HANALEI — Inspired by her tutu Elizabeth “Lisa” Garma’s Hawaiian print shop called “Shanora” in Hanalei Town, Jamilee Jimenez started wearing a mu‘umu‘u dress in 2019.
The comfortable, flowing dresses are starting to make a comeback.
“She was known for her aloha print shirts and mu‘umu‘u,” Jimenez said.
“Tourists would come to her shop in the morning, have their measurements taken, pick their fabric and go holoholo (cruising) for the day. Their custom shirt or mu‘u would be ready at the end of the day. For many years my cousin Tamalyn and I have been looking for Shanora creations at thrift stores and online. We’ve come across two so far online. Sadly, both sold.”
While attending an event at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Jimenez discovered she could be a part of something bigger than herself.
“The speaker talked about how our generation was going to be a huge part of the Hawaiian renaissance movement,” Jimenez said.
“I found this to be super exciting. That was the year I began my tattoo journey with Keone Nunes. I have also noticed more lauhala-weavers in the community and jewelry-makers that work with Ni‘ihau shells and koa wood. It is important for Hawaiian fiber arts to be practiced so that it’s still around in 100 years.”
Jimenez has over 100 mu‘u, and said her favorite mu‘u was the brand called “Bete x Reyn Spooner.”
“Reyn Spooner was my grandpa Eugene Jimenez’s favorite brand,” Jimenez said. “His closet was filled with aloha shirts. I always loved my grandpa’s style. This Bete mu‘u was actually the first mu‘u I bought. I guess you could say it started the obsession.”
In a mu‘u, Jimenez said she feels confident because on Kaua‘i there is a strong “commu’unity.”
“Shannon of Machine Machine hosts events during Mu‘u Month (January), and it is so much fun,” Jimenez said. “So many of us gather together and wear our finest mu‘u. I don’t feel embarrassed or shame. It’s really neat to see how mu‘u has changed over time.”
Jimenez said when wearing a mu‘u reminds her of her childhood.
“My mom and aunties would all be wearing mu‘u to parties and special functions,” Jimenez said. “In a way, wearing mu‘u also makes me think about old Hawai‘i. I can imagine the special events that have taken place and the men and women in their finest wares.”
