kim messier wearables | island clothing

Wendy Kim Messier, born and raised in Honolulu, was an issue of the World War II baby boom. She began her career in the 3rd grade when she joined 4-H and made a lovely green skirt. She continued to make things and graduated from the University of Hawaii with an MFA in Visual Design.

Moving on, she married, had a daughter, and freelanced as a graphic designer. She also did mixed media fiberwork such as wall hangings and soft sculpture until she ran off to Maine in the mid.80’s.

Things changed...the environment (long dark winters), lifestyle (married...again!), and occupation (home renovation and lobstering). Eeeek! With a slight adjustment in interest and direction, clothing seemed a practical and creative use of accumulated skills. It started with fake fur, sequins and muslin.

Planted back in Hawaii by the 90's, clothing evolved into a studio-based operation in Palolo Valley with textiles coming from all over the planet.

Most design decisions are made according to the look and feel of the fabrics and feedback from her three sisters, who, as luck would have it, come in sizes Small, Medium, and Large.

my mom

Wendy does the patternmaking, cutting, piecing, handwork, and sews a sample for Ruby, her ace seamstress.

my husband victor

Her Mom is her Main Assistant, cheerfully doing many tasks such as attaching buttons, tagging garments, making meals that take up unseen time and energy.

Wendy’s best assets are her perfect daughter Lia, and crack son-in-law Michael, living in Brooklyn, and her brave handyman husband, Victor.

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