Just north of Hilo, a famous bamboo grove is said to have been planted by demigods Kane`apua and Kanaloa. The bamboo from this grove, Homaika`ohe (Bring-forth-the-bamboo), were made into knives for the traditional subincision ritual performed on boys. Our most recent design of the bamboo was inspired by a hula workshop that Nalani taught. There were implements, the `ohe ka`eke`eke, musical pipes used as percussion instruments. In gathering the bamboo, I was taken by the long slender internodes, the calm in the surrounding forest, and the special light that filtered through the leaves.

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!