Since its debut in 2012, O‘ahu-based clothing brand Lotus & Lime (lotusandlimeshop.com) has gained immense popularity the islands over. What was initially a line of shell-and-fabric wrap bracelets started by mother-daughter duo Kim and Jade Alexis Ryusaki quickly grew into a full line of mens- and womenswear that caught the eye of the stylish set who loved their unique resort fashion and handpainted one-of-a-kind pieces.
Lotus & Lime mother-daughter duo Kim and Jade Alexis Ryusaki. PHOTO BY CHRIS BALIDIO
Together the ladies have quite the fashion experience: Kim worked for decades as a costume designer in Hollywood while Jade is a successful stylist herself. They used their keen eye for fit and style to create a line that embraces women of all shapes and sizes. Breezy, elegant dresses in Hawaiian prints meet unisex shirts and kimono-inspired coverups that pay homage to the design duo’s Japanese and Hawaiian roots. “Culturally infused wearable art that is timeless, exudes elegance and comfort, while lovingly committed to sustainability,” is how Jade describes the covetable line. Now the brand is looking to take on a different island: Manhattan.
Hawai‘i models in the Big Apple. PHOTO BY RACHEL CRESS
Lotus & Lime was tapped to represent Hawai‘i in Runway 7’s New York Fashion Week, and together with a team of Hawai‘i models and creatives they headed to the Big Apple. Fine jewelry brand Maui Divers Jewelry, known for its beautiful Tahitian-pearl and gold pieces, partnered with them to accessorize the dramatic looks that debuted on the runway this past February.
PHOTO BY RACHEL CRESS
More press coverage and a new market meant a new approach to the line, and together with a small team of local seamstresses they created an entirely new winter collection with heavier, rich fabrics. The highly anticipated collection continues to celebrate the diversity of Hawaii’s culture, though. “This show is a tribute to where we come from,” says Jade. “It starts with flares from our Origami handpainted collection reflecting the freshwater koi, then moves to the ocean and intermixes with lava, which creates land and flowers (the islands of Hawai‘i) and lastly ends with our genealogy print and our Hawaiian culture. We hope the audience will leave feeling something and hopefully understand the story we’re trying to tell.”
Lotus & Lime runway looks from New York Fashion Week. PHOTO BY RACHEL CRESS
PHOTO BY RACHEL CRESS
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