We celebrate the Year of the Tiger as the beginning of a new cycle! With this tiger year, we begin our second collection of the Chinese astrological animals. (First collection: Tiger 1998 through Ox 2009). Researching each year for the animal is the fun part. I get to look through books on my Chinese heritage and view art from the Asian point of view. This year of the tiger was exciting as I began my research many months ago. I wanted to bring a new energy to life, giving us excitement, and expressing the real character of the ruling animal. Our friend Tim Lippold of Kathmandu Trading on Waianuenue Avenue imports hand-painted doors from Nepal. Once the entryways for various monasteries, the tigers on these doors were full of expression and life. Their personality was perfect for my design! I came across a pair of boxes which had a young tiger depicted upon them. The tiger was fearless, confident and happy. It was love at first sight! Kuha`o has taken my hand cut and created both a tee shirt design and fabric art. E ola kika! The original art of the door painter lives again.

Inspired by the ivy-league shirts of the early 1900s, the fabric designs are pure Hawai`i, and the look is pleasingly fresh. The Buttondown is an open front, tapered shirt with a full length placket. Coconut buttons are featured on the stand-up, button-down collar and on the front placket. Fabric is machine-washable 100% cotton broadcloth. Tuck it in or leave it out over the trousers for a more casual look. Either way, it's the perfect touch of crisp aloha!