Author: Gloria Furer

Publisher:

Published: 2016-10-26

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 9781539728139

Around the time of statehood there were three major exports from Hawaii. The first was sugar, the second was pineapple, and the third was clothes! The purpose of this book "Romance in Hawaiian Fashions" is to preserve, inspire and promote the artistic fashions of women's clothing, the textile design, and the Aloha Spirit when these products were the third largest export from this state. Using this book let's return to the "glory days" when fashion was Queen of these islands!Browse through its pages and become aware of the creative artwork found in the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star Bulletin from the State archives. At the time newspaper advertising was the only visual medium the manufacturers and the retail outlets had to show the customer their latest garment. All the artwork for the ads were hand-done by a variety of artists who used to draw the figures and fashions, as well as illustrating the textile art of the garments themselves. Through these sketches the customer could mentally "see" herself in the garment, since it was easier to connect with a sketch, rather than a photograph of someone else. Another art interest were the textile designs that were created for the variety of variety of ethnic groups who lived here. . There has been much written on the ubiquitous aloha shirt, but little focus on the flourishing women's garment industry in Hawai'i during the mid-twentieth century. This book fills an important niche in the history of fashion, as well as appeal to the general public's interest in the heyday of Hawaiian design and its diverse cultural influences. Gloria Furer, professor emeritus of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, has spent over 40 years studying, practicing, writing, lecturing, and teaching fashion design. Now retired at age 93, she wants to make a lasting impact by sharing her expertise. This book is the culmination of her life's work in the field, and her legacy to the people of Hawai'i (and beyond). She hopes that by looking back at a time when Hawai'i had a strong garment industry, she will help reinvigorate contemporary fashion and design in the islands today.