Royal Hawaiian Dress

jauntyrooster

jauntyrooster

Alumni
Hi All!

Picked up this cute little Hawaiian dress. It only has a label that says "Made in Hawaii" and the cardboard Size/Style tag. There is an RN # of the cardboard tag that comes back to Royal Hawaiian. I am just not sure this is vintage and also wondering why there wouldn't be Royal Hawaiian label - is that normal? The little cardboard label made me think maybe it could be older and it was cheap enough I took a chance. Only closure is a little tie at back of neck.

The dress is 100% cotton and is really crisp - almost as if never washed. There is gold in the print and it feels kind of like paint - is that safe to wash?

Thank you to all. I appreciate your thoughts.

Maureen


1.jpg


2.jpg


3.jpg
 
Maureen -

It looks like a short mu'u mu'u - or maybe a little cover-up with the tie at the back. As I'm sure you know, The Royal Hawaiian is a hotel - one of the oldest in Waikiki and is still in business. (They just finished a major renovation.) There are lots of shops in the hotel now - and they probably always carried items like this that guests could purchase. There is also a shopping center called the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center nearby - but that was and is filled with separate stores.

One clue might be how the dress fits since it's labeled a size 14. What are the measurements? The color and pattern and style look sort of late '60's to me but it also has a sort of timeless "Hawaii" look as well. The armholes look small which might indicate that it's older. I think a modern size 14 would be larger.

Not sure I'm helping but I think it's vintage.
 
Tons of help Linn - always.

I knew about the hotel but guess I was confused because RN # came back to "Royal Hawaiian Manufacturing Co" so wasnt sure they were one in the same.

Armholes are really tight on this manni who is pretty small - size 2-6 I would say. Although it is flowing, it would probably not do a true size 14 any favors (myself included!).

Thanks to both. Will wash in cold, very gently.
 
Try searching for Royal Hawaiian Quality Garments - that label is in one of my books on Aloha wear. I'm heading out for a walk before it gets too hot!
 
yep, totally agree w/MS, and the size 14 and the size of the armholes reinforces the age.

i would suggest line-drying it, that gold can be pretty sturdy, but it can also be fickle and wear off, the cold water and line-drying should help sustain it.

also agree w/Linn ~ the hotels always offer aloha attire for tourists. and often times, they are either purchased to be worn WHILE on the islands, or as gifts, and not worn much/at all in either capacity.

it's adorable! Great find!!
 
I agree with the consesus above. Looks 1960's to me as well. I have never had any issue with the gold when it is in good shape. I usually machine wash on gentle inside out or handwash and most often air dry in the dryer or hanging. I also reccommend a gentle liquid soap as opposed to powder detergent.

That's a really cute print by the way. I had an identical dress in style but mine was red with little cartoonish island people in black with gold accents. It sold quickly to the UK.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top