Sunday, July 17, 2016

summer breeze

With summer in full swing, 188 Galerie showcases yet another Vintage Black Label classic - the Aloha or Hawaiian Shirt.

Vintage Black Label | Aloha Shirt

As waves of heat rise from New York City's urban jungle - conjuring visions of verdant tropical forests - we dream of cascading waterfalls, pristine white sand, and cooling fronds of paradise.

Luau Spread at 188 Galerie NYC

All is not lost if you find yourself city bound instead of off on an island paradise this summer!

Aloha Shirts at 188 Galerie NYC

In June we blogged about the VBL: bomber jacket, another WW II souvenir of our troops. After World War II, many US military returned from Asia and the Pacific islands with aloha shirts made in Hawaii since the 1930s.

Troops back from the Pacific

From Here to Eternity, the movie

The Aloha shirt, commonly referred to as a Hawaiian shirt, is a style of dress shirt originating in HawaiiAloha shirts manufactured for the local weather are considered formal wear in business and government, weddings and birthday parties, dinners and other Hawaiian occasions. 

Alfred Shaheen in Samoan Tapa, 1957

Hawaiian Island Honeymoon, Warren Rapozo

About 35 years ago an astute Hawaiian garment manufacturer (who shall remain nameless to avoid renewing a 35 year old argument) designed the first aloha shirt, launching what was to become the golden age for Aloha shirts." ~ Hope Dennis, journalist and textile designer

Elvis Presley, Blue Hawaii album cover

1951 Jantzen Cabana Mates Clothing Ad

Nothing says summer like a Hawaiian shirt. While it has had its ups and downs since the 1930s, it is back in style just in time to keep you nice and cool all summer long. Designers are reintroducing Hawaiian-inspired shirts this season, offering a fresh take on this fashion classic. 

from GQ. . . .

. . . .to Goodwill

Today this iconic shirt was made a trendy and must-have wardrobe item once again at the latest Fashion Week in Milan, Italy. 



Shirts from the 1950s and 1960s by makers such as Reyn Spooner, Paradise Island and Kai Nani have in the past few years become collectible. 

Leo de Caprio in Baz Lurman's Romeo & Juliet

Vintage Black Label | Aloha Shirt

Many of the current options do not command the high prices of the original shirts designed by famous artists who were commissioned then to design fabric, murals, and menus used on cruises, flights, luggage, surf and skate boards, and countless everyday items of the period. 

Al Pacino , "Casino" 

Freddie Mercury, "Props"

Some later shirts show themes inspired by popular symbols of the late 1960s hippie period. Today, a limited number of select companies in Hawaii and Japan are currently offering new rayon shirts in the “golden age” patterns at a cost of upwards of $200 per shirt. [Gary MossHippie Artifacts author] 

more of what's available


One binding rule - should you decide to purchase and wear a Hawaiian shirt - they are never tucked into your pants or skirts.  


Our gang celebrating in Thailand, April 2016




The 'Aloha Spirit' is about living every day with love, grace and compassion for others. The Aloha Shirt can be a symbol of that spirit.” ~ GerryLopez, Hawaiian surfer and international icon 

Another scene from Romeo & Juliet

Virgin America Hawaiian event

Read more fun facts about Vintage Hawaiian Shirts here: 




No comments:

Post a Comment