The History of the Pareau fascinates me and we have begun researching the origins of the Pareau and its history in Polynesia.

Traditional Pareau - Enjoyed by both Sexes

carrying, stone carrying races and javelin toss. In taking in the events, we would photograph the color and pageantry of the South Pacific and interpret our memories and photos to create our line of prints for the next season.

Tahitian Man in traditional Pareau

During the events, we would photograph the color and pageantry of the South Pacific that was exceptional during the two week “Fete”. We would return home to interpret our memories and photos and create our line of prints for the next season

Our Updated Pareau

Our Modern Interpretation of the Pareau

Buy the Updated Pareau by Lucky Brand Today

Dale Hope Del Mar Linen Cargo Shorts

The ocean is a huge draw for me, it is such a special thing to be able to go to the ocean and swim, surf, paddle, fish, etc.  It renews you and gives you a skip in your step that makes you feel so good.

What do you hold most dear about being born and raised in the islands?

Growing up in the Hawaii garment industry – was it always a desire to go into the family business?

Spring 2012 Women’s Collection

Tropical Floral by Dale Hope

Orchid Top by Dale Hope

Claire Allover Floral by Dale Hope

Jane Blouse by Dale Hope

Corrine Dress by Dale Hope

Hibiscus Scarf by Dale Hope

Do you find it to be a welcome challenge when finding new ways to elevate a classic?

Looking back in time, what era of the Aloha shirt do you find most captivating?

Spring 2012 Men’s Collection

Hawaiian Shirt by Dale Hope

Volcanic Floral Shirt

Polo Shirt by Dale Hope

Del Mar Linen Cargo Shorts

Why Lucky Brand? What made it the perfect collaboration?

In one word, describe Hawaii?

Hawaii, awash in romance, marbled by different cultures, saturated with beauty, and compelling in contrasts, gave birth, over 50 years ago, to the renowned Aloha shirt. There is today probably no better-known garment in the world that captures a land’s spirit of place.  For half a century, the Aloha shirt has been Hawaii’s most enduring and visible [pull]“The Aloha shirt has been Hawaii’s most enduring and visible ambassador” [/pull]ambassador like a lei, the Aloha shirt is worn as a statement of one’s love for, and connection to, a most special place. From the preface to the book  The Aloha Shirt, words by Tommy Holmes.

It is a Hawaii Cultural Symbol

The Aloha Shirt captures the true history of this cultural symbol.   The history of such a marvelous cultural icon, so evocative of the spirit of its home, is woven with the mystery and allure of Hawaii and the stories of those who have lived there.  Different tales have circulated for decades about the origins of the Aloha shirt.   Did it spring forth late one night from the hand-operated sewing machine of a Japanese tailor? Was it inspired by the tail-out shirts of the Philippines, elegant kimono cloth from Japan, or vivid floral prints from Tahiti?

Aloha Made in Hawaii

There are well-documented stories from the pre-war years of teenagers, buying wonderful, finely printed, Kabe crepe material, imported from Japan, in the dry-goods stores of downtown Honolulu.  These young men would have had their mothers sew beautiful shirts from the fabric.   That tradition, of the beautifully sewn printed shirts, spread from the Asian dry-goods merchants and home-sewers to the tailors and dressmakers of Hawaii, creating a new style of colorful clothing.

The early Aloha shirts most often depicted ancient symbolic imagery of the Orient.   Pine and plum tree prints represented long life, good fortune and success. The image of a tiger symbolized strength and courage.   Prints of bamboo denoted strength and flexibility.  Early designs were also graced with traditional images of Mount Fuji, ornate temples or peaceful landscapes.

It was not long before local artists began to design textiles that captivated the dreamy, romantic lifestyle of their island home.

Early prints that were intended for home interiors soon made their way into clothing. Elsie Das designed beautiful botanical prints of native plants hibiscus, breadfruit, night-blooming cereus as well as a humorous pattern incorporating hula girls.

Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki

Duke Kahanamoku

Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s most beloved surfer and its Olympic swimming champion, is hailed as the earliest and greatest promoter of the Aloha shirt.  He even had his own line of shirts, which are widely coveted by collectors today.
Whether it is a collectible shirt from the 1930s or a style of today, the Aloha shirt remains a symbol of the casual and care-free Hawaiian lifestyle.