Muʻumuʻu at Merrie Monarch

Dr. Andy Reilly and History graduate student Terri-Lee Bixby traveled to UH Hilo to set up an exhibit on muʻumuʻu in the Edwin H. Hookini Library. Presented by the Waiolama Center and on display though Merrie Monarch, the exhibit included 10 historic muʻumuʻu from the UHM Historic Fashion Collection.

Dr. Leanne Day from the English Department at UH Hilo said, “Waiolama Center was thrilled to host the ‘Movement in Muʻumuʻu’ exhibit at Mookini library as part of ur Kahikuonālani Merrie Monarch week at UH Hilo. Dr. Reilly and Terri-Lee Bixby’s generative and expansive talks inspired students to consider the history of textiles and fashion through social and political changes. We hope that we can continue to collaborate with Dr. Reilly to bring future exhibits to UH Hilo!”

Dr. Reilly spoke on social movements of the muʻumuʻu from its inception in 1820 as an undergarment for the holokū to a day dress in the 1930s and to today’s new interpretations by local designers. Ms. Bixby spoke on the role of muʻumuʻu in hula and how silhouette, cut, and pattern relate to the performance and physical movement.

By Dr Andy Reilly