■A Special Piece Infused with the Designer’s Sensibility
Sun Surf | Keoni of Hawaii “WAIKIKI SAND”
・A reissue of a masterpiece by John Meigs, the master of aloha shirt design
・Depicts the bustling atmosphere of Waikiki Beach with a comical touch
・Beautiful drape and premium comfort thanks to 100% rayon
・Collector’s edition includes a special tag and case
■ About the Designer | John Meigs (JOHN MEIGS)
John Meigs was a textile designer born in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
After studying sculpture and figure drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, he moved to Hawaii in 1938 and began designing textiles for aloha shirts around 1940.
His original designs quickly gained attention, and he was inundated with commissions from numerous aloha shirt manufacturers.
During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy; his experience in Tahiti—a place associated with Paul Gauguin—where he was exposed to Polynesian culture, had a significant influence on his later work.
After his discharge, he resumed his activities based in Hawaii and became one of the leading textile designers of the 1950s, receiving numerous commissions not only from Hawaiian companies but also from textile manufacturers on the U.S. mainland.
His works, which contributed greatly to the development of aloha shirt culture, remain highly popular on the vintage market today, with rare models fetching high prices.
The “WAIKIKI SAND” design, which has been reissued this time, is one of his signature works, depicting people enjoying themselves on Waikiki Beach with Mages’ characteristic playful touch.
It has been confirmed that more than eight brands adopted this design at the time, and its popularity is evident from the wide variety of color schemes in which it was produced.
■ About Keoni of Hawaii
Sun Surf is a brand that analyzes its vast collection of vintage aloha shirts and pours a strong commitment to technique and craftsmanship into every single garment.
In 1996, Sun Surf learned that John Mages—a legendary textile designer who had left his mark on Hawaiian fashion history—was still alive.
He still possessed numerous original sketches created in the 1940s that had never been released to the public, and it was from these that “KEONI OF HAWAII” was born.
John Mages himself joined the brand and designed new aloha shirts, but as he grew older, contemporary artists who shared his vision took over the creative reins starting in 2001.
Carrying on John Mages’ spirit—which views the aloha shirt not merely as clothing but as a “work of art”—they continue to create special pieces infused with their own unique sensibilities.
■ Special Features Unique to a Collector’s Item
A label exclusive to this series is placed on the back of the collar.
It also comes with a custom case, making for a special finish befitting a collector’s item.
■ Reproducing the Details of Vintage Aloha Shirts
The fabric is Rayon Fujiett, which combines the suppleness reminiscent of Fuji silk with the soft drape characteristic of rayon.
・Made in Japan
・100% Rayon
Size Chart(cm)
Size/Back Length/Chest/Shoulder/Sleeve
M(38)/67/55/47/21
L(40)/69/58/49/22
XL(42)/71/60/52/23
