Photos by Shay McGinnis

It's my second day back on the Hawaiian islands spending time with my family so it seems apropos to finish posting about this beautiful polynesian piece pictured here.

On my most recent trip to peruse new vintage stock at American Rag on La Brea Ave I saw much of the usual tiki, tapa and tropical motif hanging on the racks. Until I laid my eyes on this this gorgeous 1950's work of art. This shirt almost looked like a watercolor painting on the hanger, full of vibrant yellow, orange and pink florals. The colors jumped out at me. The collar lays open wide which I am usually not a fan of but not EVERY shirt I wear has to be buttoned up to the neck :) The unique gold buttons and thick woven fabric indicate the quality craftsmanship that went into creating this garment. If you don't already know who Alfred Shaheen is click on the link to indulge in the pioneering of the Aloha shirt back in the early 1950's. Though the traditional Hawaiian shirt became common to most Americans as every day wear it was not widely known as a fashion piece until the great Elvis Presley wore a Shaheen designed red Aloha shirt on the cover of the "Blue Hawaii" soundtrack released in 1961. Boom, you've been educated.

ALOHA!