It's been so fun watching the Wings hand-sewn line begin to thrive! When making small batches of clothes like we do, it can be hard to attain the same type of success as a huge brand. Luckily, there does seem to be a growing awareness for slow fashion. Knowing that you own one of just ten uniquely-made pieces, rather than one of a thousand clones, is something special. Knowing that someone created your piece with intention, who was enjoying their profession and daily life, seems to be more resonant now than when we started 20 years ago. Knowing that you can walk down the street and not see someone in your exact outfit is confidence-building. (Besides, when someone asks, "Oohh, where'd you get that?" isn't it way more fun to reply, "Oh, from this cool little boutique on Maui" other than some boring mega-corporation?)
So let's meet the women making these cool little things. We'd love to introduce you to Christina (CJ) Jones and Bridget Saffire, the Wings Hawaii sewing dream team. Together they are patterning, cutting, and sewing all of our Haiku hand-sewn line. In this studio, we're starting from scratch -- sorting thrifted finds for our collages, shifting old patterns into new ones, and ensuring we love our fits before it all goes into production. It's a small-but-mighty powerhouse team in the upstairs section of the Wings Hawaii Studio.
C.J. Jones
Associate Designer/Sewing Studio Manager
-Astrological sign: Taurus (Virgo rising)
-Years working with Wings: Nine! I have worked here for so long that we have been through a lot of formative life experiences together. Joy and sorrow. To work in a place with all women who support each other, no matter what they're going through, makes the workplace emotionally rewarding.
-Favorite Wings product: Retro Pants! It took us a while to get those right and I think we nailed it with a great size range.
-Favorite gemstone: Herkimer! Because they’re from upstate NY, an hour away from where I grew up.
-Inspirations: Nature, good materials, good books great art, and good food.
-Hobbies: Painting, reading, surfing, walking, being a college student, hanging with friends and their kids
-Favorite place on Maui: Hana with my friends. It's like a mini vacation every time I go out there.
-Weekend plans: Slowness. Reading on my porch, walks around the neighborhood, homework for college, and maybe see some music with friends.
Bridget Saffire
Assistant Clothing Designer/Seamstress
-Astrological sign: Scorpio
-Birthstone: Opal
-Yearbook quote: “Wildflowers don’t care where they grow.”
-Favorite thing about working at Wings: Being surrounded by incredible women, beautiful things, and insane vintage materials
-Favorite Wings product: Boyfriend Flannels! I created this current batch, and had so much fun pairing each flannel with its vintage doily—it’s so satisfying when you find the perfect match!
-Favorite gemstone: I’ve always loved Labradorite; seeing all the different color combinations that can exist in one stone is just mesmerizing.
-Inspirations: Being creative, whether that’s finding something at the thrift store and knowing exactly what I am going to create with it, or being creative on the water with surfing, and going out of my comfort zone, and that ends up being the best wave of the day.
-Currently listening to: lots and lots of Joni Mitchell
-Hobbies: Surfing, hiking, thrifting, playing with my cat, diving for shells, sewing, singing, cooking!
-Favorite Maui organization: Pa’ia Youth and Cultural Center. It really is just the best program for youth on Maui—so many different programs for them, and it’s free! I started Sewing Club there, and work twice a month teaching kids how to sew, and about sustainable fashion and how to up-cycle their clothing. I’ve taken them thrifting!
-Favorite place on Maui: Polipoli. The crisp air, the view, the sunset –just breathtaking. The best place to think, or not think!!
-Pets: I’ve thrifted almost all my belongings including my kitty, Lion! I found him on the side of the highway 3 years ago and he’s just the best!
Our drive is to create lasting items that you'll love for more than one season; pieces you'll want to pass down to the next generation. Thank you for being someone who has chosen to share our passions at Wings Hawaii.
1 comment
Thank you so much for sharing all of this! This is my favourite store and I am so excited that I know more about the women behind all the pieces that I cherish!!! Thanks Wings team 🤍🤙🏼
Emily on