Age: 28
Residence: Aiea
Occupation: Owner, Momo Terrascapes LLC
Chase Hamano has a serious green thumb and an eye for sleek design. This is apparent in his work: His company, Momo Terrascapes, produces ikebana-inspired plant arrangements that are “easy to love yet hard to kill.” Its most popular items are succulents housed in Japanese ceramics.
Hamano, who studied graphic design in California, says button-down shirts with graphic prints are a wardrobe favorite.
“I love the minimalist prints and fitted styles from H&M and Uniqlo,” he said. “The toughest thing is always finding something reasonably priced that can fit well for my height and body type. I can always count on a Japanese clothing store like Uniqlo to carry things that’ll fit without the sleeves being crazy long or baggy.”
Throwing shades
“Honestly, I love having inexpensive $10-and-under sunglasses that can be tossed around and abused. I had a pair of really expensive shades from Nordstrom, but I just used to constantly worry about scratching, losing or forgetting them. My current favorite is my black-matted, Wayfarer style that I picked up from a sunglass vendor in Manila for $5.”
Best travel buy
“On that same trip to Manila, I stopped by a Uniqlo store and picked up these amazing floral-print shirts from their collaboration with U.K. luxury brand Liberty London. I love them because the fabric is light and breathable, which is perfect for the sweltering Hawaii heat.”
Sales event/artisan show attire
“I work with plants, so I like to feel earthy and rugged in some way with rolled-up sleeves, brown leather shoes and denim jeans. I like to keep things as professional and practical as possible.”
Style evolution
“In college, I was really into indie music, secondhand flannel shirts and black-and-white (Chuck Taylor sneakers). As I developed a passion for graphic design, I felt myself gravitating more toward the understated, U.K.-influenced styles of H&M and Topman. Recently it’s been floral patterns and monochromatic shorts.”
Current style inspiration
“Definitely being in Cali for so long really opens your eyes up to things beyond the PacSun and Macy’s days of high school. I think working as a graphic designer also played a big part. I always tended to lean toward clean, simple and modern fits and styles.”
Fashion to-do list
“I would love to rock a pair of white fitted chinos, but all I can think about is how quickly I’d get them dirty. White things rarely stay white when you’re around plants 24/7.”
Favorite accessory
“My girlfriend (Erika Elona) makes these amazing beaded wrap bracelets (Pinahina on Etsy). I might be a bit biased, but I love the earthy look of the leather and stone beads. It’s versatile enough to wear at the beach, at work, or at a rock show in Chinatown.”
Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.
