“Pohala” As a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), the wisdom of my kūpuna (elders/ancestors) forms the basis for my values and understanding of the world. They are the inspirations and influences that commit me to fashion. This gown, “Pohala” is the embodiment of my kuleana (responsibility / purpose). It reflects my journey to a consciousness of my history, my values, my experiences and my becoming. As colonialism in the Pacific spread in the mid-1800s, Hawaiʻiʻs sovereignty was under constant threat, and Hawaiian practices were forced into hiding, buried beneath the surface. Liliʻuokalani became queen in 1891 following the death of her brother. Two years later, a group of American businessmen supported by the U.S. Minister and a company of Marines, illegally overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii, despite five treaties of friendship between the two nations. Please feel free to share, mahalo! Modeled by @kalalapawinter Photographed by me #upnextdesigner #thevanillaissue #fashionscout