Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian
Nov 1, 2013 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Image from Sarah at Simply Vintage Boutique
Who doesn’t love a stunning Hawaiian print? It captures that free spirited style we can certainly appreciate in this modern, fast-paced society. Arguably, no one conveyed this energy better than Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian. Sarah with Simply Vintage Boutique couldn’t agree more and cites her collection as a great go-to fashion choice. Let’s learn more about this prolific designer…
Sarah with Simply Vintage Boutique
Sarah with Simply Vintage Boutique in Portland, Oregon took her appreciation for vintage fashion from collecting and modeling to shop ownership. She prides herself on curating a unique collection that finds its roots in the 1940s and 50s. At Simply Vintage, shoppers will enjoy a quality selection of retro clothing and accessories in a welcoming, happy environment.
Simply Vintage Boutique
3640 SE Belmont Street Portland, OR 97214
503.888.0961
http://www.facebook.com/SimplyVintageBoutique
Say aloha to Alfred | All about Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian
- A brilliant, third generation textile industrialist, Alfred was born to Lebanese immigrants who relocated to Hawaii when he was 16 years old. This setting proved to be the inspiration for one of the most successful garment firms in the islands, credited with spreading the Hawaiian shirt trend to the mainland and beyond.
- Shaheen’s clothing factory was founded in 1948 and closed 40 years later upon his retirement. Throughout its history, the company stayed true to its vision for ready-to-wear post war fashion.
- A Shaheen print is known by its island influences that stayed true to the local context and included a fine degree of detail. With every composition, he strove to bring the East and West together, on a streamlined modern shape. In an effort to maintain creative control and efficiency, the company began printing their own textiles by the early 1950s under the name Surf ‘n Sand Hand Prints.
- Graphic artists were encouraged to reference regional art for more inspiration. Shaheen would often send his designers to other parts of the world so they could be close to the source.
Image from Sarah at Simply Vintage Boutique
- The prints stand apart from other manufacturers’ work by combining richer colors in a broader range – including three to five colors. Specialized craftspeople mastered several patterns including the infamous Antique Tapa, Hawaiian Pageant, and Pua Lani Pareau. In addition, their unique silk-screen printing technique allowed them to create larger prints, up to 24 inches.
- Known for metallic dyes, Shaheen produced around 100 different varieties, although gold, silver, and cooper were the most sought after.
- During the 1970s, spurred on by their international success, the brand grew to include jewelry and perfume.
- Clothing labels may read as the following: Alfred Shaheen, Shaheen’s of Honolulu, Surf ‘n Sand, Kiilani, and Burma Gold Hand Prints.
Image from Sarah at Simply Vintage Boutique
Cause A Frockus would like to thank our tremendous resources: Sarah from Simply Vintage Boutique, Wikipedia, http://www.alfredshaheen.com/, and the wonderful people who put their images up on Wikipedia Commons without restriction.
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