The vintage Hawaiian Dress

The vintage Hawaiian dress of the 40's and 50's  is one of my most favorite things to collect. While some people love the frilly party dresses and rose prints, I gravitate to vintage tropical foliage or fish. Thought I would share a little history and photos on these wonderful pieces of art.

  The early islanders wore Tapa cloth that was a barkcloth made from the Paper Mullberry tree. It was dyed with  juice from the Kukui nut tree, bits of red or yellow Ochre or charcoal.  Mokihhana berry or sandalwood was used to give it a nice scent. It was stamped to create the designs.

Pareu (sarong-wrap)

  Around 1810, an English-made lightweight printed cotton called a Pareu (like a sarong)started being imported into Tahiti ending the use of the traditional Tapa. To be continued... =)