First Look: Take a Peek Inside Kailua’s Dreamy New Gillia Boutique
Now you can shop Hawai‘i designer Saori Santos’ gorgeous summer-ready fashions in person.
Just take my money, why don’t you.
As if it wasn’t already hard enough to resist Gillia’s effortlessly chic caftans, light-as-a-feather linen blouses and tropical dresses, the O‘ahu label had to go and open its very first storefront—on Kailua’s quaint, tree-lined Hekili Street—and it’s already spelling trouble for my bank account.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Inside, the shop is bright and airy with a relaxed Hawai‘i-meets-Scandi vibe—think floating white oak rails, arched door handles and textural pendant lights. Sunlight streams in at both front and back, bouncing off the polished concrete floor, and playing up the floaty, slightly diaphanous nature of the garments.
Photos: Aaron K. Yoshino
At the center of it all sits a massive, fluted red oak island, whose expansive marble top invites customers to plop their belongings down and take a moment to talk story with owner-designer Saori Santos.
Along one wall you’ll find Gillia’s Sardinia Collection, a mix of softly hued tank dresses and button-down shirts done all in linen, just asking to be whisked off on an Italian getaway. On the other is the new Dixie x Gillia Collection, a collaboration with jewelry designer and Arvo owner Dixie Rose, which pairs poppy sunset hues with a playful tie-dye pattern.
Owner-designer Santos in the Imari Cover-up, Studio Dixie jewelry. Photos: Aaron K. Yoshino
A small-yet-covetable selection of accessories are scattered throughout: shell-strung necklaces from Rose’s Studio Dixie jewelry line, oversized scrunchies, pareos and simple Grecian sandals from Australian label Maria Farro.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
The shop’s official grand opening isn’t until this fall, but Santos isn’t waiting until then to bring in the next batch of goodies. Keep your eyes peeled for a slew of fresh prints, more collabs with local talents, and totally new Gillia categories, including swimwear, keiki clothing and even handbags.
Gillia, 131 Hekili St., Suite 113, Kailua, (808) 888-0413, gilliaclothing.com, @gilliaclothing
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