(Photo courtesy of The Governor's Office)

MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has pledged his support of Hawaii’s fashion industry during a “wear aloha” announcement at Washington Place.

The governor was joined by dozens of leaders within the local business and fashion industries to encourage the public to support local designers and businesses.

Abercrombie said, “The Aloha Shirt is an iconic symbol of Hawaii that is recognized around the world. When we support our local businesses, we all succeed in ensuring a healthy economy. We have become too dependent on imported resources and goods. We must invest in ourselves, and this includes supporting our local businesses.”

The first Aloha Friday was promoted in 1964 by the Hawaiian Fashion Guide.

Designer Amos Kotomori said, “Since the 1990s, Aloha Friday has slowly evolved to casual Fridays. We need to bring back Aloha Friday to support our local fashion industry. There is a spirit to wearing aloha. Imagine what could happen.”

Earlier this year, Abercrombie signed a proclamation in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the Aloha Shirt.

“We as a population actually don’t wear them as much as we all used to, and it’s interesting to see how people in places like Europe are now starting to be influenced by the colorful history as they interpret our vintage Hawaiian prints,” said Dale Hope, author of The Aloha Shirt Book.

Out of concern for the local industry, fashion writer and artist Paula Rath began an initiative to encourage island people to wear something by a local designer every day.

“We really need to get our designers and local retailers through this recession and let them come out the other end successful,” Rath said. “Wear Aloha means wearing at least one island-designed accessory or article of clothing every time we step out our front door. It could be as simple as a pair of earrings, a necklace or a handbag by one of Hawaii’s many talented accessories designers.”