DAVID SHEPARD HAWAII Palapalai Sleeveless Wrap Dress Medium

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Wrap-dress with pockets. Limited quantity print. Hand drawn fabric print illustrations. Designed, cut, and sewn in Hawai‘i on imported fabric. Made with draping 100% rayon viscose twill fabric. Rayon viscose is a fiber that is intended as a silk substitute derived from wood pulp, making it a natural fabric that is more breathable than cotton. No plastic, polyester, or cotton used here; instead, enjoy this all natural wood pulp fiber with a luxurious silk texture. Machine wash and dry on a gentle setting. THE STORY BEHIND THE HAND-DRAWN DESIGN This hand drawn palapalai fern print was inspired by my time living and working with the people of Limahuli Hā‘ena, nestled on the brilliant green north shore of the island of Kaua‘i next to the Nāpali coast. Limahuli is home to endangered Hawaiian plants, but more importantly it is a place cared for by its people. The people at Limahuli Garden and Preserve take care of the valley by using a traditional Hawaiian holistic land management approach and live in perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture. I remember fondly Aunty Lahela Chandler, Aunty Aloha as many know her, greeting everyone with warmth and aloha. I see her sitting on the porch welcoming locals and visitors alike while making her palapalai lei. Some speculate that Limahuli, which means turning hands, as in ‘hands that work and turn the aina‘ (land), was a valley that provided food for hula students and the community that called the place home.