Tiki Island: Design Inspiration and Style Guide

Kittens… if you’ve been wondering why the lawns are quieter, the cocktail cabinets lighter, and the airports suddenly awash with pearls and palm prints - allow us to explain.

Ever since the war years slipped quietly into the past, summer has become something rather fabulous again. And in the early whispers of this season, one destination is being murmured everywhere: the islands. 

Yes… Hawaii, Polynesia, the South Pacific and anywhere else promising warm breezes, languid afternoons and a very good rum cocktail. The smart set, it seems, has packed its bags.

By the late 1940s and well into the 1950s, tropical dressing had become the unmistakable signal of a woman going somewhere. Hawaiian prints, sarong dresses and lush florals were no longer reserved for postcards - they were turning up at garden parties, poolside lunches and, rather tellingly, on departure platforms. 

At home, of course, one couldn’t possibly let the trend go uncelebrated. Tiki parties sprang up like hibiscus blooms. Hosts mixed exotic drinks topped with the tiniest of pink umbrellas (darling, never more than one), while lounge musicians played just loudly enough to suggest romance without interrupting the gossip. Restaurants and dance halls followed suit, hosting tiki-themed evenings that were terribly popular with the young and glamorous.

And what, you ask, does one wear to such affairs?

Well, the answer was delightfully simple. The silhouettes remained reassuringly familiar. A full, swinging skirt for twirling across the dance floor. A narrow pencil dress, styled after a sarong, for making an entrance. The clever trick lay in the fabric: tropical prints bursting with palms, seaside scenes and island florals, rendered in pinks as bright as a sunset and blues as deep as the Pacific itself.

Naturally, the truly well-travelled didn’t limit themselves to just one destination. Caribbean prints made an appearance. Mexican Riviera colours slipped in. Even safari-inspired motifs found their way into wardrobes, suggesting adventures one might casually mention over cocktails. The message was clear: this was a woman who knew her way around a travel brochure - or at the very least, dressed like she did!

And so, dear Kitten, if you find yourself suddenly drawn to palm prints, flowing skirts and a touch of island drama, rest assured - you’re simply keeping very good company. Because this season, the who’s who isn’t just summering somewhere glamorous. They’re dressing for it!

‘Tiki Island’ Dress - Size 8:
True to size in cool cotton, with a beautifully fitted waist that created a flattering shape. It felt light, breathable and perfectly suited to warm weather. Ideal for moving effortlessly from beach to bar.

‘Tiki Island’ Maxi Dress - Size 8:
Again true to size, with a flowing, feminine silhouette that felt elegant and easy to wear. The red crochet trim gave it a lovely, homespun holiday feel. A perfect island evening dress.

‘Tiki Island’ Tie Front Blouse - Size 8:
Her favourite top in the collection - true to size and beautifully designed. The frills, red crochet trim and adjustable tie waist came together perfectly. A standout piece that felt both playful and polished.

‘Tiki Island’ Stripe Jersey Top - Size M:
Soft, stretchy and incredibly versatile, the Medium was a perfect fit. Kerryn loved how easily it styled with Kitten Denim and other pieces. Comfortable, chic and endlessly wearable.

‘Tiki Island’ Wide Leg Pants -Size 10:
Kerryn chose a Size 10 for extra ease, though the 8 also fit comfortably. The fabric felt light and breezy, ideal for hot summer days. A polished yet relaxed option for warm weather.

Tiki Island Maxi Dress - Size 10:
This was a perfect fit, falling beautifully through the body with a soft, elegant drape. Mandie adored the red crochet trim on the ruffle neckline, calling it a lovely finishing touch that felt very 'vintage resort'. The fabric was light and flowy, ideal for warmer weather and long summer evenings.

Tiki Island Stripe Jersey Top - Size M:
This was Mandie’s favourite top in the collection, especially when paired with the full skirt — a true “Kitten” outfit in her eyes. The off-the-shoulder design was beautifully feminine, while the soft, stretchy fabric felt comfortable and flattering. It sat perfectly without pulling or feeling restrictive.

Tiki Island Full Skirt - Size 10:
The fit was spot-on, creating a wonderfully flattering vintage silhouette through the waist and hips. Mandie particularly loved the pocket detailing, which added both charm and practicality. It felt playful, polished and made for movement.

Tiki Island Classic Top (Green) - Size S:
Thanks to the generous stretch, Mandie was able to size down to a Small for a more fitted feel. She loved the rich green colour, the pretty ruffle along the neckline, and the lace-up back detail. It felt flattering, vintage and very holiday-ready.

Tiki Island Wide Leg Pants - Size 12:
Being curvier through the hips, Mandie found sizing up to a 12 worked best for comfort and fit. The elasticated back helped gently cinch the waist while still allowing ease of wear. Light and flowy, the fabric felt perfect for warmer weather.

Tiki Island Pantsuit - Size 12:
As with the pants, Mandie chose a 12 to comfortably accommodate her hips and add a little extra length through the torso. She described this as one of her favourite Kitten designs, loving both the fit and the overall silhouette. Effortless, flattering and endlessly wearable.

Tiki Island Pantsuit - Size 14:
Anastasia found this design ran small through the hips, so she sized up to a 14. She recommends doing the same if you’re pear-shaped or fuller through the lower body, as the pants are pulled up over the legs. Despite going up a size, the bodice still nipped in beautifully at the waist.

Tiki Island Classic Top (Red) - Size S:
True to size, with plenty of stretch that makes it very forgiving across different body shapes. The red frill balanced the Tiki Island print beautifully, making it a versatile piece that works just as well with printed bottoms as it does with solids.

Tiki Island Full Skirt - Size 12:
As the waistband has little stretch, Anastasia sized up to a 12 for comfort. The result? A gorgeous cinched waist, a beautiful vintage silhouette, and - of course - glorious pockets.

Tiki Island Maxi Dress - Size 10:
Although Anastasia would usually reach for a size 12 in a maxi, she found this one ran generously, and the size 10 gave her the most beautiful silhouette. This was her standout favourite piece in the entire collection! 

Tiki Island Tie Front Blouse - Size 8:
Anastasia sized down to an 8, as this style ran a little large compared to her usual size 10. It was a very close second favourite - she adored the way the red crochet trim balanced the print and made the top “pop.” Light, breezy and utterly holiday-ready, this felt like the perfect tropical piece.

Tiki Island Wide Leg Pants - Size 14:
These were largely true to size, though as a pear-shaped figure, Anastasia found the hips to be the snuggest point. She felt the size 14 was perfect - flattering through the legs while ensuring the waistband didn’t sit too loose. For a more relaxed fit, sizing up would work, but she loved the sleek line of the 14.

‘Tiki Island’ Dress - Size 6:
This dress fit like a glove, with pleats that created a beautifully flared, very vintage silhouette. The neckline was exquisite, and the soft summery colours felt perfectly suited to long, sun-soaked afternoons. It was polished, comfortable and utterly charming.

‘Tiki Island’ Follies Stripe Jersey Top - Size S:
This was a clear favourite, especially paired with the full skirt - soft, stretchy and flattering without feeling restrictive. It sculpted the figure beautifully while remaining comfortable in the heat. A truly versatile, polished summer top.

‘Tiki Island’ Full Skirt - Size 6:
True to size at the waist, with a glorious fullness that needed only one petticoat for maximum swoosh. The sweet button tabs on the pockets added just the right mid-century detail. It felt playful, elegant and made for movement.

'Tiki Island' Classic Top (Green) - Size XS:
Gemmia sized down thanks to the stretch in the fabric, which gave her the fitted look she prefers. The V-neck was elegant and the lace-up back wonderfully flattering. It felt equal parts vintage and holiday-ready.

‘Tiki Island’ Wide Leg Pants - Size 10:
These sat smoothly over curvier hips and felt fluid and comfortable to wear. The drape was lovely, and they looked particularly charming styled with the Classic Top. A polished, easy summer option.

‘Tiki Island’ Pantsuit - Size 10:
Chosen for comfort over the hips, with a beautiful wide-leg drape through the trousers. The sweetheart neckline was a standout feature, adding just the right touch of femininity. It felt chic, confident and very holiday appropriate.

‘Tiki Island’ Pantsuit - Size 18:
The size 18 fit beautifully and felt wonderfully comfortable through the body, with plenty of room to move. Siana loved the wide-leg shape, which gave the design a relaxed yet elegant island feel. The elasticated sleeves sat comfortably without feeling tight or restrictive.

‘Tiki Island’ Dress - Size 16:
The size 16 sat comfortably across both the bust and waist, creating a flattering, feminine shape. Worn with a petticoat, it had that perfect vintage “oomph,” and paired beautifully with a red Pretty Kitty Bow Belt to highlight the red details. It felt polished, playful and very holiday-ready.

‘Tiki Island’ Follies Stripe Jersey Top - Size XXL:
Soft, stretchy and very comfortable to wear, this top felt effortless in the summer heat. Siana noted it required a little adjusting to sit just right off the shoulders, but the tacked-down stitching helped keep it secure. It looked especially charming paired with the full skirt.

‘Tiki Island’ Full Skirt - Size 14:
Although the 16 felt a little roomy at the waist, the 14 was a perfect fit and sat beautifully in place. The skirt had that classic full vintage silhouette with plenty of movement. It felt flattering, fun and made for twirling.

‘Tiki Island’ Maxi Dress - Size 16:
This was a true maxi length on Siana, falling long and elegant through the skirt. It fit comfortably at the waist and bust, with no tightness through the hips, and the red crochet trim on the ruffle was a lovely finishing touch. The fabric felt soft, lightweight and cool, while still offering good coverage.

‘Tiki Island’ Dress - Size 12:
This was a classic vintage shape that felt made for beachside cocktails. The button detail on the straps was a charming mid-century touch. Styled with a red 'Pretty Kitty' Belt, it created a beautifully cinched waist.

‘Tiki Island’ Pantsuit - Size 14:
She sized up for extra torso length, which gave a more comfortable fit overall. The design felt playful, flattering and suitable for day or evening. A standout piece in her summer wardrobe.

‘Tiki Island’ Stripe Jersey Top - Size Large:
Adrienne sized up so the off-shoulder band could sit comfortably without pulling. The top felt versatile enough for both Tiki Island pieces and Kitten Denim. Easy, stylish and endlessly wearable.

‘Tiki Island’ Full Skirt - Size 12:
Whimsical, twirl-worthy and wonderfully flattering, with a true 1950s silhouette. The fit was comfortable at the waistband while still feeling polished. Adrienne was utterly smitten with this design.

‘Tiki Island’ Maxi Dress - Size 12:
A gorgeous A-line silhouette that draped beautifully and felt easy to wear. The contrasting red crochet trim added a distinctive tiki detail. Elegant, feminine and very flattering.