Blue Paradise: SSENSE in Hawai‘i
Photographer Brendan George Ko Takes Us To Oahu
- Photography: Brendan George Ko
- Styling: Taylor Okata
"Hawai‘i is not a paradise," writes photographer Brendan George Ko in his decade long project documenting the islands. "It does not form some sort of ideal escape from reality, but quite the opposite." The style born from the Hawaiian islands encompasses more than simply wearing a classic Hawaiian shirt. The birthplace of surfing, Hawai‘i has been home to a thriving surf, skate, and streetwear scene for decades, long before it became trendy across the globe. Ko and stylist Taylor Okata (who grew up on the islands) captured three of Hawai‘i’s most talented locals in brands like Loewe, Gucci, Prada, and JW Anderson as they hit their favorite beaches on the island of Oahu.
Ha'a Keaulana is a professional surfer/photographer and granddaughter of legendary surfer Buffalo Keaulana, Lindsey Higa is a renowned stylist, and Evan Mock is a skateboarder/model and friend of Frank Ocean and Tom Sachs. It’s time to give Hawaiian style the credit it’s due.
Model wears Jil Sander scarf and MM6 Maison Margiela trousers.
Model wears Gucci scarf.
Model wears Her Line swimwear, Gucci tights and Toga Pulla boots.
Model wears Loewe shirt and Jacquemus shorts.
Model wears Her Line swimwear and Gucci tights.
Model wears MSGM swimwear and Helmut Lang boots.
Model wears Calvin Klein 205W39NYC turtleneck and Maison Margiela pants.
Model wears Gucci tank top and Gucci pants.
Model wears Prada button down shirt.
Featured In This Image: Prada tote.
Model wears Proenza Schouler polo and MSGM swimwear.
Model wears Gucci shirt and JW Anderson shorts.
- Photography: Brendan George Ko
- Styling: Taylor Okata
- Photography Assistant: Paul Strouse
- Styling Assistant: Matt Breuning
- Hair and Makeup: Kim Duong
- Production: Oz Go
- Models: Lindsey Higa, Ha’a Keaulana, Evan Mock
