Tori Richard Designs
I have been fortunate to have visited Hawaii on many
occasions. I have decided to write about 3 textile-related experiences I encountered in Honolulu over several years.
The main focus of
one such visit was to attend the Textile Society of America Biennial in
HNL. I have written many times about
the TSA and their wonderful conferences.
At this particular conference I was able to participate in an excursion
to several HNL textile venues which will be the subject of two blogs: Tori Richard
and Dale Hope of Kahala Designs. The
third of this series will introduce you to one of the most fabulous vintage
clothing shops I have ever visited, Bailey’s
Today I wish to introduce to you the design house Tori
Richard. One of the benefits of touring
with textile experts is the inside look at collections we are usually
afforded. At their office/archives panel after panel of the iconic fashions, designed over a period of more than fifty
years,were displayed. .One could easily image their famous clientele wearing
these fashions at galas, during cruises and on the most fabulous
vacations. Just seeing the glorious
designs in the most vibrant printed fabrics made one appreciate the impact made
by this company in the field of resort and vacation-wear.
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| This volume was published in 2006 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Tori Richard. The history written here is beautifully highlighted with photographs of the Tori Richard design line which recall fashion and design from the 1950's onward, but are still immensely popular today. |
As is the case of many successful entrepreneurs, Mort
Feldman the founder of Tori Richard was a self-made man. Originally
from Boston and already established in the textile trade of Chicago, Feldman
fell in love with the lifestyle of Hawaii upon visiting a friend in 1953. In 1956 he established Tori Richard with 2
partners in a room at Pier 7 at the Honolulu Harbor.
The company name, Tori Richard is built upon the names of 2
of his children, Victoria and Richard.
Feldman had a great love of Asian, particularly Japanese
design. This, coupled with the
impressive design elements of the Hawaiian Islands would be the beginning of a
fashion empire that soon became global. The main factor to this success was, in
my opinion, his attention to detail.
Feldman chose the most highly skilled Japanese fabric printing firms too
produce his fabrics. One such endeavor
involved the making of Tegaki, a handprinted yardage created in lengths of up
to 12 yards. This guaranteed each garment design was unique and no client would
see her Tori design on another client. The designs also matched pockets and
fronts for an uninterrupted pattern and French seams insured there was no raw
edges ever to be seen. Collars were
interlined so they laid flat and buttons were created to match the garment.
In 2008 Tori Vintage reintroduced the most popular Tori
designs with a modern update.
Tori Richard shops can be found in many major cities
throughout the US and abroad. Many
upscale stores also carry garments from this fashion house.
Because of the superior manufacture and the lasting popularity
of the designs, original vintage Tori Richard garments can still be found on the
secondary market at a high price.. I still look for them at every “slightly
used” shop I encounter.
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| Tori Richard vintage Hawaiian shirt found at Bailey's |
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