Rooted In Culture With Anna Kahalekulu
How Her Love For The Hawaiian Culture Inspired Her To Create Kūlua
In today’s society now more than ever, Native Hawaiians are standing up for their culture. With a deep connection to the ʻāina (land) and sea (kai). Native Hawaiians perpetuated the art of sustainability long before it was a concept. Representation of our culture and intertwining it into our daily life is key to strengthen our Native Hawaiian communities. It’s with this in mind that Native Hawaiian, Anna Kahalekulu expresses her love for her culture with her sustainable-made clothing line, Kūlua.
Kahalekulu tells HOKU that inspiration from her Hawaiian culture is at the forefront of her brand and is woven into each and every design. “My heritage and culture have inspired me since I was a young girl. Throughout my life I've been fortunate to have ohana and Kumu who have helped to build a strong foundation for me to stand on. Really, they are the ones who inspire me to create. My cultural values also shape the perspective from which I design - our print motifs are often reflections of the people around me that I see in nature.” Says Kahalekulu. In the midst of creating Kūlua, Kahalekulu was able to perpetuate her Hawaiian culture and reflect on those who have inspired her. Kūlua’s pieces are the perfect example of bringing a modern and innovative approach to Hawaiian technique and values. Oh, and did we mention how sustainable they are too?
“Our designs are inspired by our connection to our home - the aesthetic is more modern and artistic but it is also grounded in this place and our relationships with our island home. More specifically, our styles are inspired by the women around us and their lifestyles. From a design perspective, I’m big on function so I favor versatile comfortable pieces that you feel beautiful in from day to night.”
Kūlua produces all of their garments in small batches on the island of Maui, working with an incredible group of local seamstress to create pieces that are eloquent and long lasting. They source their fabrics in three different ways. One, they pick up deadstock from other manufacturers, giving it new life and preventing it from ending up in landfills. Two, they print new fabrics using sustainable methods and eco-friendly fabrics and natural fibers. And three, they reuse vintage fabrics that are still in good condition.
“Small businesses are the fabric of a place: lives interwoven and working together to support each other and the next generation. And that’s what life is about.”
Kahalekulu emphasized that supporting local as much as possible is an integral part of her mission. “I love the idea of putting our community to work - I often think about what we would do and what kind of jobs we would have if we didn’t have a local market.” She says. Highlighting that our community would not be where it is today if it weren’t for small businesses.
From innovative takes on the classic “mu’u” to sophisticated (and incredibly comfortable) kimonos, Kūlua is Maui’s pioneer for daringly-cute sustainable pieces that are made to last. Her impact and mentality towards fashion is not only inspiring us today, but setting the stage for the future generations of tomorrow.
