Coming together for all generations to enjoy.
Recently two well-known local legends came together to launch a creative endeavor of music and fashion. Amy Hanaiali’i, one of Hawaii’s most talented female singer • songwriters, and Hilo Hattie, a longtime staple of Hawaiiana and local fashions, linked up to offer a new children’s fashion clothing line. Designed by Amy, the clothing reflects the spirit of her newly released CD titled, “ My Father’s Grandchild.”
Hawaii singer Amy Hanaiali’i recently launched her exclusive kids’ clothing line and new CD at Hilo Hattie.
Amy, a local artist from Maui, comes from a distinctive musical family. She has gone on to become a recording star and worldwide entertainer, with many musical honors to her name. Her distinctive female falsetto singing is well-known and loved, while her music is well-represented in the iTunes store. Therefore, you can easily check out her music.
Hilo Hattie has been a mainstay in Hawaii since 1963. If you’ve already been here, you might have taken the popular bus trip to their flagship store off of Nimitz Highway. I did that when I moved here, which is probably when I bought my first muumuu there as well. At the clothing and music launch last week, Amy talked lovingly of her grandmother, a famous entertainer in her own right. Her grandmother had also been friends with the original Hilo Hattie, a pure Native Hawaiian singer, dancer and actress.
Hilo Hattie and Amy came together in one of those “a-ha” moments. A reorganizing a few years ago, the store had been looking to expand their branding and lines. Meanwhile, Amy had just recorded her newest CD, a gift of sorts to her own daughter, Madeline. Amy said a light bulb went off after Madeline asked her one night to sing a lullaby. From there, she set to writing and recording lullabies for an audience of both children and adults. To further her artistic reach, she also designed a line of children’s loungewear and t-shirts. Her future plans include expanding her brand and adding natural body products. Hilo Hattie will produce and market the line exclusively.
Keiki, from infants to pre-teens, rocked Amy’s new clothing line during the event’s fashion show.
At the launch, the audience was treated to a short concert by Amy and her amazing retinue of musicians. Hilo Hattie and local music celebs were well-represented during the program. Topping off the event, a runway fashion show of local children wearing Amy’s line. They looked adorable in soft colored t-shirts and sleep shirts. And because I just love exclusives, I encourage you to visit Hilo Hattie, located off of Nimitz Highway and in Ala Moana Shopping Center. They’re great places to get gifts for your children back home, as well as songs you can both listen to and love.
