Hawaiian shirt designerEllery J. Chun

A Hawaiian, Chun was inspired by the garments worn by plantation workers and the silk shirts made from kimono scraps, and in 1931 invented the Aloha Shirt. The colorful shirts with palm tree, hula, or floral motifs were an instant hit with local surfers and entertainers, which spurred sales among tourists. The colorful shirts are now a Hawaiian tradition. Chun died May 16 at age 91.