Muumuu Heaven: Reused Aloha Wear
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01.19.06
On a recent trip to Hawaii, perusing gift shops with my mom led to that familiar treehugger retail malaise. The sea of synthetic, low wage factory-made shirts and recognizable, cute Roxy surf girl gear (no Ailin in sight, unfortunately) inspired the usual thoughts. Why do we buy this crap? Why do we want souvenirs that have no connection to where they're made, and, in fact, are available at the local mall? I could just imagine all of the crazy Hawaiian print shirts in the backs of closets and in Good Will bags. So, I was psyched when Graham forwarded info about Muumuu Heaven.
The online store takes discarded aloha wear and turns it into shirts, skirts and pillow cases. It also offers a selection of vintage island-reminiscent hand bags, jewelry and happy dresses. We love Muumuu Heaven's re-use impulse, and its commitment to donating to conservation projects. We wish, however, that the cuts (especially on the skirts) were more contemporary and their patterns a bit more carefully chosen. But with a little hunting, you should be able to find something that you like a million times more than poi. (Would you believe it took until the end of the post to realize that the name refers to where muumuus go when they die? That's very clever and I'm very slow.) :: Muumuu Heaven
On a similar theme, my sister had a dress made at a shop in Honolulu that recycles fabric from old kimonos. There is a cool peacock at the bottom of the dress. I can try to get contact info if anyone is interested.
I bought the coolest skirts from Muumuu Heaven and was pscyhed to see your entry. It is a well known jewel up here in Seattle, but not across the US. Recycled Muumuus made into great hip slung skirts!! I bought 4 skirts (after I bought my first) b/c they fit so well and are so sassy. Don't be put off by the skirts on the site -- they don't come across as well on the web. They look so good on! Also they have awesome bangle bracelets that people sell up here in Seattle for $50 each -- they are like $10 or something crazy on the site. Love to know someone else is a fan too!