Yesterday the Los Angeles Times reported on the death of Alfred Shaheen in late December. This man completely revolutionized the garment industry in postwar Hawaii so let’s take just a moment to pay tribute to this business and fashion icon.

At a time when manufacturers in Hawaii would have to store a year’s worth of fabric because of possible shipping delays, Shaheen took matters into his own hands. He built his own silkscreen equipment, hired artists and began printing his own fabrics. All his patterns were inspired by Polynesian and Asian cultures and, with more than 1,000 dye colors to choose from, his artists created some of the most beautiful textiles ever. Yes, Shaheen was a pioneering and inspirational entrepreneur who grew his little ol’ company of four seamstresses, begun in 1948, to a behemoth with 400 workers and $4 million in sales by 1959.

Today’s VPOD features a sample of his stunning work. This 1950s Hawaiian dress by Alfred Shaheen is printed with fish and flowers, has an elasticized mid-section and a shelf bust.

And it’s a little piece of history for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Posh Girl Vintage.

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