BEHIND THE ART: SIG ZANE DESIGNS
Sig Zane is one of Hawai‘i’s most respected artists and cultural practitioners. For decades, he has told the stories of the islands through his iconic textile designs, each rooted in heritage and carrying forward knowledge of the land and sea. His work blends tradition with modern expression, keeping Hawaiian culture visible, vibrant, and alive for generations to come.
John John Florence’s friendship with Sig Zane began in 2017 with a visit to the kalo fields in Hilo, Hawai‘i. There, Sig gifted John several kalo plants, a gesture steeped in meaning. John brought those plants home to the North Shore, where he replanted and cared for them. Over the years, they flourished and became a living reminder of the connection between their families and the shared values they uphold.
What began as a simple exchange has grown into a lasting bond built on respect for land, ocean, and tradition. Both John and Sig believe in purposeful design, where every detail holds meaning. This collaboration is more than aesthetics, it is about honoring heritage and carrying stories forward through modern equipment.
Born from this journey is the Kalo Collection. At its heart is Sig’s original artwork honoring the kalo plant, a design shaped by both cultural knowledge and lived experience. For John, this collection is more than performance gear, it is a way to celebrate the traditions he has learned from Sig and to share the lessons that come from caring for kalo.
In Hawaiian culture, kalo (taro) is far more than a crop. It is regarded as an ancestor and a life source, embodying the connection between people, land, and community. Hawaiian tradition teaches that kalo is the elder sibling of the Hawaiian people, and nurturing it is both a responsibility and an act of care for family and environment.
Every element of Sig’s design reflects this meaning, from resilience and nourishment to continuity across generations. By weaving this story into FLORENCE equipment, the Kalo Collection unites modern performance with timeless cultural heritage. It reminds us that the gear we wear can carry a deeper purpose when rooted in respect, tradition, and storytelling.
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