The Cultural Diffusion of Dress in Hawaii

Abstract

The purpose of this ready-to-wear industry study is to analyze the impact of selected cultures on the design features of Hawaiian-made women’s apparel. Specifically, the study will involve the manner of interpretation and the degree of adaptation local designers have incorporated into their design lines. Throughout the development of the Hawaiian apparel industry, there has been no comprehensive effort to develop a resource on design influences and styles. Hawaii’s population is a blend of many ethnic groups, each of whom have contributed to the uniqueness of Hawaiian apparel. Designers have often incorporated certain design features from an ethnic group into their work, uncertain of the origins of the feature or of the many variations which would contribute uniqueness to the garments.