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Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Raiatea Helm at LeSportsac

We talked story with Raiatea Helm as international brand LeSportsac launched a new line inspired by her music


LeSportsac, the company known worldwide for its fashionable nylon bags, just launched a line exclusive to Hawaii called “Mele,” inspired by local musician Raiatea Helm (@RaiateaMusic).

The material has a colorful print reminiscent of aloha shirts, with various ukelele amidst flowers and musical notes.

Coincidentally, Raiatea was working on her new “Sea of Love” CD when LeSportsac talked to her about the new line, so they are offering a limited collection of autographed CDs in a Mele zip pouch. These pouches are for sale at LeSportsac’s Ala Moana store for $28, and all proceeds will go to the Japan Relief Fund through the Red Cross.

Even after these pouches sell out, though, you can still buy the exclusive “Mele” bags at all LeSportsac stores in Hawaii. Click here to see some of the photos from the launch party.

We caught up with Raiatea at the LeSportsac store in Ala Moana at the launch party (thus why the video is a little noisy) to talk about the new line of bags and how they came to be.

Want to see Raitaea perform a song? Alan Okami of Koaloha (@Koalohauke)  handed her an ukulele and she sang a song off her new CD, which was so beautiful, it almost made me cry. Visit HawaiiIRL.com to hear more about Raiatea and hear her play.

Launching Mele with Guy Sibilla, Cindy Eastman, Raiatea Helm, Edna Hechtman, and Jim Geiger

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You can read all of Melissa’s blogs at www.nonstophonolulu.com/UrbanMixPlate. Follow Melissa on Twitter @Melissa808, on Foursquare as Melissa808, or email at Melissa@nonstophonolulu.com.

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AOkami 5 pts

Melissa808ParkRat You guys did a great job of catching a fine young woman at a very exciting event. Good to see a product branding Hawaii and a local star. Of course I'm talking about Rai, not me, ha ha. It was a really nice gathering and great to see an international brand go Hawaiian.

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

AOkamiParkRat yay!! Thanks for stopping by the blog, Alan!

Annoddah_Dave 81 pts

Delicate Blossom: Ok, I'll bite...what makes LeSportsac so good? Is it the bag quality, the fashion setting design, or you can hold everything and the kitchen sink in it? This one strikes me as a "non-sports" bag so why the sports tag? Say is it French, as well? Or is this a Toki Doki thing?

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

Annoddah_Dave it started out as simply a brand of bags made of lightweight, durable nylon. Don't quote me, but I think it was sold as parachute material? I haven't had a LeSportsac bag since the 8th grade, so I'm fuzzy on that. So anyway, due to its durability, it will last a long time, and due to its being so light, it's ideal for travel. It has since crossed over from being a travel bag, to being a more mainstream fashion bag. Its roots are in being more for the sporty types, though.

nonstopmari 245 pts moderator

how old is raiatea? she's so poised for someone so young...

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

nonstopmari she's 27, but I know what you mean. She looks 21!

ParkRat 27 pts

I couldn't believe how modest and unassuming she was!

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

ParkRat must be good upbringing! I'll bet she's better at sports than she lets on, too.

gyee 6 pts

Beautiful voice and a fun interview. melissa808 better brush up on her sports, j/k

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

FunHIguy LOL. You would think I know some sports, having had PE in high school. I went to a basketball game with my SIL & kept asking stupid questions the whole time!

About Melissa Chang

Melissa has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and public relations. She is currently a freelance writer and independent marketing consultant, specializing in social media. 

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