Photography by Harold Julian
Styled by Ara Laylo
Hair and Makeup by Tamiko Hobin
Modeled by Taimane
Production by Taylor Kondo and Kaitlyn Ledzian
Styling assistance by Cindy Nguyen
Photography assistance by Blake Abes
Production assistance by Lelaine
Built in 1937 as the Honolulu home of Doris Duke, Shangri La was inspired by Duke’s travels across North Africa and Asia. Today, the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation that convenes conversations of global significance through its residencies, exhibitions, and community programs.
Overlooking the southern shore of O‘ahu, Shangri La’s stark white façade and intricately decorated interiors inspire and create deeper understanding of Islamic art and culture. The surrounding flora and fauna call to mind the diversity of Hawai‘i’s natural landscapes.
Taimane, the center’s summer 2024 artist-in-residence, is an ‘ukulele virtuoso and songwriter whose dynamic style has earned her four Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. Playing the instrument since the age of 5, she is now a globally touring artist known for fusing a multitude of genres, from classical to flamenco.
Taimane’s immersive residency granted her access to Shangri La’s extensive archive of historical and contemporary Middle Eastern works. During her time as artist-in-residence, Taimane found a ready muse in the center’s serene expanse and transportive interiors, crafting an original song inspired by Persian mythology and goddesses.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored to be the artist-in-residence at Shangri La,” Taimane says. “The chance to draw inspiration from Middle Eastern mythology and infuse it into my music is going to be an exciting journey. I am also eager to learn more about Doris Duke and her rich history in Hawai‘i, adding another layer of depth to this incredible experience.”
Vintage gold-embroidered Nehru jacket, stylist’s own. Kamaka Hawai‘i ‘ukulele, talent’s own. Featuring a 19th-century Damascene interior from Syria, pictured at the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.
Burberry Prorsum silk dress, stylist’s own. Earrings, talent’s own. Featuring the Qajar gallery of Shangri La.
Leila multicolor abstract print plunge puff sleeve cotton dress by Mara Hoffman, stylist’s own. Sandals, talent’s own. Featuring the Playhouse, modeled after the Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, Iran.
Custom sun-dyed top and wrap skirt by Aiala. Gimaguas disco pants from Here. Earrings, talent’s own.
Alémais checkmate linen pant and shirtdress from We Are Iconic. Earrings, talent’s own. Featuring Shangri La’s marble Jali Pavilion from Agra, India.
Drawstring dress, naturally dyed detachable collar by Okbet, island Capri hat by Lorna Murray, all from Here. Earrings from Bevel Hawaii.
