Rep Local With The Hawaiian Standard’s Retro-Cool Banners and Flags
Adorn walls with your favorite neighborhoods, surf breaks and more with handmade pieces by The Hawaiian Standard.
Photo: Courtesy of The Hawaiian Standard
There’s a welcome element of nostalgia baked into all of designer Joe Sparks’ creations. Possibly it’s because the banners and flags he makes for his Kailua-based label, The Hawaiian Standard, feel like much cooler, grown-up versions of the pennants that dotted the walls of our childhood bedrooms, championing beloved teams or recalling sun-soaked camp adventures. Certainly, much of the line’s throw-back vibe can be attributed to thoughtful material choices—washed duck canvas, twill taping and oxidized brass grommets—that feel lived-in and add homespun touches. Each felt letter is hand-cut and each print hand-screened.
A longtime surfer, Sparks crafts styles for swimwear and surf shops, and resort boutiques that celebrate local beaches and breaks—from Tonggs and Sandy Beach to Yokohama Bay and ‘Ehukai. You’ll also find pieces emblazoned with the names of Hawai‘i neighborhoods and topped with playful sayings such as “chee hoo” and “stay stoked.”
And if you’re wanting something niche, Sparks offers custom orders, including help with color selection and design. So you can rep the street you grew up on, the spot you got married, a jersey number or even a nickname—wherever or whatever is most meaningful to you.
the-hawaiian-standard-co.myshopify.com, @thehawaiianstandard
SEE ALSO: FOR Upcycles Hawaiian Quilts Into Eco-Conscious Corsets and Dresses
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
