MB + FE (Matt Bruening + Fighting Eel)

Fighting Eel teamed up with local designer Matt Bruening for their first collaboration collection called MB + FE, resulting in a great mash-up of their two styles – Fighting Eel’s timeless classics with Bruening’s young, urban style.

“We are friends (with Matt), so it’s an easy working relationship because we understood each other’s designs and can work together with ease,” notes Fighting Eel owners/designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung.

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Mehana Kane: MB + FE 'Top Trinity' in burgundy $110, MB + FE 'Pant Angle' in tan arrow $97

According to Bruening, the collection was European-destination inspired.

“I imagined a woman traveling to the beautiful coastal areas of Europe, who enjoys fun prints and classics that would be both effortless yet different when it came to wardrobe,” says Bruening, who was born and raised in Makaha. “I kept in mind that a variety of pieces would work well for this, so tops and dresses became my priorities.

“The woman of this collection loves dresses, but enjoys separates as well, and I feel like we’ve come up with some great pieces to fulfill that desire. We’ve also kept our ‘women who dare to take the risk’ in bold colors and prints, as well as our ladies who just keep it classic and chic in neutral solids, clean lines in sleek shapes.”

Separately, Bruening also is releasing a new collection for spring, as well as freelancing for resort line Salt Liko, which will be released in early summer.

As for Fighting Eel, customers will find new, fresh prints this year, as well as different fabrics, and possibly a Bamboo Collection.

MB + FE can be found at Fighting Eel stores located at 1133 Bethel St. in Downtown Honolulu, 629 Kailua Road and in Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. For more information, visit fightingeel.com or call 738-9300.