Dedicated to supporting ethical practices and a sustainable economy and planet, Roberta Oaks, Hawaii is a brand with conscience. Eco-fabrics like bamboo jersey and organic cotton are mixed with bold prints in funky colors. With strong beliefs in supporting small businesses and a sustainable local and domestic economy, the island label is made locally in Honolulu. Striving to give you gals a unique and fashionable
alternative to the mainstream market, the clothes are made to be cute, sexy, sassy, oh-so-comfy, and ethical!
Made in Hawaii, this chic and whimsical, yet classy and ultra-wearable line is the brainchild of photographer and collage artist turned self-taught fashion designer, Roberta Oaks Power. A Missouri native and country-girl at heart, Oaks’ artistic roots are dated to her farmhouse childhood and creative parents. The collection has a collage 'cut-and-paste' feel to it, which makes sense considering Roberta’s artistic background in photography, graphic design, and collage. The combinations of textiles and colors and the way that Oaks puts them together are as interesting as the designs themselves. Oaks explains her work as “...a juxtaposition, like the world we live in. I've done a lot of traveling and even when you try to get a million miles away from civilization or strive to get lost in an urban jungle, you are constantly reminded that it really is impossible to be fully at one extreme or the other, my designs are a reflection of that. I am also very inspired by Mod fashion of the 60's and 70's. Right before moving to the UK I had an obsession with Twiggy. My designs always have a vintage vibe to them and so do my prints and color combos."
Roberta Oaks received her B.A. in 2002 upon completion of studies in Photography and Graphic Design at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Kingston University-London. After graduation Oaks traveled to Fiji and then lived in New Zealand for several months. In the summer of 2003 she came to Honolulu to visit her sister.
Upon arriving in Hawaii, Roberta got hired for a live-in position helping an elderly artist with Alzheimer’s. While living there she had a lot downtime during the day, so she started sewing and deconstructing vintage pieces. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do here in Hawaii for a job or with my life! Making art always helped me figure stuff out. As long as I can be creative, I know I'll find the answers. I love what I do for the creative outlet I get from designing”, says Oaks.
Roberta Oaks showed for the first time at a GirlFest show at The Arts at Marks Garage. When the passer-bys started snatching up Oaks' creations, she had an “ah-ha!” moment. This was the point where Oaks considered showing and selling her creations for an income. “I have tried in life to just follow my inner compass I guess. Even when I don't know what makes me do some things, eventually it all makes sense. My business has evolved very naturally and that feels really good. I never set out to be a Fashion Desinger and I think the best things in life just happen as long as you do what feels right", says Oaks.
Roberta Oaks, Hawaii was officially born July 15, 2004. At the beginning Oaks handcrafted each item and sold her wares at art fairs, on the beach, and by private appointment. Now the brand can be found at more than 100 chic boutiques within the Islands, on the Mainland, on-line, and even internationally in Japan, Canada, Italy, and the Caribbean.
Enjoy and Aloha!
Roberta Oaks, Hawaii
info@robertaoaks.com
ph. 808.428.1214
fax 206.203.0625
