a-line by Sakutori Designs

Steve Czerniak photo

Meet designer Lynn Sakutori (pictured at right) and shop her newest a-line collection at Macy’s Ala Moana (third floor, Island Attitudes department) Nov. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m. At this special event, customers also will receive a free clutch with any a-line purchase of $100 or more.

Sakutori, who earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, started sewing when she was just 12 years old. At the time, her family had moved from Oahu to Maui, and her parents encouraged her to take up a hobby to help ease the transition. So she enrolled in 4-H and took sewing classes. “My dad got me my first sewing machine and I never stopped making clothes ever since,” she says.

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Tiffany Moritsugu: a-line white and gray stripe yoke-back tunic $84

In 2000, Sakutori moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion and worked for Kenneth Cole, Nine West and The Limited. Then, in 2007, she moved back to Hawaii and established Sakutori Designs, eventually creating her own clothing lines, including Sakutori at Nordstrom Ala Moana and a-line at Macy’s.

With a personal style of simple, basic pieces that are well crafted, stylish and practical for day, weekends and traveling, Sakutori says finding those great-quality pieces that fit well and at a reasonable price was difficult. So she developed her own fabric.

“A-line features a knit fabric that is made to last and stands up incredibly well to wash and wear,” she explains. “The weight of the fabric also drapes nicely, and the pieces are multi-functional – easy to dress up or down.

“A-line is based on the simplicity of the shape of an ‘a-line’ silhouette. It features clean lines, simple shapes and are great investment pieces – perfect for Hawaii and travel since the fabric is easy to pack.”

Currently, the a-line collection consists of maxi dresses, short dresses, maxi skirts, tops, leggings and tank tops in solid colors and stripes. Sakutori says she plans to introduce prints next year. A-line is available only at Macy’s on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai. For more information, visit Sakutori Designs’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/a-line/627404890644412?hc_location=stream.

Hair and makeup for Kristin Imose and Tiffany Moritsugu by Sheri Morishige
Photos by Lawrence Tabudlo