Sophisticated with a dash of swagger—these local trendsetters prove that island style is indeed a state of mind.
PHOTO BY JENN ELLENBURG
Interior designer and owner of Breeze Giannasio Interiors, breezegiannasio.com
Born on New Year’s Day at Queens Hospital and raised in Lanikai, Breeze Giannasio’s connection to Hawai‘i runs deep in her DNA. Since she launched her eponymous interior design studio in L.A. in 2013, she’s been on a dynamic journey internationally and on the mainland working with celebrities and HGTV stars, but the pandemic inspired her to return home to launch Breeze Giannasio Interiors in Honolulu. “I’m really enjoying reconnecting and reinventing how past and future thoughts of Hawai‘i and design converge in this moment for me and my growing team,” she says. Now residing in the historic Gray Residence in Kuliou‘ou, Giannasio brings a unique blend of local roots and international influence to her work. Her design aesthetic is as eclectic as her background—inventive, approachable, timeless, eclectic and unconventional when she can get away with it. “That sounds like my personality and fashion sensibility as well,” she says. “But at the end of the day, it’s all about soul and story. And that has everything to do with the confluence of place, person and spirit.”
She says her fashion approach is chaotic—alternating between exuberant self-expression and a simple uniform. Her favorite piece? A well-traveled vintage leather jacket that pairs surprisingly well with her mother’s mu‘umu‘u from the 1970s. For Giannasio, style reflects individuality, approachability, and creativity—qualities she brings to her wardrobe and designs. “Light is light,” she says, “and we like to see it shine no matter the vehicle.”
MY AESTHETIC: Easy breezy natural beauty
STYLE ICON(s): Jackie O, Jane Birkin, the lens of Grace Coddington, and our local “It Girl” Meleana Estes
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP: We Are Iconic, Island Boy and Paiko
SHOPPING WEAKNESS: Art books by Taschen
GO-TO OUTFIT: A tank, linen parachute pants or beach pareo, leather sandals and a touch of gold
CHERISHED ACCESSORY: My Hie Hawaiian bracelet stacked with my Hawaiian bracelet gifted by my parents after my Punahou High School graduation
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Plants
SHOES: Havaianas or Lanvin flats
LIPSTICK: Byredo’s Reasonable Doubt
BEST STYLE ADVICE: Lean into what lights you up, sparks joy and makes you feel good
PHILANTHROPY: The Nature Conservancy and Liljestrand Foundation
MANTRA: “The Journey is the Destination,” Dan Eldon
FASHION/SHOPPING APP: The Real Real, Lyst, Net-a-Porter
SKINCARE ESSENTIAL: Everything by Epicuren
PURSE: A Lauhala clutch or a Palaka tote
ZODIAC: Pisces ascendant
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “Tomorrow Never Knows,” by The Beatles
DRESS OR PANT: Pant
PATTERNS OR SOLIDS: Solids
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS: Tahitian pearls
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIARE HAWAI‘I
Fashion designer and owner of Tiare Hawai‘i, tiarehawaii.com
Born in South Texas, Jane Hoskins traded sandy beaches on South Padre Island for the volcanic shores of Hawai‘i, settling on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island after moving to the Aloha State for college. Her approach to fashion is as breezy as the island trade winds—effortless, timeless and comfortable, yet always put together. “I live a fun and adventurous life in Hawai‘i and am always inspired to dress accordingly,” Hoskins says. “The weather is almost always warm. I hit the beach daily and also work and run errands, so I wear clothing that is lightweight and comfortable but still looks polished.” While a Tiare Hawai‘i or Zimmermann sundress is her daily go-to, her favorite piece is a sparkly Alice + Olivia beaded party dress—perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Hoskins loves the current trend toward sustainability and organic fabrics. “I hope this trend is here to stay,” she says. “I love wearing organic fabrics such as linens and other plant-based fibers that are breathable, comfortable and beautiful.” Through her brand Tiare Hawai‘i, Hoskins has recently expanded its handmade garments into linens and crochets, receiving an enthusiastic response. Her style conveys happiness, energy and femininity—perfectly reflecting her island lifestyle.
MY AESTHETIC: Bohemian chic
STYLE ICON: Jane Birkin
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP: Coconut Ave
SHOPPING WEAKNESS: Aloha Collection bags
GO-TO OUTFIT: A Tiare Hawai‘i sundress and strappy sandals
CHERISHED ACCESSORY: A flower behind the ear
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: DRESSES!
SHOES: Strappy sandals
LIPSTICK: Tom Ford in Spanish Pink
BEST STYLE ADVICE: You can be both comfortable and stylish
PHILANTHROPY: One Tree Planted (each order placed on the Tiare Hawai‘i site funds the planting of a tree)
MANTRA: Choose happiness
CURRENT OBSESSION: Linen
FASHION/SHOPPING APP: Revolve
SKINCARE ESSENTIAL: Natura Bisse serum
PURSE: Chloe
SIGNATURE SCENT: Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume
FAVORITE WORK OF ART:“Sun and Moon” by Robert Delaunay
ZODIAC: Scorpio
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “Thank You Lord” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
DRESS OR PANT: Dress
PATTERNS OR SOLIDS: Patterns
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS: Black pearls
PHOTO BY CAITLIN GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Owner of Manakai Swimwear, manakaiswiwear.com
After calling Lahaina home for 18 years, Kelley Ann Chapman’s recent move to Haiku, Maui, has inspired a shift in her wardrobe, adapting to the area’s unique climate and lifestyle. Her approach to fashion is rooted in sustainability and ethics. Before making a purchase, she carefully considers the production methods, fabric choices and overall quality of garments. “I prefer soft, comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of investing in high-quality pieces that stand the test of time. “Sustainability might be trending now, but my hope is that people take the time to truly understand the impact fashion has on the Earth and its inhabitants.”
Living in Hawai‘i has greatly influenced Chapman’s style. She notes her style depends on the weather, from breezy linens on the sun-soaked island to practical rain gear in Haiku, but wearing a beautiful dress and a big hat lifts her spirits. Her favorite clothing at the moment is her jumpsuit by Mara Hoffman, who recently announced a pause in production. “She is a true pioneer, and I am thrilled to own pieces of her collection that will last for years to come,” says Chapman. As the creative force behind Manakai Swimwear, Chapman uses bold prints and places elements in areas that make a statement. “Authenticity is key,” she asserts. “Have fun, be bold, be kind and be unapologetically yourself.” In the wake of the Lahaina fires, Chapman is taking time to heal and reimagine her brand. She’s developing new patterns, including a powerful Phoenix print symbolizing resilience and rebirth. Through it all, Chapman proves that style can be both beautiful and conscientious.
MY AESTHETIC: Shabby chic and beachy boho
STYLE ICON: Iris Apfel
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP: The Monarch Collection
SHOPPING WEAKNESS: Balance is key
GO-TO OUTFIT: Flowing pants, fitted shirt from IMRIE and fedora hat from Gigi Pip
CHERISHED ACCESSORY: Pre-Lahaina fires, both my grandmother’s jewelry collections. Now I just cherish being alive
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Rose oil
SHOES: Barefoot, boots or a simple slide-on sandal
JEWELRY: Pieces from Noelani Hawai‘i
BEST STYLE ADVICE: Just do you
PHILANTHROPY: Maui Pono Foundation
MANTRA: Trusting in yourself is invaluable
CURRENT OBSESSION: Making memories with friends and family
SKINCARE ESSENTIAL: Guasha tool, castor oil, rose oil and dry brush
PURSE: Wild West Los Angeles Leather Purse
SIGNATURE SCENT: Rose
FAVORITE WORK OF ART: Earth
ZODIAC: Taurus
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “Outro” by M83 and “Overcome” by Skott
DRESS OR PANT: Both
PATTERNS OR SOLIDS: Both
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS: Neither; I prefer emerald or ruby
PHOTO BY STAR BUSH
Licensed esthetician and owner of Beauty by Meg, @beautybymeghawaii
Born on the lush island of Kaua‘i and now calling vibrant Honolulu home, Megan Adolph embodies the essence of effortless Hawai‘i chic. When it comes to fashion, comfort meets sophistication. “I enjoy outfits that look refined, polished and put together, but in an effortless way,” she says. Adolph considers her destination’s vibe and mood when getting dressed. “Some days I feel playful and might wear more vibrant or printed clothes, but most days I’ll wear something more relaxed with neutral tones,” she shares.
Island living deeply influences her wardrobe choices. You’ll find her in many breezy linens and cottons, including her favorite of the moment: a white long-sleeve linen button-up from Zara. “For accessories, I enjoy wearing local, handmade jewelry, and you will always catch me wearing the next trendy sandals,” she says. Adolph also isn’t afraid to break fashion rules, confessing a love for the comfort of socks with sandals. “I’m all about comfortability and versatility when it comes to fashion,” she adds. Right now, Adolph is thrilled that canvas tote bags are trending. “Each one is unique to the person,” she notes. She’s also delighted to share exciting news for Beauty by Meg fans: “We’ve brought on two talented new estheticians ready to take care of you and all your skin needs every day,” she reveals. Now, her clients can be pampered seven days a week. Effortless!
MY AESTHETIC: Refined and effortless
STYLE ICON: Shay Mitchell
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP: Ginger 13
SHOPPING WEAKNESS: Linen pants
GO-TO OUTFIT: White button-up shirt, mom jean shorts, gold chunky hoops and Prada sunnies
CHERISHED ACCESSORY: My jade necklace
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Gold jewelry
SHOES: Reef sandals
LIPSTICK: Dior lip gloss
BEST STYLE ADVICE: Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable
PHILANTHROPY: Surfrider Foundation, O‘ahu
MANTRA: Take things one day at a time
CURRENT OBSESSION: Film photography
FASHION/SHOPPING APP: Depop
SKINCARE ESSENTIAL: Image Skincare Ormedic balancing face wash
PURSE: The New Yorker tote bag
SIGNATURE SCENT: Studied by Liis Fragrance
FAVORITE WORK OF ART: Anything by Hayao Miyazaki
ZODIAC: Leo
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala
DRESS OR PANT: Pants
PATTERNS OR SOLIDS: Solids
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS: Diamonds
Photography by:
