Holomu'u?

fuzzylizzie

fuzzylizzie

Alumni
Holomu\'u?

I know it isn't a sarong, nor is it a muu-muu. I found a dictionary of Hawaiian terms, and this sounds like a holomu'u. Any one here know for sure? Thanks!

Lizzie

<img src=http://members.sparedollar.com/fuzzylizzie/hilo-001.jpg>

<img src=http://members.sparedollar.com/fuzzylizzie/hilo-004.jpg>

<img src=http://members.sparedollar.com/fuzzylizzie/hilo-008.jpg>
 
Yes, according to posters at VC&A at eBay:

"It's a cross between the holoku, which is European, and the mu'umu'u=holomuu. I was trying to think of where the top ruffle came from, and I'm sure it's from the holoku which in turn took design elements from the early missionaries' dress. There's usually a reason for everything

This is from an article by Linda B. Arthur, as quoted by PoT:
Although it originated in Hawaii in the 1820s as a loose gown without a waistline or train and was worn for everyday wear, the holoku today is a long formal gown with a train. The holoku adopted selected elements of Western fashion, and now is generally closely fitted to the body, though it continues to have no waistline.

The holoku originated after the missionaries arrived in Hawaii, and was accompanied by a chemise referred to as a mu’umu’u. While both garments continue to be very important in Hawaii, it is the mu’umu’u that is regarded by most of the world as Hawaiian dress and the holoku that is practically unknown outside of Hawai’i. For formal events, and other celebrations related to Hawaiian culture and ethnicity, the holoku is the quintessential Hawaiian gown."
 
I found this really interesting, as I have a number of Hawaiian dresses to list soon. Now, is the holoku the gown that would have the Wateau pleat in back, which looks like a train? Or is that yet again something different? I am just now really "getting" into the Hawaiian things, and have oh so much to learn!
 
Anne, according to what I've read, a holomuu is always fitted to the body with no waist line, but sometimes there is a train, especially in newer ones.

I've had this dress for at least 15 years. I always wore it on Theme days at school, like Hawaiian day or Cruise Day. It really is a very flattering style.
 
Thanks, Lizzie! I love the color of yours! I have a close-to-the-body gown, no waistline, with the Wateau pleat, that might be considered a "formal" piece. I have it for sale in my Babylon Mall store, but am trying to lose enough weight to fit into it this summer! I am really loving this Hawaii stuff!
 
fuzzylizzie said:
Anne, according to what I've read, a holomuu is always fitted to the body with no waist line, but sometimes there is a train, especially in newer ones.

I've had this dress for at least 15 years. I always wore it on Theme days at school, like Hawaiian day or Cruise Day. It really is a very flattering style.
Click to expand...
There seems to be differing opinion about whether a holomuu has a train or not. One native born Hawaiian told me that a Holomuu has a little train and a Holokuu has an even longer train. I was always taught that a dress more formal and better fitting than a muumuu with a train is of European influence and called a Holokuu. A Holomuu is fitted to the body, more formal then a muumuu, but does not have a train (which is something that trails on the ground). Here is the website to which I often refer my friends when they ask about my Holomuus.

Edited by admin

postingrulesemoti

http://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/pages/Welcome-to-the-VFG-Forums-please-read/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top