Sun Surf Special Edition “Celebration”

Product Name: "CELEBRATION"
Vintage: POLYNESIAN SPORTSWEAR
Era: Mid-1950s
Material: Rayon Habu-nobu (Filament Rayon)
Print: Over Print
Design Pattern: All-Over Pattern

The "Matson Line," famous for connecting San Francisco to Honolulu, had its restaurant menu cover designed by artist Eugene Savage in the early 20th century. Savage, a popular artist receiving multiple offers for advertising design, created six pieces for Matson Line, one of which is the Aloha shirt "CELEBRATION," based on the main elements of his work "ALOHA~UNIVERSAL WORLD."

The cover of the original menu depicts Hawaiian people celebrating a feast with an outrigger canoe filled with many harvests. The person motifs extracted from this scene, framed by banana leaves, create a strong visual impact. This work was produced by Polynesian Casuals under the brand Polynesian Sportswear, known for making shirts for renowned brands like Andrade and Makinaani, as well as women’s evening wear like muumuu.

SUN SURF SPECIAL EDITION

This Aloha shirt symbolizes the paradise of Hawaii, deeply tied to Japanese immigrants, featuring not only tropical patterns but also vintage Japanese designs. During the mid-20th century, as Hawaii became established as a tourist destination, the demand for Aloha shirts as souvenirs surged significantly. Designs and patterns diversified, leading to the creation of many unique pieces. This is a rare find encountered during the process of collecting vintage Aloha shirts. The Special Edition by Sun Surf pays tribute to the textile designers who created these masterpieces, faithfully recreating their luxurious multicolor prints, bold designs, and unique details that vary by manufacturer and era.

This item comes delivered in a special edition box.

Due to the cutting position of the fabric, the pattern placement may differ from the photographs. Dimensions may vary slightly due to the material's characteristics and finishing methods. Additionally, the product's color may differ somewhat from the actual color depending on your device's settings and environment. Thank you for your understanding.