arkotec design lab

 manatee lab

if you haven't stopped into [area] lately, you may have missed one of the most promising design lines homegrown in hawaii of late. arkotec founder christian hastings recently returned home to the islands to pursue his lifelong dream of opening up a multidisciplinary design house via a fusion of old school production ways and modern meets sustainable design concepts.

in a world where far too much is outsourced to faraway lands, the big island-born designer (who currently calls honolulu home) is happily reviving the cottage industry one product at a time. first by producing a tee collection with thought provoking graphics and most recently with the introduction of arkotec's products for people line (sewn by christian's talented wife shandra).

take a peek at arkotec's latest offerings . . . delightfully green pillows, handbags and plush toys handmade with fabric reclaimed from the thrift shop mixed with new textiles for a totally one-of-a-kind look:

quasi

currently, the arkotec line is exclusively stocked at [area], the fab mid-century modern showroom in chinatown, with plans to open up an online shop of its own later this year (off-island readers are welcome to email christian to place an order).

click over to the arkotec website to learn more!

{update | feb 2010: arkotec recently opened up an online shop stocked with all of the featured designs shown above!}

Comments

[Courtney W.]

I love this stuff! High quality and sweet designs. Thanks for the info!

[Bill H.]

Very original. I like!

[christian]

thanks for the write up and support!aloha!

[meg whittle]

Great article, love the mod designs. It's refreshing....see, I told you to keep going and don't give up.p.s....you owe me.meg

[Jason]

Awesome stuff! The colors and patterns set it way apart from the everyday.

[Chelcie W.]

Everything looks amazing! I have 2 pillows already and my husband and I wear a lot of the clothing. Great BUY!

[Bronson]

Love the shirts & need some more :)