An Introduction to Island Fahion

Here in American Samoa we don't have much in the way of garment retail. In fact, it is very rare for people to actually purchase their ready-to-wear fashions on island. We don't have a shopping mall, or any big chain box stores. So where does a palagi "fahionista" go to get her retail therapy fix? We go fabric hunting and then to the sew shop!

The choice of fabric here puts any mainland fabric store to shame; with patterns and fabrics ranging from overtly island with breadfruit leaves and hibiscus flowers to more demure, feminine chiffons there really is a little bit of everything.

I am personally not super fond of the traditional puletasis (it's just too hot), so what my friends and I typically do is spend way too much time g-chatting and sending links back and forth from pinterest, forever 21, anthropologie and piperlime in order to gather ideas of what we would like made next. Ideally we print out a picture, go in search of fabric then hit the sew shop. Enjoy the photo tour:

Step 1: Find a style

Coral Shorts From cupcakesandcashmere.com 

Step 2: Fabric Store(s)

Tutuila Store, Tafuna

Step 3: Sew Shop

Photo From: Fellows Blog: Kiva

Step 4: Enjoy

The Shorts!

Regardless of personal opinion on the ethics of custom-made clothing, it is insanely inexpensive here-about $30 depending on price of fabric/yard. Honestly, many of the seamstresses and tailors (who are Filipino) experience better working conditions than their counterparts working in other countries for giant retailers. I'm not saying I don't buy products made in China, Cambodia or the like because I totally do; I'm just saying this is what's done on Tutuilla....When is Rome Fa'a Samoa.