An exciting night of fashion, food and art happened at the Wearable Art Fashion Show put on by MAMO and the Pa’i Foundation and held in the Kona Moku Ballroom of the Waikiki Beach Marriot Resort and Spa.  A number of artisan/designers were represented and offered an amazing selection of Hawaiian clothing styles and art to an appreciative audience.  The fashion show is a major fundraiser for the events put on during the month of May to showcase native Hawaiian artists and tables for the event were paid for by many of the major sponsors of the event including OHA, The Kamehameha Schools, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, The Ford Foundation, Group 70 and Visionary Entertainment among others.  Music and entertainment for the evening was provided by a number of notable performers including Albert Hold and Garret Shirai, Dustin Ebesu on the harp, Nina Keali’iwahamana and Mahi Beamer and special performances by Robert Cazimero and the Men of Halau Na Kamalei.

A special addition the costumes worn by Mr. Cazimero’s halau were the nine beautiful malo that were printed especially for this event by kapa maker, Dalani Tanahy.  Although the malo themselves were not kapa/Tapa, the printing was done using the traditional bamboo ‘ohe kapala stamps and took many hours of work, however the results were well worth the efforts.  The men looked great as they performed their kahiko number and Robert himself said that he was very impressed with the workmanship of the printing and color of the malo and that he wanted to frame them all!  This was a wonderful honor for Dalani who has been a great fan of the Cazimero’s music for over 25 years.

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Among the notable artisan/designers at the fashion show were the mother/daughter team of Dalani Tanahy and Ka’iulani Prem.  Ka’iulani’s concept for her designer line, called KAPAMODERN, was to use materials that were used by the ancient Hawaiians to adorn themselves.  These included kapa, feathers and wood carving.  Dried and pressed limu was even featured on one of the pieces.  Two of the models were accessorized with kapa handbags as well.  Dalani’s job was to pound kapa and sew feathers…..many many many feathers.  Ka’iulani’s line was playful, colorful and sophisticated and people were amazed by her use of the kapa in the dresses.   It was a proud evening for the mom and daughter to see their work on the runway and especially for the work of the many supportive friends who sewed and modeled the outfits.  Mahalo everyone!

Kaiulani Prem, Dalani Tanahy and the Models

 A special event of the evening is the silent auction featuring a number of works by the MAMO artists.  Amazing paintings, sculpture, textiles, traditional weapons and even a shark tooth club rendered in glass and brass were among just a few of the artworks that patrons were able to choose and bid on.  Kapa / Tapa was represented here as well in a piece created by Dalani Tanahy.  The kapa called “Hoku Pa’a” was dyed in yellow tumeric or ‘olena and alaea and stamped with black walnut and java plum. 

 All in all a great night for kapa.  Special thanks to photographer, website manager and number one fan, Mr. Ahmed Tanahy for all of his support.

Dalani and Ahmed Tanahy