MAMo Wearable Art Show Makes Maui Debut

MAMO fashion show. Photo courtesy Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

By Maui Now Staff

A wearable art fashion show featuring Hawaiian designers takes center stage for the first time at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center this weekend.

The MAMo Wearable Art Show will showcase the designs of Maui’s own Koa Johnson and Kealiʻi Reichel, as well as fellow designers Maile Andrade, Manuhealiʻi, Marques Hanalei Marzan, Taupouri Tangarō, and Wahine Toa.

Works by designers will include weaving with natural material, the use of kapa, and prints that draw from cultural inspiration.

MAMo, which stands for Maoli Arts Month, was launched on Oʻahu by Vicky Holt-Takamine, the executive director and founder of the PAʻI Foundation, to “celebrate and promote the work of contemporary Hawaiian artists and designers.”

Organizers say this is the first time the Wearable Art Show will be seen on Maui since it started in 2006.

“It’s the culture, principles and values that are at the core of who we are, that get transferred to the things that we wear,” said Holt-Takamine in an event press release.

MAMO fashion show. Photo courtesy Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Pieces designed by Keali‘i Reichel and Taupōuri Tangarō utilize fibers and weaving that mimic the kōkō pu‘upuʻu, or fine nets that adorn a chief’s calabash.

Organizers say other designers utilize botanical and environmental patters drawing inspiration from ancient chants or natural elements.  

“In Hawai‘i, generations of artistic experimentation and discovery led to distinctive examples of artistic excellence,” said  Hōkūlani Holt, Cultural Programs Director at MACC in an event announcement.

“Hawaiian cultural design – and designs inspired by our unique culture and environment – has gained esteem in our community because of the dedication and commitment of those who create these things that are both beautiful and purposeful,” she said.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Yokouchi Pavilion.

Tickets are $35 and $45 for reserved seating; and $60 for premium tickets that include a trunk show, and a chance to meet some of the designers before the show at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling the MACC Box Office at 808-242-SHOW or by booking online at the MACC website.