Martin Margiela Dress Shoes.

From the city to the sea...Dress Shoes by Martin Margiela. Location: Eastside of Oahu, Hawaii.

Maison Martin Margiela Leather Holdall

I just returned to Hawaii after a few days in New York City. I travel light and the Maison Martin Margiela Holdall was the perfect bag for the trip. It was big enough to fit everything I needed, and small enough for it not to be a burden. The handles are also the perfect length to be used in hand or over the shoulder. I stopped by the Margiela Homme boutique and saw the Holdall in a couple of different fabrics and finishes for the first time, but still preferred the all leather, natural brown version compared to the waxed canvas and the like. It is definitely my favorite travel bag, and will be for years to come.


Maison Martin Margiela New York


I wasn't allowed to take a photograph in the Margiela Homme boutique, so fiddled with my camera outside. I love Margiela's aesthetic, the merchandise as well as its presentation. If you haven't been...stop by and take a look.

Maison Martin Margiela / New York
803 Greenwich Street
New York, 10014 USA

Recent Purchase.

My new staple items. Robert Geller's Cadet Jacket in black and Common Projects' Desert Boots in navy.

Martin Margiela S/S 2011 AIDS Tee

Each season our staff anxiously awaits the arrival of Martin Margiela's AIDS Tee...we have become collectors. Every box that comes through our doors gets "sized up" as we wonder if today could be the day. Well today is the day! The Spring Summer 2011 version of Margiela's seasonal piece uses a cool medium gray base with a dark gray/reflective letter print. I say dark gray/reflective...not meaning mirror-like, but the ink used contains tiny grains of reflective particles that shine only when light hits it at a certain angle...LOVE. Of course, this item will be available for purchase online shortly, but if you just can't wait and need more info, email our customer service staff at love@aloharag.com or give them a call at 808.589.2050.

3.1 Phillip Lim / Oversized Pearl Necklace

This oversized faux pearl chain necklace from 3.1 Phillip Lim is a favorite among our Honolulu staff. The multi colored chain links are harsh and gritty, while the oversized resin and glass pearls give off a feminine feel to provide the perfect contrast within the item. The length of the necklace is ideal—not too short, not too long—for the size of the pearls and links for a flattering look to compliment your wardrobe. Click here to purchase.

New Lanvin Sneakers

This new shoe from Lanvin does an excellent job of merging an urban high-top sneaker with an outdoor boot. An athletic style sole in dark grey provides a stable base for a luxurious leather body with ankle zip details and outdoor boot style eyelets. Brown leather trim accents the toe area while the purple shaded laces add a pleasant, and unexpected surprise. This sneaker will soon be available for online purchase, but if you are interested in picking up a pair now, please contact our customer service department at love@aloharag.com.

Giovanni Estevez for Converse

Converse's artist collaborations for Product(RED) continues with some NYC heat. This pair of Chuck Taylors come from the mind of New York City's own Giovanni Esteves. The legendary artist/skateboarder created a black on black shoe to represent the city he loves. With an embroidered abstract NYC skyline on the side panels, red eyelet details and a clear under sole...these Chucks are a must have for NYC lovers. Noted for his work with Supreme and Number (N)ine—among others—Esteves is no stranger to the term, "limited Edition." Only 250 pairs distributed in the U.S. Click here to purchase.

Recent Purchases

I'm not sure how fitting the word "recent" is, when I refer to these purchases because some of them date back six months, like the denim pictured at the top left. That's a pair of Nicolas Andreas Taralis jeans which were recommended to me by Tatsugo and Tomo-chan for the fit. Ideal. The top middle item is a Golden Goose tee with various badges pinned to the chest pocket...but for me, that detail came secondary to the feel of the material and the cut. Golden Goose tees are just so comfortable. The top right item comes from Aloha Rag's house collection. The faded gray/green color of this military style jacket works well for me, and the flag and skull patches on the chest are pretty sweet. I also picked up a basic button up from Aloha Rag's collection (pictured bottom left). It has a slimmer fit which I like, and is made of a chambray textile which I love. The bottom middle item is a pair of chino cut denim from Neil Barrett. I'm so addicted to Neil Barrett's denim...and this color was perfect for me. And finally, the Chuck Taylors by Missoni and Converse. I had not bought a pair of Converse in 10 years...that is, until Converse released their First String line. I really like the silhouettes they presented which led me to pick up a few pairs...the most recent being the Missoni X Converse collabo.

Converse X Missoni Chucks Now Available Online.

Converse and Italian luxury brand Missoni have teamed up to make these two special Chuck Taylor Hi-Top sneakers. Constructed with Missoni dyed knit uppers and premium leather details, these limited sneakers are among the most anticipated releases of 2010. Sizes are limited to the stock on hand and we have a limit of one pair per style. Click here to purchase.

Number (N)ine X Converse Odessa Now Available

When Takahiro Miyashita was in his last months of doing the cult label Number (N)ine, he worked on a pack of three shoes with Converse that were to be considered a farewell. He started by revamping Converse classics, the One Star and Chuck Taylor, by rendering them in a napped deer leather and bringing in an asymmetrical lacing system he found while browsing through Converse's shoe archive. This lacing system was on the Converse Odessa, a running shoe whose designer thought about comfort and performance over tradition. The shoes pictured above are Miyashita's updated interpretation of the Odessa, limited to 48 pairs in the United States, and come natural (white) and black color ways. For the collectors, from the collectors, by the collector. Click here to purchase.

Analog Vision: NYC

I spent a few days, including the 4th of July, in NYC. It was my first time there and I was lucky enough to have friends (including the wonderful Aloha Rag New York Staff) show me around. Unfortunately, I woke up late on the 4th and missed a friendly excursion to Coney Island, so I took a cab to the corner of Broadway and W. Houston with my camera and a roll of film. I wasn't looking to go to anywhere specific...I just wanted to wander and get a feel for the amazing city.


The first photograph I took was of a stairway I walked past a few times the day I arrived. I've always been drawn to the look of stairs but I almost always opt an the elevator...haha. I catch myself wondering where they lead, and what's on the next floor. This set was in the building that hosts Aloha Rag's Atelier.


Outside, I walked on the shady sides of the streets (it was 100 degrees out!) and couldn't help but think about how different New York was from Hawaii when I looked up.


This bicycle, or should I call it a tricycle, was parked outside of a little eatery on Mercer. It was old but still shined.


I've never heard so many honking car horns before...and I've never seen a street sign designed to stop it.


The yellow cab. Speed first, safety second.

Analog Vision: Maui

I recently came back from a short stay on the island of Maui. It was a good break from what I'm accustomed to. I didn't pack my computer or a digital camera...just some clothes, my M6, and a couple of rolls of film. I stayed on the south west side of the island in a area called Wailea.

The resort I was posted up at was flanked by two sandy beaches with a black rock coastline right in front.

There was a look out area to watch whales jump in the ocean. (Didn't see any though)

Watching a fisherman cast his line proved to be very relaxing.

One of the best things about being on the south west side of Maui was that the sun set right in front of us...slowly into the ocean. Paradise.

Golden Goose Footwear

While everyone else at our Hawaii and New York locations were busy with inventory...I was busy taking photos of the newest sneakers and boots from Golden Goose. If you are interested in any of these items, don't hesitate to email customer service at love@aloharag.com or call 808.589.2050. See Golden Goose's Men's Collection Here and the Women's Collection Here .

Support Kenny Brimer

photo via Fitted

Growing up skateboarding the streets of Honolulu leads to befriending many interesting characters. Unfortunately, one of the good guys—a friend who always sports a smile—Kenny Brimer, was recently diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Kenny, who is also a dear friend to Tomo's husband, has began his fight against the cancerous disease and is a good candidate to be selected for a stem cell transplant. If you want to joint the fight, The Solitary Arts has set up a secure fund to help Kenny via Pay Pal. JOIN THE FIGHT HERE

Free Maison Martin Margiela MM6 Tote

Get a free Maison Martin Margiela MM6 light-weight plastic coated tote bag when you purchase any regular priced Martin Margiela item (excluding the seasonal AIDS Tee [gray/silver], accessories, and jewelry). Limit 1 free tote per customer while supplies last. We don't have many MM6 Totes left so hurry and get one while we still have them!

Closer Look: Neil Barrett City Trainer

You may have caught a glimpse of these neon yellow sneakers on the feet of one of our male mannequins in our Honolulu boutique. These City Trainers from Neil Barrett takes a classic silhouette to the next level. They utilize different leather finishes (matte, patent and perforated) in its construction to create detail without over-embellishment. They are a good example of balancing shape and structure in a minimalist package. Please contact love@aloharag.com or call 808.589.2050 if you are interested in purchasing this item.

Aloha Rag Honolulu Tour

Aloha from Hawaii! It's now 2009 and Aloha Rag Honolulu would like to invite you to visit our boutique. The new year brings a few changes to our look. We've shifted our garment racks and opened up the layout to provide a friendly shopping environment where customer and our sales associates can casually interact.


We are extremely excited about our women's collection for Spring/Summer 2009. We are continuing to stock our favorites: Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, Lanvin, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Golden Goose and Thomas Wylde among many others. And we are happy to welcome brands such as Alexander Wang and welcome back Diane Von Furstenberg and Martin Margiela Line 6!


Our men's collection features Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Martin Margiela, Kitsune and the like. New to Aloha Rag this season are brands such as Tomas Maier, Neil Barrett and Jil Sander!


You will also find all of your favorite hard to find handbags from reputable labels such as Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chloe and Lanvin in our boutique. We have a bunch of bag lovers on staff so if you have any questions... please don't hesitate to ask.


Footwear is such an important item in a wardrobe and we got a good selection (everything from sneakers to heels) of some of the finest... Lanvin, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Alexandra Neel and Common Projects. Our limited collaboration sneakers with Jil Sander will arrive very soon as well as new flats from the renowned shoe maker Repetto!

Our staff shares an admiration for the arts and our feature wall is brightened up with the wonderful artwork of Ben Jones. Here's a short bio i lifted of of his website: benjaminqjones.org.

Ben Jones (Pittsburgh, 1977) lives and works in Providence, Rhode Island. He holds a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art. Selected exhibitions and screenings include: Foxy Productions, New York (solo); Andreas Melas Presents, Athens (solo); Deitch Projects, New York; Peres Projects, Berlin; Pace Wildenstein, New York; CANADA, New York; Green on Red Gallery, Dublin; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; The New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York; Tate Britain, London; Musee d' Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris/ARC, Paris; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco; The Liverpool Biennial, Liverpool.


Jewelry and accessories can complete a look, and with Valentine's Day almost upon us, we are making sure our clientele has a bunch of great options. Come in and check out the latest items from Luis Morais, Lena Wald, Saskia Diez, Maria Rudman and Ginette_NY.

Sunglasses are a staple in Hawaii. I wonder why? Haha! Cloudless skies and random beach visits are commonplace. To protect your eyes, we offer some of the very best from Tom Ford, Linda Farrow Luxe, Chloe and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

So if you live in Hawaii or if you're just visiting... be sure to stop by our boutique. Our staff would love to meet you. And if you're in New York, check out Aloha Rag New York... The only place you'll find the Aloha Spirt in Hudson Square.

Lanvin High Trainers

Here are the new Patent Calf High Trainers that just came through our door from Lanvin. We got them in 3 colorways. These high-end hi-tops have gained in popularity as of late due to the mass amount of support from celebrities like Kanye West and Jay-Z. But lets forget about the celebrities and focus on the shoes. These sneakers are built solid... and of the best materials available. They have a classic silhouette and an unmistakable look. The only thing keeping these high-end kicks off of every fashionista's feet is its high-end price tag. Originality comes at a price. These should be available for purchase on our website soon... but if you just can't wait... contact love@aloharag.com.

Dusk

Sometimes the oddest things catch my eye. This time it was a lonely bird watching the sunset while whimsical clouds change color then disappear into the night. Dusk means that the work day is almost over... A not typical Hawaiian sunset

Lena Wald: It's In The Details

I spent some time this past weekend taking a few photographs of my friend Cassy. We met at my place and set out on our early morning mission with her boyfriend (and my good friend) Dean. Our journey began shooting next to a freeway off ramp while cars honked their horns as we were in an area where very few step foot upon (strange to others but fairly normal to me). As we searched for the next location we spotted a tree glowing yellow in a local park where we got a few shots including the one above. Cassy is a frequent shopper at Aloha Rag... and though you can't see them in this small photo, she's wearing the white gold & diamond lightning bolt earrings by Lena Wald (click on the photo above to see a larger version). It may only be a tiny detail... but I really think those little earrings make a big statement. Til next time...