Katin, California’s original surf company and lifestyle brand, would like to thank everyone who came out to wish the original Katin seamstress since 1961, Sato Hughes, a Happy 90 Birthday this past Saturday, May 19.
Tons of Sato fans and Katin trunk wearers from near and far came out for the birthday event, even Corky Caroll, the legendary surfer and the very first Katin surf trunk wearer, joined us in this celebration of Sato.
Event attendees enjoyed a day filled with food, drinks, live music, tons of Katin gear and of course Sato herself at the Katin surf shop in Surfside, Calif.
The story of this legendary Katin seamstress begins in 1928, in Kawasaki, Japan, where Sato Hughes was born.
Sato, although a master of the art now, initially learned how to sew as a young student in Japan. After moving to the U.S. in the early 1960s, Sato truly began harnessing her sewing craft while hemming and tapering clothing at a local dry-cleaning shop in Seal Beach, California.
Walter and Nancy, who were regular dry-cleaning patrons, chatted with Sato from time to time on their visits to the Seal Beach cleaners. Although she had only been in America for six months, Walter was eager to add a talented seamstress to their team to keep up with the high demand for trunks, and excitedly hired Sato to work at the shop in 1961. With the addition of Sato, an industry and a loyal following were born.
Soon some of the biggest names in surfing, from Shaun Tomson and Peter Townsend to Reno Abillero, Gerry Lopez and Eddie Aikau would go on to sport these handmade custom trunks from Sato. To this day, Sato is still sewing strong, creating custom trunks for all, at the same Kanvas by Katin surf shop in Surfside, Calif.
Please join us in celebrating the 90th birthday of the legendary Sato Hughes.
ABOUT KATIN:
In the early 1950’s Nancy and Walter Katin were in the business of making canvas boat covers. It was upon request from local surfers that they made the first pair of custom canvas surf trunks. Word quickly spread of their ability to withstand the demands of the sea and an industry was born. In 1977, Nancy initiated the annual Katin Pro/Am Team Challenge at the north side of Huntington Beach’s pier, a team event where amateur surfers can compete alongside the pros. Surf legends such as Kelly Slater and Tom Curren have won the Katin Pro/Am. Nancy passed away in 1986, leaving the company to Sato Hughes, her loyal seamstress. Katin continues to take pride in its title as one of California’s first brands to make surf trunks and continues its commitment to selling high-quality, durable goods, both with the iconic surf board shorts and lifestyle apparel, with the same gracious, mellow-hearted attitude since 1954. www.katinusa.com.
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