TorTop Honolulu top

[Maddy95]

I am wondering if anyone has information about Tori Top Honolulu. The item is a perfectly square (22” x 22”) top which pulls over the head made with a Japanese influenced fabric. It is one of two purchased by my aunt in 1959 when she visited to celebrate Hawaii entering the Union. The top was made in Japan. There are also care instructions but the fabric is not provided. It is not silk from the feel

The label is interesting as the Ts resemble the design of the top. The pictures start with the front view, followed by the back and then the labels.

 

[Linn]

I believe this is might be a Tori Richard top. There is some information about this company in our Label Resource - and this top seems to fit the description of their early pieces - and the "Tori" part looks similar. I think if you open the label it will read "Tori" :

https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/richard-tori/

They are still in business today.

 

[Maddy95]

Hi Linn. Thanks for your response. I opened the label up as much as possible. The inverted triangle could be an “i” making it a Tori Top. The label is very different from the ones posted in the Label Resource but it makes sense given that I know this was purchased in 1959 and those labels are later. The print does seem engineered to fit the shape.

The Label Resource article led me to Wikipedia where there is a detailed article about the Tori Richard company.

Thanks, Laura

 

[Linn]

Hi Laura -

Since the company is still in business, you could contact them and ask them if they recognize the piece or label. I think it is a "Tori Top." Our LR entry is from a few years ago but I know that Josh Feldman is currently CEO of the company. (I live in Hawaii.)

 

[Gromit]

I came upon this site and thread today while searching for information about a top my grandmother bought on a trip to Honolulu. I believe the trip took place during the 1950’s or 60’s. Anyway, my top has the same tag and the too is constructed the same. Very cool to have been able to find information!