Blogs by Allison

A Reflection for Women's History Month. Now more than ever, I think we need to spread more light into the world. This month, we dedicate a spotlight to women—our accomplishments, our journey to equality, and our collective dreams for a better future. When the team asked me to write something for Women’s History Month, I started writing and I have to be honest - it was taking a turn for the worse. I was reviewing the history of women’s rights and I started to get frustrated, wondering—have women truly gained equality? And during this moment in history, it can sometimes feel scary like we’re going backwards. The progress we’ve made can feel slow, even uncertain. But after reflecting with my team, I re-focused. Rather than dwell on the struggles, I want to highlight the hope, resilience, and inspiring stories of the women who have shaped my journey. And have this blog be a part of the light that guides us to a better world, a better future for ALL. Growing up before social media, my access to role models came from newspapers, magazines, and encyclopedias. Of course, my mom, grandmother, and sister were more direct sources of influences, along with amazing teachers. But I also remember learning about Patsy Mink. Seeing someone from my small home state on a national platform made bigger dreams feel possible. Her work in passing Title IX paved the way for women to demand equality in more spaces traditionally dominated by men. Her words resonate deeply with me: “What you endure is who you are. I can't change the past. But I can certainly help somebody else in the future so they don't have to go through what I did.” Knowing that your actions today can affect positive change in the future or in someone else’s life is a beautiful thing, something that I work to live by everyday. Another notable Asian American woman who has inspired me is Vera Wang. As a young designer, I struggled to see a place for myself in the industry. Vera Wang changed that. She launched her bridal brand at 40, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Her transition from Vogue and Ralph Lauren to starting her own company was bold and inspiring. She reshaped the bridal industry, and her commitment to craftsmanship fueled my own passion for design. After graduating, I returned to Hawaii to design and hand-make wedding gowns. While couture fashion wasn’t widely embraced here at the time, the technical skills I developed continue to influence my designs today. Vera Wang once said, “A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her clothes.” This philosophy is embedded in my approach—fashion should empower, not restrict. She was my connection into the world of couture, the example that  showed me it was possible to dream a bigger dream.  Of course, I can’t talk about fashion without mentioning Coco Chanel. In the 1920s, women designers were rare, and fashion was predominantly male-dominated. Yet, Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion, prioritizing comfort and elegance. She was the first to use jersey fabric—originally made for men’s underwear—to create stylish, practical clothing for women. Her yacht pants freed women from skirts, allowing them to participate in sports and work more comfortably. Her work shifted societal norms and Chanel’s belief that “Fashion is architecture; it is a matter of proportions” shaped my own design philosophy. Fashion is about creating shapes and silhouettes that complement the wearer. Too often, when clothing doesn’t fit right, women blame their bodies when, in reality, it’s the design that is flawed. My goal has always been to craft designs that celebrate diverse body shapes, particularly for petite women like me. This is what inspired me throughout design school. Being able to take a flat piece of fabric and folding, shaping and seaming it to create a flattering shape for the wearer. This is where my understanding of design stems from, knowing that if something doesn't look right on your body - it's not your body, it's the architect of the design that is wrong. My goal has always been to be the architect of designs that will work for the unique (and many) shapes of women. To know that our industry uses one standard fit model always frustrated me. It has always been about freeing women from the confines of “cookie cutter designs” and allowing us all to understand that proportion is the main focus of all good design. So for us shorter women, there is no doubt that is why clothing has never looked right on our bodies, because the proportion was always wrong for us. Norma Kamali is another trailblazer who has impacted me deeply. I had the honor of meeting her at FIT when I was a student, and her energy was electric. She has always been about authenticity and pushing boundaries. She once said, “If you have a garment that you can wear and feel good in as many times as you like, and you didn't spend more than your rent on it, I've done my job.” This resonates with me—I believe in creating pieces that are both beautiful and practical. Fashion has the power to heal and transform. When we feel good in what we wear, we carry ourselves differently, and that confidence can be life-changing. “We all have periods of feeling invincible but this can slip away very easily,” she said. “The secret is to see how we can extend this because when we are feeling invincible, we can do great things.” A true statement that I want to live by and also that I want my brand to also represent. Like Norma Kamali, I am very aware of the “healing magic” that fashion can have on someone. How it can transform the way you see yourself and therefore how you present yourself to the world. My mission has always been to highlight the greatest parts of women, to feel invincible (or at least beautiful and relevant) so you can do great things! I truly believe that when we look good, we feel good! Lastly, a role model who has inspired me in my adult life is Michelle Obama. As First Lady, she balanced work, family, and public life with grace and strength. Her book Becoming speaks to the challenges of juggling multiple roles, a struggle I relate to as both a mother and business owner. I often ask myself, “What would Michelle Obama do?” when I need to find the perfect balance between mother-energy and boss-energy. One of her quotes that stays with me is: “The future of our world is only as bright as the future of our girls.” Investing in women and girls isn’t just about fairness—it’s about unlocking the full potential of our society. Reflecting on the women who’ve shaped my journey has been an important exercise in understanding who I am and who I strive to be. They remind me that we are all capable of making an impact and that our legacy is defined not just by what we achieve, but by how we uplift others along the way. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I hope this inspires you to reflect on the women who have shaped your journey. And above all, I want you to remember this: YOU ARE WORTHY. Your life, your joy, and your happiness matter. Embracing your worth isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Let’s continue to lift each other up, dream big, and create a future where all women are seen, heard, and celebrated. I remind myself as I write this, that my path may look different from those around me, but it is my unique path. There is nobody else who designs like me, or runs a business like me, or closes stores like me - LOL! (Read more about that here). But honestly, this blog has inspired me to remember who walked this path before me, who laid down the bricks to elevate the road, to be a little higher and a lot more smooth for me to walk. I don't ever take this life for granted because of this, I never forget my thread in the fabric of life, and how all of us are connected in a responsibility to create a better world for ALL. I hope you can remind yourself of that lesson as well, you matter, you are worthy and your life creates ripples of light and joy to many. As always, thank you for being on this journey with me.

I’ll start this message with the ending: Our last day at the Manoa Showroom will be Saturday, March 1, 2025. It was definitely time for us (ok - just me really) to pull the rip cord and make a final decision and set a date. I kept going back and forth, procrastinating because of the fear of the unknown—“Will the business survive without the showroom?”—instead of embracing the excitement of possibility—“What new opportunities will this create for us?” This has been my biggest lesson over the past year: shifting my mindset from fear to excitement. I always tell my kids that fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin—but this time, I was the one who needed to hear it. So, I flipped the coin. And honestly, there’s no reason to be afraid. My team and I have spent the last few months breaking free from old patterns, reimagining what Allison Izu can be. We’ve challenged ourselves, taken classes in marketing, advertising, e-commerce, operations, and costing—stretching our comfort zones, expanding our horizons to chart a new path.  Each of them has stepped up, pushed past their own personal limitations, and embraced this next chapter with open arms. Their dedication, love, and belief in this brand have been the wind in my sails, propelling us forward into uncharted but exciting territory. So, I invite you to join us for our last weekend at the Manoa Showroom on February 28 and March 1. And while this is the end of one chapter, we’re already looking ahead—planning a special event in Manoa at the end of March to release our Spring collection. Stay tuned for details! As for what comes next? I don’t have all the answers yet. But I do know this—whatever the universe has in store, I’m ready to receive it. With the love and creativity of my team, the grace and patience of my family, and the unwavering support of you—anything is possible. With love, gratitude, and excitement for what’s ahead,Allison 

Ok, so Lunar New Year is coming up and I am beyond excited. Anytime there is an opportunity to push me to change, evolve, or shed the old, I’m all about it! I welcome change with open arms. And this Lunar New Year is the Year of the Snake, which is a representation of transformation (yes please), wisdom (ok, why not), and intuition (yes, yes, yes PUHLEASE!). I'm so ready to refresh and reimagine what Allison Izu could be that I literally challenged my team the other day to shift their outlook and see this business as a new startup. I asked them: How would that change their decisions or how they approached their work? Leaving behind the old patterns, habits, and programming from our past to truly reimagine a bright, new, shiny future! On top of being the Year of the Snake, 2025 also holds symbolism in numerology. When you add the digits together, 2+0+2+5=9, and 9 in numerology is all about spiritual growth, completion, and wisdom. As the highest single-digit number, it’s considered very powerful and significant. Knowing all of this has given me the awareness and time to focus on my true purpose and how I can live more in alignment with this truth. The question I keep asking myself is, ‘What do you want, Allison?’ I want to create a business that supports my life. I no longer want to feel tied down by my brand; I want this business to give me the freedom and joy to live my wildest dreams. I want to be creative. I want to design and bring to life all the crazy, odd things that pop into my head late at night. And I want to build a brand that makes women feel amazing about themselves, giving everyone a taste of quality and uniqueness in their clothing. This year has shown me that every lesson, every hurdle, or difficulty I've worked through has led me here. Every “mistake” or “failure” has been a testing ground for me to build this brand in a new way. With fresh eyes and newfound excitement, I'm ready for January 29, 2025. This year is giving me a space to show up as my true, authentic self and share more sides of me.  Our next few collections will start to be the foundation of launching a new side of the brand with you. These collections will feature new top designs, best-selling bottoms and still have some of your favorite styles in versatile, basic colors that align with the transformation we’re embracing this year. The new designs were created to be an embodiment of growth, renewal, and stepping into a clearer vision of who we are—not just as a brand, but as a community. So stay tuned for all the new things we’ll be sharing with you soon!  And while I can’t see the full picture of how this evolution will unfold, I’m surrendering to the guidance the Universe is giving me and bringing you along for the journey. Every day is a new opportunity to reveal more of our true selves and share that with the world.  Are you ready for the Lunar New Year? Let’s embrace this year of transformation and growth together.  

They say the best way to make a change is by taking small steps. And we’ve been doing so since we made the announcement to close our Showroom come March 2025. The team and I have been making small adjustments and taking steps towards a new way of doing business.  My husband shared the analogy of steering a canoe: everyone paddling must stay in sync to move forward and make each turn effectively. If one person’s timing is off or communication falters, progress slows. Similarly, our team of eight needs to be aligned and prepared to navigate this major shift. As an entrepreneur, I’m used to making quick decisions. But with a team, it’s essential to take the time to communicate, plan, and adapt together. And for a team of 8, we need the time to adjust, grow and learn. I’m sharing this with you so you’ll know why we’re making these small yet significant changes as we enter the new year.  Adjusted Showroom Hours Starting in January, our Showroom days will shift to:Fridays: 11 AM - 5 PMSaturdays: 10 AM - 4 PMSundays - Thursdays: Closed This change gives our team more dedicated time to focus on the behind-the-scenes work that will support our business in its next phase—designing, patternmaking, production, photoshoots, marketing, and everything else that makes our brand what it is. These are the building blocks for sustaining and growing Allison Izu as we transition. End of Showroom Pick Ups Additionally, we’ll phase out In-store pick up at our Manoa Showroom by January 31, 2025. As part of our move to online-only operations, we’re planning to increase our manufacturing in California and keep the majority of the inventory in the mainland U.S. That means we’ll be making the transition to have orders shipped from a third-party logistics partner, who will handle storage, packing, and shipping. This shift is essential for scaling our business and providing a streamlined shopping experience in the future.  Why These Changes Matter So we’re taking the beginning of next year to learn, practice, improve, and refine the systems that will give you the best service possible. We understand that these changes may feel like an adjustment, but we hope you’ll see that our focus is on – long-term growth, sustainability, and continuing to deliver the thoughtful designs and service you’ve come to expect. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

It’s a strange thing—inspiration. I’ve realized it only comes when I can clear my mind of the clutter that usually takes over: the overthinking, the worry, the fear. When I’m in that frame of mind, there’s no room for creativity or inspiration to shine through. This journey, for me, is about learning to quiet my mind enough to be inspired—and then trusting myself to see it through. As I navigate this new chapter, letting go of parts of the business, old ways of doing things have all become a part of the path. It’s like a hot air balloon—shedding weight to soar higher. And I'm excited to see what this "extra" space and room for clarity will create. It's already opened doors to sourcing better fabrics and creating custom colors and prints—something I mentioned in my last journal entry. The Next Phase: Leveling Up The next phase is being built on a foundation and method that’s been brewing inside me for a long time. If you’ve been with me for a while, you might remember Live Your Letter—a series of body shapes (based on the letters of my name) designed to help women dress for their bodies. While it was helpful, it was also a bit complicated to communicate online, so we simplified it into our Fit Crystals, which became building blocks for creating a wardrobe tailored to your shape. Looking back, that was about 60% of the vision. It took trial and error, but now the pieces have finally come together into what we’re calling the IZU METHOD. This system is designed to help women build a successful, simplified wardrobe—making styling and getting ready in the morning easier than ever. The method is still in its infancy, but the pieces are falling into place. Those custom colors and prints I mentioned? They’re the foundation. One day, it hit me: a system of colors—my own Allison Izu rainbow—where every shade would mix and match effortlessly. No more guessing what works together. From there, we’re working to create a method of wardrobe pieces that match seamlessly. Depending on how dressed up or style type you like to follow, the IZU METHOD will be your guide to what pieces work best. And it'll show you how every outfit can be “leveled up.” Think of it like building a house. The foundation? That’s your perfect pair of pants—great-fitting and versatile. Once you have that, you can build any outfit you want. The rest is style: the “windows and walls” are your tops, and the finishing touches—like shoes, accessories, and third layers—make it your own. These are the details that transform a wardrobe into your personal style. So stay tuned! We’re excited to test out the IZU METHOD with you in the new year. Thank you for your continued support, for your purchases, and for sharing our brand with your friends. It’s because of you that we’re able to dream bigger and create better—for all of us.

One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In the story, Santiago embarks on a quest to find his purpose, and along the way, he discovers himself. For me, the power of the story lies not in the destination but in the journey. As I reflect on my own path, the decision to close our Mānoa Showroom feels like one chapter in a much larger book. It’s not the beginning and it’s not the end. It’s a pivotal moment—where there’s a horizon full of possibilities. Like Santiago, I’m learning to embrace the uncertainty, to stand in awe of what’s ahead, and to move forward with hope, even when the road feels dark. What’s truly incredible is that the moment I committed to closing the Showroom—after months of going back and forth—a new possibility revealed itself. Almost as if by magic, a new “method” of creating unfolded before me. One that felt deeper, fuller, and truer to my vision. The first spark? The idea of creating our own custom colors. The Journey So Far As a small brand based in Hawaiʻi, designing has always been a dance between creativity and resources. In the early days, I worked with what I had: leftover fabrics and prints aka “deadstock” from bigger brands. I turned those “lemons” into lemonade, making the best of what was available. As the business grew, so did our options. I began working with suppliers who offered a wide range of colors and fabrics, opening up new opportunities for the brand. This evolution brought a noticeable shift in the quality of our designs and the elevated feel of our colors and fabrics. But even then, something was missing. The colors and materials available were still limited and didn’t fully embody what I envision as Allison Izu. We’ve ventured out and created a few custom colors and prints and bit the bullet of higher costs. And as a business owner, I constantly balanced my creative dreams with the price point our customers expect. A New Horizon When I finally made the decision to close the Showroom, something shifted. It was as if a part of my brain unlocked, and suddenly I could see glimpses of the future of Allison Izu. Colors and prints no longer felt like constraints; they became opportunities. I envisioned designs that were 100% us—custom colors, unique prints, and premium-quality fabrics. One of my goals has always been to offer premium fabrics and designs at a more affordable cost. And while some people may still think our price point as “too expensive,” they often don’t realize the level of care that goes into each piece: the hours of design work, patternmaking, fittings on top of a higher quality fabric. These details all go into making our styles feel special when you wear them, even if they’re not immediately visible. And now, I’m focusing on our next horizon: Elevating the quality of our fabrics even further. Creating all of our own custom colors and prints. This vision is about more than just clothing. It’s about building a system of dressing and styling that simplifies your life while bringing you comfort and confidence. A Preview of What’s to Come Our upcoming Holiday Collection offers a small taste of this new direction. Every piece is a reflection of colors and prints that are 100% Allison Izu—deep, rich hues designed to mix and match seamlessly, paired with timeless, unique prints. It’s a window into what’s ahead: a wardrobe system that’s versatile, elevated, and truly one of a kind.  As we move toward this horizon, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has allowed me to dream bigger and create better. Together, we’re walking toward something new, something exciting. And I can’t wait to share it with you every step of the way. With gratitude,Allison

"It’s not goodbye—it’s “see you in a new way next year.” This is a big one for me — the announcement of the decade, really. After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to move on from retail. Our Mānoa Showroom will officially close in March 2025. But before I explain why, let me say this: Allison Izu is not going anywhere. Our “store” will live on, online, at allisonizu.com, where you can shop 24/7. While we’re saying goodbye to the Showroom, the heart of our brand will continue on. So, if you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for yourself or a loved one, we’ll be here at Mānoa Marketplace through March 2025. There’s still plenty of time to stop by, chat with our team, and experience our space before we close. And don’t worry about your gift cards—they’ll still be valid online after the Showroom closes. My incredible team will stay with me as we make this transition. I’m working hard to ensure they remain part of this next chapter. Their dedication and talent inspire me daily, and I feel so fortunate to have them by my side. Why am I closing the Showroom? The short answer is that it’s time. Time to embrace the next chapter of the business, the brand, and myself. Our lease at Mānoa Marketplace is ending, and while I’ve loved every moment of welcoming you into the Showroom, it feels like the right moment to pivot. This year has been full of change, spiritual growth, and unexpected clarity. It’s reminded me that life is a constant evolution and that I’m allowed to dream new dreams. It’s funny to think that as a young child, we always imagine who we’ll become as we grow up. But who says I have to stop dreaming and “growing up” just because I’m an adult? As I approach my 48th year around the sun, I feel there’s so much more I want to create, explore, and share with you. Closing the Showroom gives me—and my team—the space to dream bigger and build something new. This is not an ending but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m leaning into this change with joy, curiosity, and hope. And just like always, I’ll take you along for the journey, sharing updates, ideas, and moments of inspiration as they come. If this year has taught me anything, it’s to stop forcing things and let life flow. Call it God, the Universe, or whatever feels right to you, but I’m learning to trust in something bigger. It’s not always easy, but it’s freeing to live in alignment with my purpose. Here’s what I know for sure: I love this brand. Creating for you has been the most rewarding part of my journey. I love my team and you! They are the heart and soul of Allison Izu, and you are the reason why we exist.  I’m excited to grow, learn, and evolve with all of you as we navigate this next phase. What’s next? I’ll be sharing journal entries to keep you updated as I figure out this new chapter. And while the Mānoa Showroom is closing, this isn’t goodbye. We’ll find ways to connect again through pop-ups, events, and maybe even more face-to-face moments. If you’re on Oʻahu or planning a visit soon, I’d love for you to stop by before March. Let’s make this final Mānoa chapter a memorable one. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your love and support. This journey wouldn’t be the same without you, and I’m so excited to see where we go next—together. Here’s to new beginnings, not goodbyes. With gratitude and love,Allison

Black Friday . . . As a consumer, it’s a great time to find deals, save money, and kick off holiday shopping. But as a business owner, it means something entirely different. The term “Black” stems from the hope that this time of year can turn “red” or negative revenue into “black,” meaning positive revenue. The landscape of retail is so much more competitive these days, and consumers are constantly wooed for their attention (and money). For us, this season isn’t just about sales and deals (although we’re thrilled to offer exciting discounts and new styles for Black Friday!). It’s also a time of possibility. Black Friday gives us the momentum to set ambitious goals and start preparing for a successful 2025. The goals we set together as a team let us dream big and ask, “Can we expand our collection? Keep everyone’s favorite styles available all year? Add more colors and prints?” This time of year gives us the means to think about growth. And as a small, privately-owned business, we self-fund every new collection, style, and development. Each new style takes time and money, and white not all designs make it to production, they’re like little pieces of our dreams. The things I think up when I experience a mutual problem with you, whether it be a fit issue, or an (eek) “body issue” - my mind goes into problem-solving mode. And I want to make it right, connect with you and hopefully have an opportunity to fix it in some small way.  Having a successful Black Friday gives us the opportunity to bring to life the designs we’ve dreamed up, each one crafted to help you look and feel your best. Whether it’s your favorite pants that make you feel like a million bucks or the top that you always get compliments on - these are the pieces we’re dedicated to creating. This is what keeps us going, what keeps us inspired. We want to continue crafting designs, building connections, and spreading joy however we can. Thank you for shopping with us, for your support, and for being part of this journey. We appreciate all that you’ve done—and continue to do—for our brand and our team. -Allison

We believe in intentional design, in everything we do, starting with our Logo and Brand Name. When I first started my clothing line, I chose my name, Allison Izu, which was special to me because "Izu" is my middle name, given by my grandfather. He was a graphic artist who loved the beauty of the Izu peninsula in Japan, and it’s always been a part of my identity. In 2022, after shifting the brand’s focus to online and downsizing our physical space, I wanted a logo that would symbolize this new direction. I found a company that created a logo using the letters of my name. The design incorporated spiritual elements—shapes like the circle, triangle, and square—that align with Zen philosophy, representing the interconnectedness of all things. The Circle is for Unity, the Triangle for Ascension, and the Square is Solidarity. Earlier this year, I felt it was time for another change. I consulted a friend and intuitive guide, realizing the logo needed refinement. The original design's line in the middle felt divisive, so I reworked it into a stitch, symbolizing both the craft of clothing and the way we, as a brand, connect people and ideas. The last piece that was missing was the beginning of this story, the IZU, placed in the bottom right side of the logo, as a sort of Hanko or signature. The name is derived from the place, which is Izuru - meaning "spirit" and having a deeper connection to the hot springs that pop up around the Izu peninsula.  This new logo not only honors the past but also embodies our brand’s future intentions of unity, ascension, and solidarity. -Allison