It’s Fashion Week in New York City, which means designers everywhere are showing off their upcoming Spring 2010 collections. This year, Polynesia makes a splash at Catherine Malandrino’s show. Her 2010 Spring RTW collection, aptly called “Nomads”, features pieces inspired by four different parts of the world, including the Samoans of Polynesia.

Here’s a gorgeous dress from the collection – you can see the Polynesian influence in the ocean-green color, organic ruffles and flowing, draped look. It looks like a great dress to wear to a wedding or party!

Catherine Malandrino Spring 2010 Dress

Technorati Tags: fashion week, malandrino, polynesia, samoa

According to this Yahoo news story, preparations are underway to recreate the epic voyage of Polynesia’s ancestors. Next year, the Pacific Voyaging Canoes project plans to sail a fleet of 6 double-hulled canoes from French Polynesia to Hawaii. That’s a whopping 2,500 miles! No word yet as to how long they expect this journey to take.

If you’ve seen the BBC series “Wild Pacific”, one of the episodes talks about how the Polynesian ancestors migrated to the islands, constructing sturdy sailing vessels and relying on the sun, stars and other cues from nature for navigation. It’s fascinating to think that these ancient people sailed out into the unknown and happened upon far-flung lands, from New Zealand all the way to Hawaii!

Technorati Tags: canoe, french polynesia, hawaii, polynesia, wild pacific

After returning from a Polynesian vacation, have you ever wished you could recreate the look and feel of paradise at home? I have. Ever since my first trip to French Polynesia, I’ve wanted a bedroom that looks like this:

Overwater Bungalow at Hotel Bora Bora - LouwPhotography.com

I want the whole picture: from the wooden four poster bed to the sheer white mosquito netting to the room situated on stilts over an impossibly beautiful turquoise lagoon with perfect 80 degree temperature year-round.

OK. I guess I can’t have everything. At least I got to keep the purple pareos from the picture.

I also have the wooden four poster bed, so next on the list is the white mosquito netting. Something about the sheer fabric and bright white color against the wood just whispers “paradise” to me.

Unless you have the sewing knowledge to whip up one of these babies from scratch (not me), here are some pre-made options. Then you’ll be on your way to re-creating paradise at home!

Budget: Mombasa “Mirage” Panel – currently on sale at buyhammocks.com for $24.99

Mombasa "Mirage" Panel

Luxury: Pottery Barn Sheer Canopy Drape for $79

Pottery Barn Sheer Canopy Drape

Technorati Tags: bora bora, four poster bed, french polynesia, mosquito netting, polynesia