REPRODUCTION OF QUEEN KAPIOLANI CORONATION GOWN NOW ON DISPLAY IN IOLANI PALACE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REPRODUCTION OF QUEEN KAPIOLANI CORONATION GOWN NOW ON DISPLAY IN IOLANI PALACE
Native Hawaiian designer Kini Zamora completes re-creation of iconic garment

HONOLULU (Nov. 5, 2019) – The latest addition to Iolani Palace’s collection will evoke memories of the regal pomp and circumstance of February 12, 1883, the official coronation day of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. Meticulously designed by Kini Zamora, the award-winning alum of Project Runway, Queen Kapiolani’s coronation gown and robe are now on display in the Throne Room of the Palace.

“Fashion allows us to bring another aspect of the lives of our alii to life, to get a glimpse of their personalities through their choices in design, fabric, color, and even how they styled their garments,” said Paula Akana, Executive Director of The Friends of Iolani Palace. “While we have very few original pieces of clothing worn by the monarchs remaining, we are extremely fortunate to have artisans like Kini Zamora lend us their talent to help further tell the stories of their lives.”

The original custom-made gown was designed by Charles Furneaux, an instructor at Punahou School (then Oahu College), and constructed in London. Zamora researched Victorian design, employed modern techniques, and incorporated contemporary materials to replicate various aspects of the gown.

“Creating a custom piece for someone is one of the most personal things I can do, and through this process, I felt that I got to know Kapiolani on an intimate level,” said Zamora. “Re-creating her coronation ensemble allowed me to understand her style and fashion sense, as well as how important it was to her to seamlessly incorporate Native Hawaiian elements into European formalwear.”

The Coronation Gown will be Zamora’s exclusive contribution to the Alii Garment Reproduction Collection.

“It was an extremely humbling experience to have created this piece. The process gave me a deep appreciation for the artisans and craftsmen who specialize in re-creating historical garments. Ultimately, I am a modern designer and glad that I could put my interpretation into this special piece for The Friends of Iolani Palace,” commented Zamora.

The Coronation Gown is now on display in the Throne Room of the Palace alongside other reproduction gowns created in 2015 and 2016 by Iris Viacrusis.

Editor’s Note: High-resolution images and b-roll available for download. Please credit The Friends of Iolani Palace.

About Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is the only official residence of royalty in the United States. King Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to travel around the world and built Iolani Palace in 1882 to enhance the prestige of Hawaii overseas and to mark Hawaii’s status as a modern nation. For more information, please call Iolani Palace at (808) 522-0822 or visit www.iolanipalace.org.

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