteps of Miss Hawaii 2007 - Pilialoha Gaison of Kaneohe, who also performed a Tahitian dance at the Miss America pageant when she competed in the event.

Maori Needlepoint Bodice

2009-01-25T19:41:00.004-10:00

This part of the dress is the most time consuming and also the hardest to source. I looked at all the craft stores, that I knew of, and even went to a needlepoint specialty store. Regular craft stores didn't have any needlepoint canvas (except for plastic). The needlepoint specialty store looked at my like I was crazy for wanting a couple of yards. They promised to call me when they had some in which took a few weeks. During all this, I managed to get a 12 count canvas and bought 3-ply wool yarn. The picture in my previous post is of that needlepoint. It took about 6 months to do. I have a full time job and a child so I was stitching in what little time I had.

I really would like to know what other people have used and what the results were. I have started on my next dress and have used a 10 count needlepoint with that one. Also this one I am using 4 ply acrylic yarn.

Traditional Maori Dress

2009-01-09T19:24:00.008-10:00

The aim of this entries is to perpetuate the art and techniques of making maori traditional dresses. Any suggestions, additional information, techniques, and vocabulary are welcome.

Some tribes use different names for the same thing, but I will use the ones I learned from my teachers and will gladly add the different names you may have. The purpose is to support each other in this craft due to the fact it seems to be dying out as the people I know who have made these dresses with the proper knowledge of the patterns are older. I don't know anyone my age who makes these.

My purpose in writing here is for these costumes: the womens' pari (needlepoint bodice) attached to a cotton knee-length skirt (panekoti). This blog can also encompass the mens' costume of the the sash (tapeka) and waist band (tatua). A word often used when referring to these costumes is taniko which means "woven" which is the proper name for it when dyed flax leaves are woven to construct the garment but I don't know if it should be used with needlepoint constructed garments.

This blog is also a journal of my attempts to make the pari (maori women's costume).

More to come soon : )

Win a Honeymoon in Tahiti

2008-12-03T10:25:00.001-10:00

Brides Magazine is offering newlyweds an ultimate chance to win a Honeymoon in Tahiti. Don’t wait any longer and log on to www.bridesmilehighsuite.com to enter this exclusive contest!

The Turtle and the Shark - A Samoan Legend

2008-11-29T14:41:00.001-10:00

Among those interested in the recent short film "The Turtle and the Shark" is none other than Pixar Animation. The film, produced by Ryan J. Woodward of Spitfire Studios, is based on a Samoan legend about a man and a woman transformed by the gods into an eternal couple, forever to swim the seas side by side as shark and turtle.

The film came to the attention of Pixar because of the growing success of the BYU animation program (of which Woodward is an instructor) in Provo, Utah. It came to our attention because of our passion for both Polynesia and animation. We were initially very excited about this short film as we were familiar with the legend but were somewhat disappointed because it only told of part of the story. Then again, the film is only about a minute and a half. We'll just have to see if they continue the short to include more of the legend.

You can now view the entire short on the Spitfire Studios website. We'd love to see a full Pixar treatment of this or other Polynesian legend in the future. Overall the film is a nice classy presentation not be overlooked.

Monoi Here - 2nd Annual Monoi Festival

2008-11-19T21:30:00.002-10:00

The four-day 2nd "Monoï Here, the Monoï Festival" attracted exceptional crowds of some 6,000 people at the Papeete Cultural Center, Tahiti's Monoï Institute reported after the final day on Saturday.

The institute announced that it is hoping for a similar success with next year's Monoï Festival, already scheduled for Nov. 18-21.

More at Tahiti Presse

Hawaiian Coconut Creche Nativity - Christmas in Hawaii

2008-11-16T07:09:00.007-10:00

Bringing Polynesia to you is more easier than ever before and with the holiday's coming up, we're more than happy to wish everyone a very Merry Hawaiian Christmas - Mele Kalikimaka.

The traditional manger scene everyone is familiar with takes on a little twist in Hawaii. People picture the South Pacific with tropical palm trees, beautiful white sand beaches, and warm sunny skies. They also are right in assuming that coconut trees are an important part of island life. Coconut trees are a source of so many things including food, drink, oil, wood, weaving material, rope, shade, and decorative items aplenty. It is called - the tree of life.

One of the more creative and fun uses of the coconut (niu in Hawaiian) is our own coconut creche. It's a Hawaiian manger nativity scene complete with wooden stable animals, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and just a touch of the islands - a coconut palm tree. The manger is made of the inside of the coconut husk. The cleaned out coconut husk sits atop another piece of coconut.

Putting the creche together is a labor of love and even more so because they are assembled by Lanakila Pacific, a provider of services and programs geared toward building independence for people with challenged lives.

This is a great gift for those who have visited or lived in Hawaii. It's also great for those who want to share the "aloha spirit" with their loved ones.

Don't wait. Avoid the rush and save when you buy more than one at Black Pearl Designs.

Air Tahiti Nui offering free Tahitian pearl to passengers

2008-11-02T21:50:00.001-10:00

Air Tahiti Nui is celebrating 10 years of flying by treating each passenger to a free Tahitian cultured pearl from Robert Wan, the famous "pearl emperor" of French Polynesia.

More information at Tahiti Presse

Miss Tahiti "confident" of winning Miss France title

2008-10-22T14:27:00.002-10:00

This year's Miss Tahiti prepared to leave Tuesday for Paris, saying she was "confident" of winning the Dec. 6 Miss France 2009 title.

Hinatea Boosie, a 20-year-old psychology student said, "I'm leaving confident," but she added, "I'm still a bit worried because I know there will be stress and pressure."

More at Tahiti Presse

Black Pearl Designs Wish List

2008-10-18T16:43:00.005-10:00

If you're like us, you have a wish list somewhere on the web. Whether it be for your favorite brick-and-mortar store like Pottery Barn, Macy's, Williams & Sonoma, Victoria's Secret, Nike, Tommy Bahama or the endless other stores that you can walk right into and pick up your favorites, or online favorites that might not exactly be accessible from your neighborhood. One of our favorites and most convenient is Amazon.com.

Amazon.com has it all... almost. But what about our own offerings at Black Pearl Designs? Well, a great new function recently added to the site allows you to visit our online store and add our items directly into your Amazon.com wish list. It's called the Universal Wish List by Amazon.com. Now you can let all your gift givers know exactly what you want. No more guessing. It's convenient, time saving and flexible. Your friends and family will love the ease and if they haven't seen our store, then it's a nice way to introduce them to the tropical Polynesia you love.

All you have to do is go to your wish list page or create a wish list page on Amazon.com and look for the Universal Wishlist box. Follow the 1 step directions and voila! You're all set to start adding your favorites to your wish list from practically any store on the web. It's a great way to keep track of what you are looking for.

French official opens door to tourist marriages in Tahiti

2008-10-11T15:02:00.001-10:00

A French government official has opened the door to tourist marriages in Tahiti that could result in a new market of some 10,000-15,000 more American visitors yearly, according to French Polynesia President Gaston Tong Sang.

More at Tahiti Presse

Tahitian Raufara (Lauhala)

2008-10-07T18:32:00.001-10:00

If you've ever been to any of the resorts in Tahiti, chances are you've seen some master crafters' work and traditional thatching (left) made from lauhala. It is the second most important tree in Polynesia after the mighty coconut - the tree of life.

There are many varieties of lauhala in Tahiti. And there are just as many uses for the versatile and useful member of the Pandancaceae family. The tree is also known as a screw pine.

Traditional Tahitian homes anciently were made of family compounds that had thatched roofs woven from either the coconut (niau) fronds or pandanus (raufara/lauhala) leaves. Today, you're likely to see this architecture only at the luxury resorts. The raufara leaves were found to be more resistent to rain and wind and tended to last longer periods of time compared to the coconut fronds.

Low land varieties of raufara include fara iri, which is used for making mats; fara pe'ue, with long flexible leaves and is also used in mat making; and fare paeore, a choice kind with very long thornless leaves which is used for weaving fine mats and delicate work. In the mountains there are even more varieties.

Raufara leaves are very durable and artisans, crafters and thatchers create many useful items including hats, mats, fans, roof thatching and even canoe sails, just like ancient times.

Preparation of raufara is labor intensive, especially because of the time it takes to carefully remove the hard thorn edge often found on most varieties. Removing these edges is done by hand. After collecting the dry raufara leaves, Tahitians place them in bundles and submerge them in sea water for a day to make them resistant to insects. The damp leaves are then softened over a piece of wood and beaten with a mallet to remove the green outer skin. When all the preparations are done, the leaves are then rolled up and tied until needed for weaving. These finished rolls are what we offer at Black Pearl Designs for crafters, dancers and weaving enthusiasts.