Annika West

Annika’s design training began at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She worked as an award-winning Art Director at LA’s leading advertising agencies on high-profile brands such as Apple and Lexus. She then became the Creative Director for Vans and helped them re-launch their brand to become the success they are today.

During one of Annika’s trips to Hana, she was inspired to recreate the vintage “Dancing Hula Girl Lamp,” which is a hand-crafted tribute to paradise past and reflects Annika’s easygoing nature and love for the Hawaiian Islands. It currently sells in high-end stores and galleries and has been recognized as Tommy Bahama’s “favorite product of the year” for many years.

How It All Began

I first saw the vintage Hula Girl lamp in 1990, while visiting a friend in Hana, where I spent most of my down time. Hana represents the old Hawaiian spirit I treasure, and finding the lamp there made it even more special. I immediately began researching to try and find one for myself, but quickly learned they are very rare. It was then I decided to begin the long road of reproducing the lamp myself. I researched its history and looked for any trace of the original manufacturers. Unfortunately, the original companies were all out of business, but luckily I was able to find a retired mold maker who still had part of the original mold. He taught me a great deal about how it was made. This made me determined to bring this lost craftsmanship back and to remake the lamp.

The process was like a treasure hunt. It was exciting and sometimes frustrating to recreate the all the parts needed. I spent time on every detail; spared no expense. From picking four slightly different color silk threads for the hula skirt, to custom-designing a pattern for the weave, I made sure every part of the product came as close to the original as possible. I had each piece of the mold triple-plated for the highest quality, then added an antique patina. I worked with four different engineers to improve the mechanism, its motion and reliability. Since they’re made by hand, every lamp is slightly different from the next; making each an original piece of art. With an eye for detail, I worked very hard to achieve the highest quality. Reproducing this lamp has been a long road but makes every second worth it when I get to see people experience the light and love these dancing hula girls spread.

I hope you love this lamp as much as I do. Each is blessed with the aloha spirit and can light up your life in more ways than one. These beautiful one of a kind pieces are proudly available for purchase online and at high-end retail stores and galleries.

Aloha

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