ALFRED SHAHEEN Honolulu Silk Cocktail Dress — Hand-Printed, c. Late 1950s to Early 1960s

This is the kind of mid-century dress that tells its own story — not just through design, but through where it’s been. Made in Honolulu by Alfred Shaheen, the pioneering textile designer who transformed Hawaiian fashion into wearable art, this dress dates to the late 1950s to early 1960s, when Shaheen was at the height of his influence.

Crafted from hand-printed turquoise silk with metallic gold floral motifs, it features a sculptural neckline, three-quarter sleeves, a pleated hip, and a cinched waist with an elegant sash that ties at the back. The body is lined in a soft silver twill — a rare detail that reflects the level of quality Shaheen reserved for his most refined pieces.

Provenance Tag: The handwritten tag inside (“Col. M.D. Kimball”) suggests original ownership — likely a custom order or tailored commission for a client of stature, possibly connected to a military family stationed in Hawaii or the Pacific at the time. It’s a quiet but powerful detail — one that deepens the sense of history and value.

This is not just a dress. It’s a garment with roots — from a designer who turned fabric into storytelling, and a wearer who clearly treated it as such.

Measurements,

Estimated size UK10 based on measurements.

Shoulders: 42cm

Bust: 44cm

Waist: 36cm

Length: 104cm