Vintage Hawaiian Barkcloth Dress

1950's vintage Hawaiian barkcloth dress. Handmade and one-of-a-kind! Measurements: Pit-to-Pit 17"/Waist 14"/Length: 47" ABOUT BARKCLOTH (AKA TAPA OR KAPA) FABRIC: THE CREATION OF KAPA FABRIC IS A SERIOUSLY LABOR INTENSIVE PROCESS. TRADITIONALLY MADE FROM THE BARK OF A WAUKE TREE (MULBERRY), IT IS FIRST STRIPPED OF ITS OUTER BARK AND SOAKED IN WATER FOR UP TO TEN DAYS. NEXT, THE BARK IS BEATEN AND PLACED IN TI OR BANANA LEAVES IN A WARM, SHADY SPOT TO FERMENT. THIS FERMENTATION ALLOWS THE FIBERS TO EVENTUALLY FLOAT FREELY - RESULTING IN A FELTED, MATTED, SEAMLESS MASS. THE SECOND STAGE OF PROCESSING REQUIRES MANY MORE HOURS OF BEATING, SHAPING AND STRETCHING THE FIBER PIECES - EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN A BREATHABLE WORKABLE FABRIC. MODERN BARKCLOTH IS MADE FROM 100% COTTON, TEXTURED WITH A SURFACE THAT IS REMINISCENT OF CUSHION COVERS FROM THE EARLY 1950'S.