To Kei Hawaii

Spread out from town to country


to kei hawaii about us to kei hawaii
kei kinoshita

KEI KINOSHITA


  • Born - Osaka, Japan
  • Blood type - O

  • Zodiac Sign - I am a Piceses, which makes me an artistic personality, a trait which has served my clients well throughout my years in fashion design.

  • Hobbies and Accomplishments - I am proud to say that I have been a first and second place finisher in four Triathlon competitions from 2004 - 2008, a 7 times full marathon finisher, and am an avid runner.

  • Favorite thing -
    I like to see the ever-changing colors of the sky and listening to Jazz music

  • Fashion Icon -
    Audrey Hepburn

■ BIOGRAPHY


1975

Began employment with “Renown, Inc.”, one of Japan’s largest apparel companies.
Enrolled in Osaka Mode Gakuen Fashion Institute, majoring in Fashion Design.


1984

Worked as an assistant with the first Japanese colorist in San Jose, California, Ms. Setsuko Yamada. Made a career move into fashion design.


1985

Began work in fashion design fabricating custom orders for individual clients.


1986

Moved to New York City and began work in haute couture, creating exclusive made to order high-fashion clothing for individual clients. Provided specialized service in high-quality fabrics and hand-executed techniques.
Mentored by Jerry Brown, owner of New York’s renowned fabric store.


1989

Gave birth to first daughter in September.


1990

Gave birth to son in December.


1992

Moved with my family to Hawaii.


1993

Established “Designed By Kei Corporation” in Honolulu, Hawaii.


1997

Opened first studio shop for "Be Aloha" in Honolulu Hawaii.


1998

Established “Be Aloha” as an original brand in Honolulu, Hawaii.


2006

Won Judges Choice Award for Costume Design at the Hawaiicon Costume Contest. Established “To Kei: Island Style Country to Town” clothing line


2007

Won first place in women’s age division of Tin Man Triathlon, Honolulu, Hawaii.


2009

Established new brand 'To kei' to bring skill, high end fashion, and the concept of Haute Couture which gives a modern spin on ordinary images of aloha shirts and muumuus. With 'To kei' we have aimed to break new ground in Hawaiian fashion.


2009 April

Invited by the Princess Kaiulani Fashion Inc,to attend in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of state hood charity fashion show as an up and coming future Hawaiian clothing designer.


2011 January

Commissioned to design for stage wear to ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro.
First Fashion Exbition in Tokyo successfully completed.


2011 March

Open new store [To-kei boutique Honolulu] is open in Honolulu and
simultaneously in Tokyo [To-kei boutique @ Omotesando in Ex-room] on March 5th.

We are excited to be able to give direct service from our new store locations and will continuously provide the quality high end fashion apparal you have come to expect.