Clothing with a conscience that’s “stuck on good.”What’s your thing? Are you the environmentally conscious type who buys local organic produce and recycles and reuses everything? Maybe you’re a funky fresh soul who finds peace in the ocean blue and cares deeply for our endangered species.
Or maybe you just like comfy, one-of-a-kind designer tees at affordable prices.
Whatever “your thing” may be, it’s time to check out the local lifestyle clothing company, Maui Thing. This hip Wailuku retail store—which features fashion of pertinent Maui themes such as the environment and the aloha spirit—opened its creative doors to the public last July and has enjoyed quite an encouraging response since.
“There’s been a great response. People love that the line is positive and meaningful,” said designer Malia Rodrigues.
The bright space features a clothing line created for visitors and residents alike who seek “original, fashion-forward designs that embrace all the good things on Maui.”
Wailuku-based designer Saedene Ota launched the fashion line called Maui Thing in August 2007 as a creative release for the designers at Sae Design, her graphic design company. Sae Design, located above the library in Wailuku, has had many corporate clients such as the Maui Prince and Ka‘anapali Beach Resort.
“We wanted to do something different,” said designer Rodrigues. “We wanted to create positive messages that are relevant and have an impact on our community.”
Designers of Sae Design support expression through wearable art, and they pride themselves on the fact that they are able to convey subtle messages supporting their prevailing theme of optimism with their trademark phrase, “stuck on good.”
“Maui Thing is a fun side project that allows the designers to come together and create conscious designs that inspire and educate,” said Rodrigues.
The clothes have something to say, such as “Have an Aloha Day,” and the designers believe that they are “more than just cool products” but a movement about growth and change.
Last April, Maui Thing won a Pele Award, which honors the most successful and innovative graphic design work in the state. Sae Design took awards for the original Maui Thing tako (octopus) logo, which is in the shape of Maui and can be found on many of the line’s items.
“It’s a Maui thing!” said Rodrigues. “The tentacles on the tako are known for getting themselves ‘stuck on good.’”
Consideration goes beyond design as prints go on shirts from American Apparel, the sweatshop-free Los Angeles clothing manufacturer.
Whether you’re a surfer, a biker or just like to cruise the North Shore, Maui Thing has something for any form or function. Choose from the high-quality comfortable tees, skirts, tanks, hats and accessories that have a look and attitude that say “fresh, funky, fun” and are great for everyday wear and tear.
Their keiki line raises awareness of indigenous Hawaiian animals such as turtles and monk seals. A nene goose design has “500” printed over it, representing the less than 500 geese left in the wild.
Maui Thing also recently teamed up with popular local rocker Vince Esquire to launch a new T-shirt design. Esquire actually approached them and wanted to design a shirt that “conveyed the energy, passion and enthusiasm of his music.”
Maui Thing is also committed to quality and affordability. Everyone is trying to save a buck or two these days, but looking and feeling good in their environmentally friendly fabrics won’t break the bank. Men’s apparel range from $14 to $22 while women’s tees start at around $14, with dresses topping off at $38.
Maui Thing’s wonderful Website also includes links to many environmentally friendly topics, from recycling tips to buying local.
Maui Thing strives to concentrate on the importance of community. They continually participate in Wailuku Town’s First Friday Celebration each month, hosting live music and an array of activities for big and little kids alike.
“Maui Thing is all about community,” said Rodrigues. “It’s important to keep our community connected and involved since our Maui culture is so unique.”
For their December First Friday, Maui Thing will feature four of Maui’s up and coming artists—somewhat of a gallery opening for them. There will also be a DJ spinning some funky tunes.
Every second Saturday of the month, Maui Thing offers free art classes for keiki from 10 a.m. to noon, where the little ones can create art while Mom and Pop shop.
“Creative expression is very important,” said Rodrigues. “We want the kids to use their imagination and just have fun with the class.”
Maui Thing’s entire catalog is available online and shipping is free on Maui.
Check out their Wailuku store or various trunk shows (boutique fashion shows), with a portion of the proceeds going to nonprofit organizations.
Maui Thing is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 7 N. Market St. in the historic Wailuku Town. For more information, visit www.mauithing.com or call 249-0215.