Heart of Haute Blog

The modern tiki trend is a revival of the early to mid-20^th century American obsession with Hawaii and all things tropical. Music, movies, décor, and fashion from the south pacific were adopted and adapted by mainland Americans as early as the 1920s. The trend hit its height in the 1960s, with tiki bars in both major hotel chains and countless backyards. Searching for your own South Seas style inspiration? Vintage movies are a great way to explore and expand your retro aesthetic. We previous shared our top 5 movies for Mod style inspiration. Here are our 5 best Tiki movies – enjoy these 20 years of Polynesian-inspired fashion in American film.

Ship Ahoy (1942)  Opening with drummer Buddy Rich and the rest of the Tommy Dorsey Band playing “Hawaiian War Chant,” this movie has loads of amazing music (keep your blue eyes open for a very young Frank Sinatra in the band), and Eleanor Powell’s incredible tap dancing. Her gorgeous costumes range from leis and cellophane skirts to nautical pinup looks. The wartime plot won’t win any awards, but the sounds and sights are more than worthwhile.

 Pagan Love Song (1950) Whether or not you buy Esther Williams as half Tahitian, there are loads of stylish sarongs, bamboo décor, and hair flower inspiration. Underwater sequences, songs, and the scenery of a more rustic Kauai make it an enjoyable escape. Pin up icon Esther Williams was actually pregnant while filming this difficult movie!

 South Pacific (1958) James A. Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific is required reading for anyone wanting to understand the role of World War II in Polynesian pop. The myth of Bali Hai is just one aspect of tiki culture that came from Michener. This 1950s movie was an adaptation of the musical that was based on the novel. Filmed in both Kauai and Ibiza, the movie features all of the songs from the musical production.

 Blue Hawaii (1961) One of three movies Elvis shot in Hawaii, he also recorded the popular soundtrack in Hawaii. Famous Oahu sights like Waikiki Beach and Diamond head appear, though much of the movie was shot on Kauai. A fun exploration of post-war Hawaii and American dreams, and a good example of the 1960s “beach party” movie genre that helped to expose many people to surfing and surf music.

 Mutiny on the Bounty (1962) Marlon Brando leads the rebellion against a ship’s cruel captain – based on a true story that occurred in the 1700s. The 1960s film version of this South Seas story was filmed on location in Tahiti, with gorgeous tropical colors. Despite long and expensive shooting and production, it was nominated for many awards. Whether you are packing up for the Hukilau, Tiki Oasis, Tiki Caliente, or just hosting a killer luau at home, Heart of Haute has the aloha wear you need. Take a look at our new Hula Honeys and Tahiti items, and the bold Ukulele tapa print Tiki Serenade.  Our modern fits and 100% high quality cotton fabric will keep you looking amazing and feeling comfortable from the Mai Kai to the Bali Hai.

Mod style was an evolution of the streamlined beatnik aesthetic, with a little love for sleek Italian design and bold pop art mixed in. This stylish subculture may have exploded in the 1960s in England, but it has never died out. At Heart of Haute, we love creating contemporary Mod styles for you - scooter mirrors unfortunately not included. Looking to mix a little more Mod into your 2015 style, and learn more about the roots of this subculture? Movies can be a great source of style inspiration, whether they are accurate or pure exploitation. If you are in the mood for some Mod movie action and have already made it through all of the 1960s James Bond movies, here are our top 5 Mod movie picks.

 1. A Hard Day’s Night – This 1964 film is an imaginative comedy based on several days in the life of John, Paul, George, and Ringo right at the height of Beatlemania. The movie and soundtrack were both hugely successful, and it features lots of great 1960s music, fashion and décor. Check out our Mandie Bee line for modern tops, skirts, and dresses that would fit right in at a Beatles concert in 1964.

2. The Girl on a Motorcycle – Marianne Faithfull zips up her leather catsuit for some sexy adventures while riding across Europe – this 1968 movie was originally released with an X rating. For a similar sleek black 1960s look, you can’t beat our best-selling Super Spy Dress.

 3. Quadrophenia – Based on the Who’s 1973 concept album, the defining movie about the Mods of the 1960s did in fact come out in 1979 - during a Mod culture revival.  This exploration of teen identity, subculture clashes, and fashion as a lifestyle remains a classic. For a look inspired by this movie, try our Trixie Top with our short Coco Skirt, or our longer Pencil Skirt.

 4. To Sir, With Love – An engineer signs up to teach the tough students at a school in London’s equally tough East End. Loads of mod skirts, dresses and swinging hairstyles can be seen on the female students in this 1967 film. Our Shift Dress in groovy orange paisley will give you top of the class mod style.

5. We Are the Mods – The Mod subculture has always had enduring fans and revivalists in Southern California. This late 1990s film tells the story of two women finding a contemporary identity through 1960s British culture. Try our Doreen Dress for a California-worthy sun dress with sharp Mod style.