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History of the Aloha shirt
October 8, 2008 12:02 PM • by Learn about Hawaii • Posted to Hawaii | Hawaii Culture | Hawaii Facts | Hawaii History | Comments (0) | Permalink
Research discovers stories of a Waikiki, Honolulu Chinese merchant by the name of Mr. Ellery Chun and owner of King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods, who was believed to be the pioneer of the Aloha Shirt. Along with his sister, Ethel Chun Lum, they manufactured the first vibrantly colored, floral, short-sleeved shirt from left-over kimono fabric.
One of the first manufacturers of the Aloha Shirt was the Kamehameha Garment Company. They were the ones who initiated large shipments of the Aloha Shirt to the mainland in 1960, branded them as "Made in Hawaii" and were sold out right away. Other early shirt labels included names like Musa Shiya, Watamulls, Kahala, Surfriders, Alfred Shaheen, Duke Kahanamoku, etc.
Up until today, the Aloha Shirt still stands true to its original concept of conveying the rich images of the Hawaiian island, and will remain as the unique souvenir to boast of what the aloha spirit is all about.
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