Hawaiian Women's Fashions: Kapa, Cotton and Silk

by Agnes Terao-Guiala

Hawaiian Women's Fashions Kapa, Cotton and Silk links the history of Hawai'i with the fashions worn by the influential women in the Islands. Using written accounts as well as historical and modern photos, the book reveals the history behind the changing fashions of the women in Hawai'i. The description moves from the traditional kapa pa'u and natural adornments worn by the first settlers to the Islands, though clothing worn during the early interactions with Westerners after Captain James Cook's discovery of Hawai'i, to the time when the royal women carried out their social duties in fancy, expensive European gowns of silk and velvet, to the present-day fashions created by local designers inspired by Hawaiian history and traditional Hawaiian arts and kapa designs.

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2019

Reviews

[Alden Hayashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remarkable book is more than just a detailed guide of women's fashion throughout the years in Hawaii; it's also an engaging, well-written history of the Hawaiian Islands, from the first Polynesian voyagers who settled there centuries ago through the arrival of Captain Cook in the 18th century followed by the immigration of missionaries and plantation workers from Japan, China, and the Philippines. This beautifully designed book also provides a well-researched chronicle of the Hawaiian monarchy and includes numerous photos, courtesy of the Hawaii State Archives and other sources. There are also dozens of contemporary photos of women's fashions, including many breathtaking holoku in a gorgeous array of styles and fabrics. "Hawaiian Women's Fashions" is certainly an attractive coffee-table book, but it's also a fascinating history of our 50th state.

[Kiaora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book, telling the story of Hawai‘i as it interweaves with women's fashions through the generations. I learned how fashion played a significant role, not only in daily life but also in high society, religion and even the political scene. I enjoyed so many memorable stories of Hawaiian ali‘i, or royalty, along with modern designers. I found myself fascinated by the black-and-white images from Hawai‘i State Archives, and vibrant photos of dresses from the author's personal collection. In my opinion, this makes a worthy coffee table book, Hawaiian keepsake or gift for loved ones!

[Ageless Tailoress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book 📖! The book covers Hawaiian fashion in a chronological order, starting with the landscape before the Cook expeditions of the 1780s and goes fairly recent in time. Each chapter is broken up by monarch and in the 20th century by influential fashion icons/designers. Because the book goes chronologically, it also gives a great deal of information about the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its important players and relationships. My small complaint is that all the references are at the end of the book, not cited throughout. (Meaning there is no direct footnotes.) From a research perspective this makes it a tade bit difficult to explore the source material cited, but all the references are there! The book also has a bounty of amazing pictures with great quality as well. 10/10 recommend