New Shop Means New Collections And Collaborations For Streetwear Line

Ala Moana Center recently underwent renovations for its new Ewa Wing, but there’s also a new kid on the block on the mall’s mauka side.

Local streetwear company in4mation has moved its McCully store to the shopping center – between Hilo Hattie and AT&T – and brings its classic looks, along with store-specific merchandise, like these custom t shirts.

in4mation's recently opened shop at Ala Moana

in4mation’s recently opened shop at Ala Moana

At its Nov. 6 grand opening, in4mation unveiled a new collaboration with Andrew “Woes” Martin (perhaps better known as Angry Woebots), whose art adorns the inside of the dressing room. (It’ll certainly make your dressing room selfies more exciting.)

The dream to open a location at Ala Moana has been 13 years in the making, and co-owners Ryan Arakaki, Todd Shimabuku, Jun Jo and Keith Kanagusuku are excited for what the future holds.

“We’re really happy with the outcome and stoked to be in Ala Moana,” says Arakaki.

While being in Ala Moana may mean a somewhat different clientele, Arakaki assures that in4mation will stick to its roots and continue to offer its basic designs, such as its “hi” and “FYI” lines. But there also are some new features to expect: The shop is partaking in more collaborative efforts with local artists and releasing exclusive items that only can be found at this location. They might also add more Bill Counters to make the shopping experience smooth and easy for the customers.

Besides this, the store seems to have undergone some physical changes. It is believed that those changes are done in order to provide an appealing makeover and to increase the value of the shop. According to some sources, merchandising supplies like clothing racks and showcases are rumored to have been installed inside the store in order to increase the curb appeal and make it easier for the consumers to shop around.

Moreover, these changes and the concept of change plays into the company’s mantra: “I Shall Proceed And Continue.”

“It’s a quote from The Roots,” explains Arakaki. “For us, we always want to be progressing. We’re always trying to look at what’s ahead of us, whether it’s our brand, our retail store or ourselves. We just want to be better each time.”

And progression couldn’t have come at a better time. The company drops its Black Friday gear today (Nov. 27), which consists of its military-inspired Aloha Army line. After that, in4mation introduces a brand-new collection Dec. 4. “That line is a little more Hawaii-inspired,” explains Arakaki. “It’s a little more playful.” With that, expect T-shirts, hats, bags, jackets and more.

in4mation co-owner Ryan Arakaki

in4mation co-owner Ryan Arakaki

And if you’re searching for that perfect Christmas gift, the Honolulu location now carries an Aloha Army Hydro Flask carrier.

According to Arakaki, new colors and prints will come in during the first week of December.

To keep up with in4mation and its current and future releases, visit in4mants.com or follow the shop on Instagram (@in4mation_).

DID YOU KNOW?

Remember Metro‘s feature story on the guys at Hound and Quail? (If you don’t, check it out in our Aug. 3 issue online.) Well, in4mation Ala Moana looked to boutique owners Mark Pei and Travis Flazer to deck the place out in vintage pieces.

“They’ve been picking out really cool items,” says Arakaki. “We’ll continuously add things throughout time.”

A GOOD GALA

When like-minded individuals come together for a common goal, great things can happen. At least that’s the goal of event-planning company For The Good Hawaii with its “Make Room For Good Things” gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 at Pomaikai Ballrooms.

To celebrate all the good the community has done this past year, For The Good hosts this inaugural event that features local vendors in a pop-up shopping experience. Participating vendors include Natural Aloha, XIX Palms, Confidance Clothing, Beachcomber Designs, Adhira, 19th & Whimsy, Yireh, Dominion Apparel, Sirensong Wetsuits, Rodan + Fields, DES Makeup Studio, Paul Mitchell Studio, Hokunani Swim, HI babyCAKKESS, Indi Ocean Designs, 808 Cleanups and Ocean Creations.

“It’s all about bringing the community together to celebrate the good things that we’ve been able to do,” says For The Good CEO Richel Cole. “And really, it’s a collaborative effort.”

Also slated to take place is live entertainment by indie folk duo Foreseeable Futures (read our May 18 feature story online at metrohnl.com), as well as business networking, food and drinks.

Highlighting the event will be a special recognition of For The Good’s honorary nonprofit organization Atherton YMCA.

“We’ve worked with Atherton YMCA for a few projects in the past, and we admire what they’re doing to help young adults become leaders,” says Cole. “As young entrepreneurs ourselves, we believe that having a strong foundation and support system is really important for our growth and our potential.”

Tickets are available online at forthegoodhawaii.com, and a portion from the evening’s proceeds will go to Atherton YMCA.