As January comes to a close, we reflect on another wonderful Muʻumuʻu Month—a time to celebrate and honor the iconic Hawaiian-style dress. Started a decade ago by Kaua‘i designer Shannon Hiramoto of Machinemachine, Muʻumuʻu Month encourages everyone to embrace this timeless garment, ideally wearing one each day in January. It’s a tribute to the beauty and cultural significance of the muʻumuʻu in Hawai‘i and the sustainability of wearing vintage.
For HIE founder Meleana Estes, Muʻumuʻu Month is especially meaningful as it allows her to honor her tūtū’s treasured muʻumuʻu collection, which she cherishes as the foundation of her own collection. A devoted supporter of many local designers, her tūtū celebrated local artists and the fashions they created, from the most traditional styles to the latest looks.
Meleana’s collection has grown to over 70 dresses, spanning a variety of styles gathered from friends, local collectors, and designers. With a love for bold, graphic patterns, she is especially drawn to pieces from the 1960s and 1970s, though she has a deep love for Hawaiian quilt motifs and other designs representing Hawaiʻi. To Meleana, the beauty of the muʻumuʻu is its ability to elevate you no matter the style, color, or design.
Each muʻumuʻu in Meleana’s collection holds a story—some passed down from her tūtū, others gifted by friends, and many discovered on her own. One of her most cherished pieces, a black and white Allen Akina, brings back fond memories of helping her tūtū fasten the last top button of the beautiful ruffled high neck, before heading out to an ‘ohana pā‘ina (family gathering). Others remind her of special occasions, meaningful friendships, or the artistry of beloved designers.
To Meleana, wearing a muʻumuʻu is not just about fashion; it is about celebrating the legacy of the women who wore them before her and sharing their beauty with Hawaiʻi and the world.
A Few of Meleana's Muʻu Favorites
A week before her Lei Aloha book launch party, Meleana got a call from Nakeʻu Awai to tell her they had an extra special gift for her to wear! This custom piece was made in her favorite signature one-shoulder style and color.
A colorful Holomū, fun and bright, yet with the classic details of this style, a ruffle neckline, and a small train!
One of the many custom muʻumuʻu created for Meleana’s tūtū by artist, designer, and dear friend Allen Akina, this piece features a high neckline and elegant leg-of-mutton sleeves. Wearing it, Meleana reflects, evokes the feeling that—just maybe—you could be as beautiful as the women he so masterfully captured in his storied works of art.
While her collection is filled with elegant regal treasures, her love for a neon polyester frock with a bit of sass is just as strong! This halter wrap even has a ruffle that goes down the back of the dress!
Meleanaʻs latest Eimeo Clothing find - the perfect blend of modern ease with a fashion edge for our island life.
A brand new mu‘umu‘u from Manuhealii featuring the ‘ākulikuli blossom lei made by Aunty Malia Kamaka of Pohākea Country Farms.