island hopping with machine machine

pa'u long shorts

time to check in with machine machine designer shannon hiramoto who just happens to rock one of the more unique points of view in hawaii's cozy style scene. when we first stepped into machine machine's world last year, shannon was whipping up her handmade creations back home on kaua'i, however after taking the summer off to wander around europe and bali, love with a local boy (whom she met during her journey) lured her back to oahu.

what has always intrigued me about shannon's work is how many of her designs retain hints of her stream of consciousness sewing style even though, as any project runway fan knows, garments typically take shape on the sketchpad and dress form before needle and thread get down to business.

this time around shannon continues to play with silhouettes and has embraced an "aloha-infused" aesthetic as evidenced by machine machine's current crop of garments rocking a pa'u waistband. denim is also getting reworked via sublime stitching which has transformed standard issue fare with a more modern and youthful twist made for city living.

mini muumuu

trouser skirt

one of the best things about supporting an indie designer is that most styles can be made to order so drop shannon a note if you need a different size or to inquire about custom work.

take a peek at the current collection over in the machine machine etsy shop.

the machine stops here

custom denim button belt

machine machine is yet another fresh etsy find - this time from the island of kauai. the relatively new clothing line from indie designer shannon hiramoto made its debut earlier this year and is filled with a mix of deconstructed pieces ranging from strapless minis to personalized belts sure to be adored by anyone with an independent streak.

and, may i say, it's hard resist the creations of an island girl who shares intriguing philosophical musings like the following:

"machine machine is simple clothing for complicated times. i am akin to the idea of making/wearing one of a kind things as a method for liberating oneself from the machineries which often dominate independent thought."

mini dress

pupule clutch

even if your mini days are but a faint memory, machine machine's abbreviated dresses pair nicely with your favorite jeans. don't forget to take a peek in the aptly described pouchey department to add a little deconstructed love to your accessory closet.

get inside the mind of mm's creator via her blog and stop by the etsy shop to take stock of the current collection (or to contact shannon about custom work).