Hawaiian Dress History
Princess Kaiulani Fashions & Bridal Collections
An enchanting review of Hawai‘i’s history through an extraordinary collection of fashion.
Travel back in time to the early 1800’s and view replicas of the most magnificent gowns worn by Hawai‘i’s first ladies, from the monarchy period to present day. A year and a half in the making while spending endless hours in the archives of Bishop Museum, this collection preserves a part of our past…
View a few special gowns created by original owner Jill and her staff.
Queen Kamamalut
This original gown is housed in Bishop Museum’s archives. The archives file states that “it is believed that this gown was created for the Queen while she and King Kamehameha II were in England on the tragic and fateful trip in 1824.”
A near exact reproduction was made for our Fashion Journey Fashion Show. Every possible detail was painstakingly noted and recreated. However. a few components were not available such as the 28 unique brass buttons. The original buttons were made of fine, woven threads. Since our reproduction was intended for a fast-paced fashion show, silk was not used as it was for the original gown.
Queen Emma
This gown is a recreation based on a study of the famous portrait of the Queen. There are approximately 90 feet of hand pleated and gathered ruffles incorporated into the 9-foot train. The main fabric is velvet and accented with satin.
After long hours of research, Jill was able to conclude with confidence that this gown was likely created for the Queen in anticipation of the christening of Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa a Kamehameha in 1862.
Queen Liliu‘okalani
This gown is a reproduction of the original housed at Bishop Museum’s archives. It is written in museum records as “worn while adjourning Parliament, 1893.” Liliu‘okalani wore this while making her last plea to the Parliament in an effort to revoke the “Bayonet Constitution” of 1887.
Information passed down through the years tells us that her favorite color was lilac or lavender. The original gown has faded to a yellow cream, but the lilac color still remains in the hemline and seams. A similar pale shade was used for this reproduction. The original fabric was a silk de-lustered satin with Batten Burg lace and Ostrich feathers. It is a truly outstanding example of European couture.
After the overthrow of her kingdow, Queen Liliu’okalani, in a quiet display of protest, chose to wear only black.
As Hawai‘i’s fashion history unfolds, the gowns come alive with music and dance. The final look of each gown is completed with a beautiful collection of feather and shell lei, jewelry and handbags.
1930s ~ 1940s
Kimono-Inspired Sheath & Bark Cloth Holomu‘u
Late 1940s ~ 1950s
The “Entertainers” and Traditional Holoku
Please inquire how this extraordinary collection can be a part of your next group event. We will be happy to work with you in a variety of venues and offer several options to accommodate your needs.