Hagåtña, GUAM–For many years, island wear has been largely dominated by surf tees, spooner shirts and kitschy mu’umu’us, but local designer Erisa Cristobal, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and Florence’s Polimoda, is hoping to change that with her new lifestyle brand LÅGUAS & GÅNI.
Together with her business partner Cara Flores Mays, a design and communications consultant they have created a collection of colorful printed shirts, socks and even bow ties, adorned with prints illustrating Guam’s rich heritage.
The two work with Guam illustrators like Maria Cristobal (Erisa’s sister), who combines digital graphics with the island’s flora and fauna: the Ifit tree (Guam’s official territorial tree that is known for its durable wood that is transported throughout the Pacific rim), as well as pottery and other elements from Guam’s culture.
“Our idea was always to reflect our heritage and culture in what we were doing, using that as our commonality and jumping off point. We thought mens wear was a good place to start,” Erisa Cristobal said, noting that some of their main goals include developing a socially conscious and sustainable brand that creates jobs and provides local artisanal and fashion training.
For more info on prices and how to buy contact: studio@laguasyangani.com
IN THIS ISSUE: Mauro Seresini: Luxury’s Paper Artist , LÅGUAS & GÅNI: ISLAND WEAR FOR THE MODERN MAN, IRAN: Our Fashion Editor on her Persian Journey, THE LUXURY HIPPIE-CHIC OF NINAEL
