WC Fabric Designs

Lehua Blossom

Wendi Couture custom designed fabrics were introduced in 2017. These first motifs are abstract variations of Hawaiian plants.

The `ōhi`a can grow as shrubs but mostly as tall trees. The tree (`ōhi`a) is a hardwood tree which in ancient times was used for canoe making, spears, bowls and hula implements. Today the wood is used for fine woodworking, furniture and flooring. The lehua is the pompom looking blossom. Liko is the new growth. `Ōpu`u is the cluster of buds that are formed before opening into the flower. The red lehua is the flower of the Big Island of Hawai`i. All parts of the flowers are used for leis and revered in hula. However, right now the best way to wear lehua is as a print on fabric as the `ōhi`a forests are being attacked by a disease killing off thousands of acres on the Big Isand of Hawai`i.

Koali

The koali is a makai (near the ocean) plant although it is found upland as well. It is a wild morning glory with long runners and white to purple blossoms. In ancient times runners were used to make ropes and nets. The blossoms were used for medicinal purposes.

Hibiscus

The hibiscus is found everywhere in Hawai`i. Seven species are native and there are several others that are endemic and indigenous. Blossoms are used for ornamental purposes and hula. The yellow hibiscus, hibiscus brackenridge known as pua aloalo or ma`o haulele is the Hawai`i state flower,

Laua`e

The laua`e is a fragrant fern which was introduced in Hawai`i in the early 1900`s and rapidly naturalized on all the main Hawaiian islands. It is used in lei making and scenting kapa.