Tiare Teiti is a fresh new voice for fashion in Hawai'i. Ida Teiti introduced the line at a fashion show on Dec. 6, showing off women's and men's collections that offer a bold contemporary mood and silhouette. The prints are an exciting take on '60s Biba-esque mod, with a Marimekko vibe.

There's also a flash of French chic. That's because Teiti's fabrics begin as pareo created by Tahitian textile artist MICO. Teiti is originally from Tahiti, though she now lives in Hawai'i Kai.

Although Teiti is simply following her heart, which has always been with bold pareo prints and dresses (she never wears shorts, pants or even jeans outside the house), she is right on trend with European and American designers, who have been "doing" bold prints and easy to wear dresses for several seasons now.

PICK A PAREO

Each Tiare Teiti garment begins as a two-meter pareo. Fabrics include cotton, cotton voile, rayon and silk. Teiti drapes and cuts each pareo to enhance the bold prints. For some styles, it's like fitting pieces in a puzzle. Others are a little more straightforward and simple.

Teiti often cuts the pareo on the bias for a flattering, body-skimming silhouette. Her styles range from sweet babydoll dresses with eyelet bodices and puffed sleeves to a sleek, beautifully draped black, white and silver evening gown. Her sexy low-back gown with a metal necklace holding the halter neckline would be equally appropriate at a lu'au, on a red carpet or at a black-tie affair. Prices range from $55 to $200.

A short, sassy, hip-hugging tunic style, called the Teharetua (each garment is named after one of Teiti's family members) works well as a casual dress or beach cover-up or can go to work with the addition of leggings or bright-colored hosiery. This style was a sellout in the after-show sale because it fits and flatters so many different body shapes.

FOR MEN ONLY

It's hard to find a truly unusual men's shirt in Hawai'i. Tiare Teiti's bold prints in unusual color combinations (the orange, olive green and chartreuse silk shirt comes to mind) are clearly the exception. Whether it's cotton, rayon or silk, a Tiare Teiti shirt will get noticed in a crowd.

This Tahiti-inspired line will undoubtedly be right at home in Hawai'i. It's all about "the colors of life," as Teiti describes them, adding: "We all need to come out of our shells and wear our true colors, the colors of life in the South Pacific."