Meet Tiare Lee

Tiare, named after the beautiful Tahitian Gardenia with star-like white petals and a glorious fragrance, was born + raised on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii.

In the 1980s, Tiare spent a significant amount of time in Tahiti. Her time was spent immersed in the local culture, taking French lessons, spending time by the lagoons, and learning the art of pareo-making from the local Tahitian women.

During her travels, Tiare also discovered the traditional Tahitian bed cover — the Tifaefae — which later became the inspiration for The Maui Beach Sheet.

How it all started...

Tiare Style was founded in 2000 by Jody Baldwin, Tiare's mother, who grew up surrounded by Hawaii's lush flora. The brand, named after Tiare, reflects her mother’s love for the Tahitian Gardenia and the timeless elegance of Polynesian motifs. 

In the late '90s, while creating the decor for her tropical Balinese-style B&B in Hana, Maui, Jody sought simple, yet vibrant, cotton bedding and tablecloths but struggled to find designs that fit her vision. So, she decided to create her own. Her designs quickly became popular among friends and guests, leading to the creation of Tiare Style, a brand that continues to embody the spirit of island living and effortless beauty.

The Batik Process

Inspired by Tahitian Tradition
Our designs are brought to life using the ancient art of batik, a technique that involves hand-painting wax-resist patterns onto fabric before it’s dyed. This process results in one-of-a-kind prints that are both intricate and expressive, creating garments that are as unique as the wearer. Each brushstroke and dye is carefully applied, paying homage to the beauty and vibrancy of Polynesian artistry.

Shop the Maui Beach Sheet