Mele Kalama-Kingma is a mother of three, an entrepreneur and a third-generation Kailuan who grew up paddling to Flat Island at Kailua Beach Park. The Kamehameha Schools grad, who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, has a commanding frame ideal for free-flowing dresses and elaborate prints.
“My style could be described as comfy, earthy and everything Hawaiian,” she said. “Hawaiian fashion is now in the spotlight, and I love putting on a friend’s or family’s piece of clothing as it reminds me of the connection and innovation we have as being people from these islands.”
Whether dressing for a day at the beach or a party, Kalama-Kingma chooses pieces that are comfortable, elegant and interchangeable. She loves browns and earth tones but appreciates splashes of color here and there. She loves Manaola, among others, for its nature-inspired prints.
“The geometry, the repetitive patterns, I feel like I see (them) in nature,” she said, “like in the plants and the ocean washing in on the waves.”
Kalama-Kingma is the founder of Mamalani, a line of all-natural, handmade body powders and deodorants. She wears her youngest, 5-month-old Grace, in an Ergobaby carrier while at the beach or out and about.
DRESSING FOR COMFORT
“Because I am a nursing mom, my priority for dressing is one that’s accessible and easy to maneuver. Thus, I stick with tube-top dresses by some of my favorite Hawaiian clothing companies, including Kealopiko, Blest by Aima, Lauwa‘e and The Hawaiian Force. This is also a reflection of my style and deeper connection to my culture.”
DRESSING FOR A PARTY
“Same as above in addition to Manaola, Manuheali‘i and any unique find from the Salvation Army! There are amazing Hawaiian fashion companies right now. Sometimes I peruse through secondhand shops because I know someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure. I also love the idea of recycling and repurposing and have found some great pieces from Salvation Army in Kailua.”
FAVORITE SHOP
“The Kealopiko shop, recently opened in the South Shore Market at Ward Village Shops. This company tells stories through their clothing and reminds us to take care of each other and our land and sea.”
FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCT
“Of course, mine! Other products I use daily include Honua Hawaiian Skincare’s ‘Olena Oil. This is a product that reduces inflammation, enhances skin glow and uses pure ingredients from Hawaii. And (I love) The Lotus Blossom in You’s herbal-infused makeup, including eye shadow and eyeliner.”
MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES
“Earrings! Even when I’m in mom mode and in some yoga pants, I will dress it up with koa and albizia earrings by Na Maka Kahiko and Hawaii Bookmark.”
“Island Lookbook” is a weekly feature of the Star-Advertiser Sunday Magazine that spotlights local trendsetters. Email features@staradvertiser.com.
