Sophisticated with a dash of swagger— these local trendsetters prove that style is a state of mind.
With a childhood spent on the Big Island and in the Midwest and current home bases both on O‘ahu and in California, Ali Mardian’s influences are vast in their variety. Since debuting Hawai‘i-born XIX Palms, the designer has been on the fast track to fashion success. What began with a single style, the OG Maxi, has grown into a global business with even more styles on the way—think fun animal prints like deer and giraffe. “I won’t be stopping with this theme anytime soon,” Mardian hints. “As David Bowie said, ‘I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.’” xixpalms.com
My style in a word... Wild
Go-to outfit to look and feel my best... My animal-print Vans, sunnies, a XIX Palms skirt, a plain white tee and, of course, one of my faux furs
Fashion means... Everything. It’s an expression of one’s self. It’s thrilling because it’s always changing and evolving and so fun. It never gets old.
The piece in my closet with the most sentimental value... The OG Maxi because it’s the first piece I started with that began it all
Designer to watch... Everyone
The ultimate stylish splurge... XIX Palms, duh!
Lei-making is a family tradition for Meleana Estes. Raised on a banana farm on Kaua‘i, she was shown the magic of flower artistry by her tūtū, who was herself known for her botanic creations. Today, Estes uses her talents and discerning stylistic eye at both photo shoots and fashion shows, spreading the spirit of aloha through her leis, tablescapes and decor. meleana.com
My style in a word... Rooted in Hawaiian influence with big patterns, bold colors and feminine details inspired by the holokū. I try to balance all this with a touch of Jane Birkin toned-down classic cool.
Hawai‘i’s best under-the-radar shopping destination... No. 808 on the North Shore is a dream.
Fashion means... Confidence
The piece in my closet with the most sentimental value... My tūtū’s many mu‘umu‘u. She was very close to artist and designer Allen Akina, and I have been so lucky to admire her in these exquisite dresses all of my childhood.
Designer to watch... In Hawai‘i, Matt Bruening... I love his silhouettes and use of both Hawai‘i-inspired (and vintage) textiles mixed with fairylike, feminine fabrics. Manuheali‘i and Kealopiko also amaze me because they create their own prints. … And Nake‘u Auwai to me is the most amazing. He paved the way for ‘new Hawai‘i fashion’ and his expression and attention to beauty comes through in everything he makes.
Tamiko Claire looks to her surroundings and experiences for inspiration. As a model and creative living in Honolulu, she draws from nature, culture and the people she encounters to fashion her handmade ceramic vessels. Each piece of Tamiko Claire Stoneware is infused with Claire’s relaxed, effortless personal style paired with her penchant for organic forms, earthy tones and clean lines. tamikoclaire.com
My style in a word... Relaxed
Go-to outfit to look and feel my best... Depending on where I’m going, either an off-white linen dress, hat and some slides or vintage Levi’s and a tee
Hawai‘i’s best under-the-radar shopping destination... Chinatown or downtown
Fashion means... Freedom and function
The piece in my closet with the most sentimental value... Tied between the skirt that my mom made and wore back in the ’70s and the pāpale that a dear friend wove for me
Designer to watch... I love seeing what the couple behind STORY mfg. creates.
The ultimate stylish splurge... A nice hat or good pair of denim
Photography by: Teresa Storey; Ashley Chegren; Jenn Ellenburg; Ke'Alohi Photo
