Sunny Up Your Outfits with Lola Pilar’s New Tropical Hats and Totes

If “good vibes only” was a fashion accessory, it would no doubt be one of Lola Pilar Hawai‘i’s new tropical totes or hats. That’s because Kailua photographer-designer Kristen Reyno has topped both with her always-sunny photo art featuring lush island botanicals and happy hues.

If you’re not already familiar with Reyno’s work, here’s a quick explainer: She’s known for creating art pieces inspired by vintage Hawaiian quilts and aloha shirts, using locally sourced materials, such as flowers, leaves, fruits, lei and shells, that she arranges into beguiling kaleidoscopelike patterns.

Left: Hut, Hut, Hou! Tote and Hat / Right: Pualani Tote and B&W Reversible Hat / Photos: Lola Pilar Hawai‘i

Her latest release, the Oct. 22 Collection, is named for the huge life moment she was experiencing during its making—being pregnant with her first child. “His due date is October 22,” she explained when we spoke last month, her voice joyful with anticipation. “It just reminds me of him and making work when I was pregnant. It’s his little collection.”

The range includes 12 new prints and a shift from Reyno’s usual bright color palette to softer and neutral hues. One of her favorite prints, “Uncle’s Tako,” features the swirled olive and brown stalks of the umbrella tree, lined with seeds and unfurling à la octopus tentacles.

Photo prints from the Oct. 22 Collection / Photo: Lola Pilar Hawai‘i

The paddle-shaped clusters of plumeria and puakenikeni in “Hut, Hut, Hoe!” were inspired by the years Reyno spent on paddling teams while growing up. The print graces one of the aforementioned totes, made of a water-resistant Tyvek fabric, and a wide-brim cotton bucket hat, both of which reverse to solid brown.

You’ll also find a snazzy wide-brim visor topped on one side with cream corduroy and on the other, verdant leaves set against a blush background.

Hawaiian Sun Visor / Photos: Lola Pilar Hawai‘i

All are available online and you can scoop up select prints in person at Lola Pilar Hawai‘i’s holiday pop-up shop at the Fishcake boutique in Kaka‘ako, which runs through the end of December.

lolapilarhawaii.com, @lolapilarhawaii