Explore the history and artistry of Hawaiian kapa with our exclusive collection, created to accompany the current exhibition Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans. The range draws inspiration from an 18th-century barkcloth in the British Museum collection, featuring traditional painted patterns of irregular lines, triangles and zigzags in earthy tones.

Hawaiian kapa, or barkcloth, is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry (wauke) plant. The bark is stripped, soaked and carefully beaten until the fibres soften, stretch and fuse into a felt-like fabric. Depending on the technique, the finished cloth can range from fine and silk-like to thick and leather-like, often decorated with geometric patterns. Historically, kapa was used in everyday clothing and ceremonial life, from the malo (loincloth) to the pāʻū (skirt) and today remains a powerful symbol of Hawaiian identity, history and cultural continuity.

Explore this rich tradition through our exclusive kapa-inspired range, alongside products designed by contemporary Hawaiian artists and makers that accompany the collection.