ROBERTA OAKS
Flirty, Funky, Fashion-Leader
In Chinatown, an unassuming storefront is host to one of Hawaii’s fashion leaders, Roberta Oaks. The clean and quirky interior perfectly matches the personality of Oaks’ dresses. Her pieces are fun, colorful, and can be worn to the beach or to the bar.
Oaks in her boutique
Oaks is one of the most successful local designers Hawaii has to offer. Her line is sold not only in Hawaii, but also on the mainland and internationally in over 150 stores. She has been featured in multiple publications, including fashion industry bible, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD).
Aspiring designers should look to Oaks as an example of how to be successful while still being eco-friendly. The locally-produced line uses sustainable fabrics like bamboo jersey and organic cotton. In addition, all paper and cardboard waste produced from the business are recycled, and her catalogs are made from recycled paper. Oaks sees her line as a “fresh, fashionable, and ethical alternative to the mainstream market.”
Dresses are the mainstay of Oaks' line.
Dresses are the mainstay of Oaks’ line. There are a few maxi dresses, but most of the pieces hit around mid-thigh. The bamboo jersey (knit) frocks are dressed up with details like color-blocking, ruching, and metallic belts. Meanwhile, simple cotton dresses are taken to the next level with fun trims and lively prints. Hands down, the star of the current collection is the buffalo check flannel frocks – the perfect combination of flirty, trendy, and cozy. Each design has just a little bit of funk to keep your image, and your closet, exciting.
The new flagship store in Chinatown is a boutique plus showroom plus studio plus office. The boutique is open limited hours, by special appointment, and for special events, like First Fridays. This lets Oaks use the rest of her time in her studio/office space to create new designs and manage her growing business. Her collection is also available online if you can’t make it into the store or would like to purchase items from Oaks’ swimwear collection, not currently available at the Chinatown location.
Storefront on Pauahi Street
Oaks’ career as a fashion designer was unplanned. In fact, she hesitates to call herself a designer. Her previous creative incarnation was in mixed media collage and photography. Then, in 2004, Oaks began handcrafting pieces to sell at local art fairs. The business grew in a grass-roots fashion by word of mouth from the ground up. Now Oaks is stepping into her place as a label to know.
19 North Pauahi Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Hours: Thursday & Friday 11 – 6, Tuesday & Wednesday by Appointment
www.robertaoaks.com
Story by Erin Ludolph
Photos by Malie Moran
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