Elsie Das
photo from The Aloha Shirt, by Dale Hope
Elise Das is an under-recognized figure in the history of aloha wear. I think she brought a Scandi touch to her aloha designs that remind me of Josef Frank. I am sure she saw his work. A recent article by Ann Wilson on The Design Center’s blog should help shed light.
“In 1936, Watumull’s East India Store commissioned Elsie Das to create 15 original Hawaiian prints. They were printed on raw silk for the home furnishing market and later Aloha shirts...By 1938 her designs were used in garments as well, hand blocked on pockets or throughout flowing dresses... “I belong to the school of belief that clothes should be comfortable. The body should be able to move freely… I design in relationship to a person’s figure.”
Learn more about Elise Das on Images of Old Hawaii Blog