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Sig Zane; designer; c. 2008; Hawaii
Overview
Sig Zane Designs
Sig Zane Designs was founded by Sig Zane and wife Nalani Kanakaole in 1985 in Hilo, Hawai'i. Botanical prints dominate their work as the company seeks to share 'the values of the Hawaiian people through art, by honoring the plants of the the islands, and providing a unique experience that is enhanced by teaching the symbolism of the Hawaiian name of the plant, and giving insight to other aspects of our lifestyle that will build upon the experience: all to express gratitude, appreciation, and compassion for allowing a life in this island environment along with the hosts of this culture.'
In hula, when dancers wear lei, they become that plant. Sig Zane applies the same philosphy to his clothing design: 'I like to think if I dress them with certain plants, then they become an element of that'.
A print fit for a wedding
This size 7 dress was worn by Keonaona Hapai to a wedding in Hawai'i in 2008.
The print features the kukui leaf and liko lehua, or young buds of the ‘ohia plant, which signifies enlightenment and new beginnings. The print was chosen for Keonaona to reinforce the significance of the event she was attending. Sig Zane likens screen-printing to chanting. Both are repetitive processes, and repetition creates greater intent - 'every time we print, the appeal goes out.'
Co-collecting in Hawai'iThis dress was donated to Te Papa during a co-collecting trip to Hawai'i in 2017 based around the aloha shirt, and associated designs. Te Papa worked with Noelle Kahanu, a cultural specialist from the University of Hawai‘i, to develop an aloha shirt collection that reflects the ways in which Hawaiian culture has been historically represented, and misrepresented, through the aloha shirt, and the ways in which contemporary native Hawaiian designers are utilising aloha wear to communicate indigenous cultural values.