Vintage 1970s Pomare Hawaii Sunray Pleated Caftan – Neon Tropical Floral Maxi Dress | Painted Bird NZ

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Bring dramatic island opulence to your wardrobe with this showstopping archival 1970s caftan by the resort wear masters at Pomare Hawaii. A spectacular statement piece of true Polynesian fashion history, this maxi dress features a vibrant tropical botanical print blooming in vivid, high-saturation jewel-toned neon greens, deep royal blues, and electric turquoise that beautifully shift color in the light.

The architectural sunray accordion pleating fans out dramatically into a fluid A-line silhouette, cascading beautifully with every step to give this piece the charm of a sweeping, wearable painting. Crafted with a dramatic batwing cape silhouette, it is finished with a flattering scoop neckline and a delicate fabric ribbon tie that adds a quietly ornate touch to the design. Perfect for modern vintage connoisseurs, this rare treasure brings effortless old-Hollywood drama to any upscale summer garden party, coastal resort look, or luxury lounge archive.

Style against structural metallic gold jewelry, platform sandals, or sleek hair updos to echo its romantic, theatrical palette. It also lends beautiful contrast when worn as a dramatic evening gown or paired with oversized sunnies for a luxurious, sun-drenched resort aesthetic.

Keen to add this rare Hawaiian masterpiece to your collection? Try on at The Avairy!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: France
Label: Pomare (Hawaii)

Fabric: Barkcloth
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Warm mild soap. Do not twist or swirl. Drip dry on hanger. Run fingers along pleats so they fall neatly and stay wrinkle-free (as per care label)

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 16
Measurement: Bust 62 cm, Waist 62 cm, Hip 62 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: OSFM

Fit: Relaxed, draped caftan shape with wide sleeves and soft vertical pleating
Fixture: Tie detail at neckline
Features: Electric blue and lime floral print, barkcloth style texture, sunray-style pleating, wide draped sleeves, maxi length

ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Emerging from the sun-drenched shores of Honolulu during the golden age of jet-set tourism, Pomare Hawaii was a premier master of mid-century Polynesian resort wear. While classic Hawaiian fashion of the late 1960s and 1970s relied on simple, flat silhouettes, Pomare became legendary for its rare, avant-garde structural innovations. This exceptional label specialized in capturing the vivid, high-saturation romance of the islands through breathtaking tropical prints, elevating them into wearable art via meticulous sunray accordion pleating. Rather than standard cotton apparel, Pomare's pleated masterpieces utilized cutting-edge mid-century textile engineering to hold razor-sharp, fluid creases that dance beautifully with every step. Today, surviving garments from Pomare's coveted pleated archives are extraordinarily hard to find and fiercely pursued by international Tiki-culture collectors as pristine, sculptural artifacts of vintage Hawaiian glamour.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Additional items pictured not included in sale and are for illustrative purposes only. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Our vintage items are rated as follows:
  • Excellent: Near or near to new quality, with no noted flaws and may often be presented in original packaging or, with original tags (deadstock) all commensurate with age and love
  • Very Good: May have some minor issue, as seen or noted
  • Good: Some minor flaws which may be repairable, or may not detract from the garment when worn
  • Rescue: Flaws as described which may or may not detract when worn in most cases possibility of repair

We estimate sizes as current or, 'modern' sizing rather than vintage sizing as eras do vary.

Please take a moment to check if this item will fit!
View our Sizing Chart (opens in a new window).

Still not sure? Just email us the details of this piece and your measurements, and we can help you check if it will fit before you purchase.

Please take a moment to view our Refund Policy! Under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act, stores providing second-hand or used clothing do not come under the same regulations as newly made clothing. Read our full Refund Policy for Painted Bird, Stylist Services and The Aviary (opens in a new window). We cannot refund or exchange earrings, hair accessories or face masks for hygiene reasons. We also cannot refund or exchange gift cards. Cancellation and 'no-show' appointments made for stylist and fitting room services are also subject to a no refund policy.

Still not sure? We'll gladly hold this item for you for 24 hours while we provide measurements of this item on request. Don't miss out - email us today.