Stories

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, 'Ori Tahiti dancers in Tahiti prefer to wear single layer high quality rayon pareu. They also prefer their pareu to fit a certain way. The "Tahitian Style" pareu is worn tied at the hips, without an excess amount of fabric hanging off. Usually, the pareu is cut to fit their hips so that when its tied, the two ends meet perfectly. This allows a small gap where the leg can show through.

I met Heiani in 2018 while dancing in the Heiva i Tahiti with the troupe Hei Tahiti. (More on that and our story later), but while getting to know Heiani, I saw not only her talent for Tahitian craft-making and artistry, but how humble and hardworking she is. I wanted to show you a little behind the scenes of her process and what it takes to take a raw mother of pearl shell, and turn it into a wearable piece of art. Its a long process that takes patience, skill and hard work. I'm so grateful to Heiani for letting me show you all a little piece of how its done. She made all the earrings you see of hers in the shop by hand. Taking hours for each piece. Enjoy the video and leave a comment. Māuruuru Roa! 

Like most things, Pareu comes in different qualities. Find out the differences between the fabric grades, and why we offer the best!

I'm so excited to share the stories of how this shop came to be. I want to introduce Mama Violette to you. Although she was camera shy, she wanted to take a photo with me before I left the fenua. Her mana is in each and every pareu she sewed. It brings me so much joy to work directly with the Polynesian people. Many of them are small business owners whose businesses have taken a huge toll because of Covid-19. Most of their businesses run on tourism, and without travel, the local people of Tahiti are struggling. That's why your purchase means so much. You're helping sustain the maohi of Tahiti. Every time you put on a pareu made by Mama Violette, know that it made a huge impact. I hope you enjoy wearing them.

 

Check back here, as I'll post stories, pictures, videos, and interviews with the artists I'm collaborating with in Tahiti. This blog will connect you with some of the most talented Tahitian artisans and bring you a little closer to the fenua. Since we can't travel to Tahiti, I will bring Tahiti to you!