The Cut Collective

Excuse me for a second while I do something a little out of the ordinary, for me, and step outside my usual «food reviewer» comfort zone. Now I try to keep all my reviews to restaurants and snack shops since I find people’s opinions on retailers and businesses too subjective and varied depending on personal preference, taste, budget, etc. However, when a business really impresses the hell out of me, they deserve the recognition and adoration that comes with it. Such is the case with The Cut Collective and let me tell you why.
As their «About Us» section on their website says, The Cut Collective is a, «fashion incubator/​factory hybrid dedicated to providing independent designers with the resources & skills to streamline their production process, transform local manufacturing into the most affordable, innovative option for all, and provide select high-​value, high-​quality products directly to the customer.» Quite a mouthful for sure, but what that all means for the consumer is that not only do they prioritize customer service and satisfaction, they do it without cutting corners or sacrificing in quality. And this is all done while providing independent, local designers the means and opportunity to get their ideas and designs out to the public where they otherwise might not have gotten the chance. Now when it comes to shopping, I admit I have not always been the biggest proponent for the whole «shop local» movement. However, I am inspired by The Cut Collective’s mission of getting hidden genius exposed and cultivating that «diamond in the rough» sense of opportunistic fortune. Industries, fashion in particular, are cutthroat. It’s just the nature of the beast. And without a helping hand or guiding light, many fall without ever getting the chance to show what they have to offer. The Cut Collective not only provides that chance, but they do it with pride, style, and just that right amount of sass to stand up to the market.
But the accolades and praise I’m giving them is not solely due to their ideology. No no no. They also have the products and team to back it all up. Currently, there are six lines that are available through The Cut Collective: Allison Izu Petites, Ten Tomorrow by Summer Shiigi, Rumi Murakami, Haus of Quirk by Jenna Sato, Duality by Mari Nakamura, and Design Asylum by Sarah Yamashige. Each line reflects the designers’ unique, personal styles and let’s them shine. The Cut Collective is headquartered at the Manoa Innovation Center, which is pretty much adjacent to Manoa Marketplace. Here, not only does all the manufacturing and business aspects of The Cut Collective get done, but they also hold trunk shows/​sales for the public. In addition to their office setting, The Cut Collective’s lines can be regularly seen at events like Honolulu Night Market, other retailers (ex. Nordstrom), as well as being a major participant in Hawaii Fashion Week. And for those who rather do their shopping from the comforts of home/​office/​mobile device, their website also links to online storefronts for specific lines.
As an idea, The Cut Collective is inspirational. As a business, these girls are definitely #girlbosses through and through. Do yourself a huge favor and see for yourself what The Cut Collective is all about.

Huge thank you to Allison Izu and The Cut Collective!
I purchased one of Allison’s tops at a Black Friday event. Fast forward a bit and something happened to the seam on the bottom. I took a chance and emailed them about it to see if it could be fixed or if there was another one of the same top to buy. After making an appointment, I headed on up to Manoa a couple of days later.
She immediately took care of the top with no questions asked. I was blown away! I took a look at her racks of clothing and even bought two more tops. I was stoked to meet the designer, get help from her in person and walk out with more clothes.
Just contact them to make an appointment and get personalized service and shopping. Also, get on their email list to be contacted for events.

Ok, I admit, I’m a little bit of a clothes addict. Before I had bills, a mortgage, and kids, my motto was «the more clothes the better». I shopped all the time and was an absolute sucker for sales and «cheap stuff». Who cares if my clothes fell apart after one wash, it was just an excuse to go out and buy more clothes! But as I’ve gotten older, I like to think that I’ve also gotten wiser, and my motto has changed (thankfully). I still love clothes, though now instead of going for «more» I’d rather go for clothes that are quality, fits well, unique, and is something that I absolutely LOVE (instead of something that’s just cheap and on sale). I’ve also grown a a mentality to shop and support more local businesses when I can. If you share in any of those values as well, then you will LOVE The Cut Collective! What’s so great about The Cut Collective you ask?
*Meet and shop with the designers themselves
*Get friendly and helpful service, from the designers themselves
*Get discounts on their insanely cute clothes
*Nibble on free food and drinks
*Go home with well made, well fitting local designer clothes that will be staples in your wardrobe for years to come (at a very reasonable price)!
I absolutely enjoy shopping at The Cut Collective! Located in Manoa Valley, The Cut Collective is in the Manoa Innovation Center, immediately after the Manoa Marketplace (Woodlawn Drive side). It is the workshop/​workspace where LOCAL designers Allison Izu (Allison Izu), Summer Shiigi (Ten Tomorrow), Rumi Murakami and Plan Z design and create insanely amazing clothes. About once a month, they open their workspace to the public and host trunk shows and «private» sales (which are open to the public) where you can buy their designs at discounted prices and get personalized service directly from them and their assistants! Sounds like the perfect shopping experience right? Well it is! Shopping at The Cut Collective is a very personalized shopping experience with the actual people who have designed the clothes that you are tying on and about to purchase. Who knows better about how it should fit, how to accessorize it, and alter it if need be, than the designers themselves? And these gals are so down to earth, friendly, and passionate about what they do. I love the fact that when I purchase something from them, I am looking at the face that I am supporting and giving my money to. It is the ultimate in «shop local». «Community» dressing room (so wear your best undies!) and bring cash (the last time I was there it was cash only, but not sure if that has changed since then). Lots of free parking right in front. They are on the first floor to the left.
To be in the know about their monthly trunk shows, visit their site and sign up for the mailing list
. DO IT! Visit The Cut Collective and get yourself some cute clothes, at discounted prices, with the ultimate customer service. You will not regret it!