Aloha.Releasing Saturday (May 2nd). For the past 4 years now, we’ve been using cultural & societal references from both past and present in which we use to instill and implement into the majority of our merchandise / product. We’re all proud of our who we are, where we come from and what we represent; Hawaii being the main focal point. We sometimes normally delve deep into the history books to find the right components to use as our foundation for these goods, as with this pack. For those who don't know, Kihei is not just a city in Maui, but also a shawl or cape which mainly royalty (ie. Ali'is) had the privilege to wear over their shoulders, either made...
Aloha.kū.pale: nvt. Defense; to defend, ward off.The brand and name Defend Hawaii is now just as synonymous with just about every other local, cult-classic brand that has etched it’s mark on Hawaii’s underground scene. Their themes run anywhere from borderline anti-political messages and even esoteric sovereign issues at times. But the all around message is in the name, which is key: DEFEND HAWAII. Even though most of their designs prescribe a “Get Down or Lay Down” message, there’s a powerful ALOHA stamp behind everything. There’s also a strong physical and visual essence of pride, respect, honor and dignity on almost every design they’ve put out.Everything said above segues into our next release / collaboration with Defend Hawaii, dubbed “Kupale.” The...
Aloha.Survival. In these economic hardships, it’s not just ours, but any business’ modus operandi. In a financial decline such as the current one we’re all stuck in, it’s seriously survival of the fittest. Small businesses need to be able to stay alive & flourish, in turn keeping the economy a bit more stable. The tables have turned slightly, it’s now where the small fish eat the big fish. As vicious as this may sound, it’s all too true. That’s why we at FITTED stress the Support & Buy Local strategy so much. We decided to revisit this vintage slogan & design from our early seasons. “Survival Of The FITTED.” It’s a bold statement, and one that we stand behind 100%....
Aloha.Pull up a chair & have a seat. Pay close attention. Class is in session. Let’s briefly discuss the Hawaiian Renaissance (also known as the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance) which was an reawakening or revival, if you will, of our contrasting Hawaiian cultural character and distinctiveness during the early ‘70s. Contemporary Hawaiian music artists such as Gabby “Pops” Pahinui (of Sons Of Hawaii fame) helped play an integral role in this cultural movement / resurgence. With this renaissance, there was a reasserted curiosity and interest in pidgin, Hawaiian language, Hula, Hawaiian studies & traditional Hawaiian arts. Before this enlightening cultural rejuvenation, there was the Merrie Monarch Festival (which they still run to this day) established by George Na’ope. The Merrie Monarch...
Aloha. (TUES 4.6.09)In any conversation that pops up about classic rock-n-roll and / or guitarists, Jimi Hendrix’s name should always pop up, in some shape or form. Hendrix was not just a superior guitarist, but an excellent singer and songwriter. He played a significant role in popularizing the wah-wah pedal in mainstream rock “which he often used to deliver an exaggerated pitch in his solos, particularly with high bends and use of legato based around the pentatonic scale.” (google that for the definition of this technical jargon). Hendrix was influenced by heavy hitters in music, such as Muddy Waters, BB King, Curtis Mayfield and Albert King, thus giving him his unique blend of jazz, R&B, blues and classic rock-n-roll. Besides...
