Wahine Toa is a Family Affair

Right: Preview of Wahine Toa Designs




Nita Pilago owner of Wahine Toa designs had a special R.S.V.P “Trunk Sale“ event Saturday, June 26; it was a hit. The sale started at 10 a.m. and by 10:01 the living room of her son’s home in Kaumana (about 250 sq.ft.) was filled with people. There were five racks full of beautiful dresses, tanks, skirts and pareus. The crowd, consisting mainly of women, kept flooding in through the doors until about noon. The clothes flew off the racks with everyone on their best behavior and the action never going past mini-eye battles. Nita and her family were very welcoming. In such a friendly and fun atmosphere, it was easy to shop.
A few weeks prior to the “Trunk Sale,” Nita posted the event on her Facebook page and e-mailed friends and family, asking everyone to R.S.V.P. The event was meant to satisfy pent-up demand. With an early sell-out at this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival, Wahine Toa is extremely popular.
Nita said, “It’s surreal to see people wearing my clothes.” She especially loves to see full-figured women looking good; that’s why Wahine Toa designs are made for all body types.
When her husband (Angel Pilago) decided to run for mayor in 2007, Nita left her job of 14 years at Costco to help him campaign and pursue her dream of designing her own clothing line. Thus Wahine Toa was created. It was hard at first because everything was handmade, but she stuck with it, eventually taking the manufacturing overseas. She searched for the perfect partner, looking for one that put aloha into their product and finally decided on Indonesia. Wahine Toa is a family-owned and operated business. Nita, her husband Angel, her sons Che and Kaleo are all artists contributing behind the scenes.
Nita says her designs are made to empower women. The six current themes are Wahine Toa, Ahapuaa, Tiare, Plumeria, Kalo and Hihimanu. Wahine Toa represents the duality of women, who are strong yet nurturing. It conveys the dignity woman must uphold and honors them as givers of the breath of life.
Wahine Toa can be found at Nita’s home in Kona, Maoli Arts on O’ahu, Iolani Palace, Native Books, and Jeff Hunt’s Surf Shop in Pahoa. Nita also participates in various open markets and events such as Hoea Ea, Waimea Aloha Week and Nawahi’s Ho’olaulea. Look out for her new summer line. You can find more contact information at http://www.wahinetoadesigns.com