Olukai x Nick Kuchar 'Modern Aloha' Shoe Collection

SHOE COLLABORATION

OluKai 

OluKai is a Hawaiian-inspired footwear company that is constantly innovating around the type of comfy and cozy shoe they bring their people. They make shoes that I actually love to wear, which is saying something for a surf bum who's in and out of sand a lot. It isn't my first time working with OluKai, but this was a very different kind of collaboration with them. 

We set out to create a 'Modern Aloha' collection of sandals and shoes. Something that embodies that Hawaiian spirit but in a slightly more whimsical, fun, and dare I say, modern, way. The pattern features custom illustrations of Hawaii's storied canoe plants. These plants (such as the Banana plant and the ‘Ulu plant) sustained Polynesian voyagers on their long journeys between islands.

This limited run, web-exclusive collection is made up of a women's slip-on shoe and beach sandal that comes in two color ways, as well as, a men's slip-on shoe and leather beach sandal that features the pattern on the interior. 

In conjunction with the collection, I've also released a limited edition 8x10 matted print of the artwork in case you'd like to bring that same aloha spirit to your nearest blank wall. Each print comes hand-signed and numbered. 

Overall, it's been such a blast to work on and it's always a fun experience getting to see physical products come to life! Mahalo again to the fine folks over at Olukai for the opportunity.