OUR STORY

Rooted in Heritage.

Reimagined for Today.

Urban Islander Designs was born from my love of creating beautiful clothing for our sons and daughters to wear during the moments that matter most pageants, cultural events, performances, weddings, graduations, family celebrations, and special occasions that become part of our family story.

WEAR YOUR HERITAGE ,LIVE YOUR PRIDE.

Cultural clothing can honor where we come from while also reflecting who we are today.

Dr. Pauline Ali'itasi Gebauer-White

DESIGNED WITH PASSION. CRAFTED WITH PRIDE.

MEET THE DESIGNER

Dr. Pauline Aliu'itasi Gebauer-White

Designer & Founder

I am Dr. Pauline Ali’itasi Gebauer-White, designer and founder of Urban Islander Designs. My work is inspired by Samoan heritage, Pacific Island beauty, family, faith, and the joy of creative expression. I believe cultural clothing can honor where we come from while also reflecting who we are today.

THE MEANING BEHIND THE NAME

Why “Urban Islander”

URBAN

Resourceful by reality.

The word Urban reflects the reality of creating island-inspired fashion while living in the United States. Traditional siapo, finely woven mats, shells, feathers, and other natural materials are not always available in the quantity, color, condition, or timeframe a client may need. Rather than allowing limited access to stop the creative process, I work resourcefully with what is available.

MATERIALS MAY INCLUDE

Authentic when possible. Thoughtful always.

Authentic traditional materials when responsibly sourced

Client-provided family materials

Contemporary woven textiles and printed fabric

Quality trims, shells, coconut accents, feathers, and carefully selected details

The result is a fresh Urban Islander interpr _etationu rooted in heritage, shaped by modern life, and designed especially for the person wearing it.

TRADITIONAL OR MODERN

The Choice Is Yours.

Some clients want a look that remains closer to traditional forms. Others want a more modern silhouette, a modest redesign, a dramatic pageant statement, or something completely original. I welcome both.

A MORE TRADITIONAL DIRECTION

Honor the form.

If you prefer a traditional look, we will discuss the design, the intended occasion, cultural considerations, and the materials that are realistically available.

A MODERN INTERPRETATION

Express who you are today.

We can combine heritage-inspired details with fresh colors, updated proportions, contemporary fabrics, and a silhouette created for your body, age, comfort, and special event.

A COLLABORATIVE DESIGN EXPERIENCE

Your story guides the design.

Every commission begins with a conversation. You may choose a sketch from my gallery and ask me to create an interpretation for you, or we can collaborate on a new design inspired by your ideas, family, event, colors, and personal style.

My goal is not simply to make an outfit. My goal is to help you create a meaningful look that makes your son, daughter, family member, or pageant contestant feel confident, celebrated, and connected to the beauty of island culture.

PAGEANT EXPERIENCE

Culture, confidence, and purpose on stage.

Urban Islander Designs has helped create and prepare pageant looks for contestants who went on to win Ms. Samoa Nevada and Ms. Samoa Las Vegas Nevada. I am honored to have contributed to their presentation and to support women who carry their culture, confidence, and purpose onto the stage.

MS. SAMOA NEVADA

MS. SAMOA LAS VEGAS NEVADA

Every pageant journey is unique, and no designer can promise an outcome. What I can promise is thoughtful collaboration, close attention to the contestantu2019s story and category requirements, and a distinctive look created to help her feel prepared, confident, and beautifully represented.

HOW EACH COMMISSION COMES TO LIFE

Designed with Vision. Completed with a Team.

I personally guide the creative direction and client collaboration for Urban Islander Designs. A trusted production team helps fulfill orders and maintain consistent quality as the business grows.Depending on the commission, team members may assist with preparation, construction, embellishment, finishing, inspection, packing, and other approved production steps.

Before an order is released, the completed piece is reviewed for workmanship, design consistency, finishing details, and presentation. This team-supported process allows Urban Islander Designs to serve more families while protecting the quality, care, and creative standards associated with the brand.

MADE WITH CARE AND CREATIVE INTEGRITY

No two finished garments will be exactly alike. Sketches and concept images are design inspiration

Because each piece is handmade and materials vary, no two finished garments will be exactly alike. Sketches and concept images are design inspiration; the final garment will be adapted to the client measurements, age, occasion, budget, comfort, material availability, and approved design plan. These variations are part of what makes a commissioned Urban Islander design personal.

YOUR MOMENT. YOUR STORY. YOUR DESIGN.

Ready to Create Something Meaningful?

Explore original concepts, choose a direction that speaks to you, or begin a custom collaboration with Urban Islander Designs.

STAY CONNECTED

Join the Urban Islander Circle

Be the first to see new sketches, works in progress, material finds, appointment openings, and inspiration for pageants and special occasions.