I Heart Nake'u Awai

I love made in Hawaii Fashions...and I do mean truly MADE IN HAWAII...not mass made aloha print shirts you find at Walmart and such...not that there is anything wrong with that. But I have ALWAYS been a HUGE supporter of Island Designers...growing up in Hawaii, I did a lot of their fashion shows before I became Miss Universe. And one of the earliest designers to put me in his various shows was Nake'u Awai. 

Nake'u's designs are always so innovatinve and whimsical. They have become a staple of the island clothing theme, and people in Hawaii can instantly spot a Nake'u print. He hand designs the print's in inspirations ranging from hula dancers to the various leis and flowers of Hawaii..he makes them into printed material and then sews them into great Aloha shirts, Mu'u Mu'u's ( long dresses) as well as jump suits, and other whimsical patterns. I even carry one of his bags in my show on the Travel Channel..just as a nod and wink to Hawaii.

I have vintage Nake'u from as far back as 20 years ago and it still holds up today. If you ever get a chance to stop by his unique little shop nestled at the bottom of Kapalama Heights..tell him Miss Universe sends her aloha..go get yourself some authentic Hawaii couture...you will wear it for decades to come!

Nake'u Awai designs can be found at his shop: 613 Houghtailing St Ste 5 Honolulu, HI  96817 or at Ward Warehouse in NA MEA HAWAII/Native Books