An Hermès-inspired afternoon

Nadine Kam photos
Hermès CEO Robert Chavez with Tiana and Nobuhide Torii.

Tiana Torii hosted an intimate luncheon at her home April 2, welcoming friends including Hermès CEO Robert Chavez, who's been a friend of hers ever since he joined the company a decade ago. Based in New York, he tries to visit the islands twice a year, as well as other boutique locales around the world.

A humble and low-key gentleman, he said he's sometimes mistaken for a sales associate in the stores, but like TV's "Undercover Bosses," it gives him a good idea of clientele's wishes and concerns.

As always, no detail was overlooked. The table was dressed with gold and silver placemats, with flowers in pinks and oranges, reflecting Hermès signature box color. Afterward, I was wondering how the orange came to be, and a quick Internet search led me to the Contessanally blog, where the orange was attributed to the only color of paperboard available during World War II scarcity. Maybe someone from Hermès will be able to confirm the story.

Limited-edition Hermès scarves were hung over the living room from second-floor balconies.

To add to the color of the afternoon, Tiana also managed to string up some of her own Hermès scarves, hanging like banners over her living room. She tried to explain how it was done, but I have such a lack of mechanical skill that my mind was boggled. It somehow involved pitching the string-fastened scarves across the room and hoisting.

The scarves she chose had particular significance because they were all limited editions, including two aloha scarves, one created for the opening of the Ala Moana Center Hermès boutique and one commemorating the Hawaii World Festival. There was also a United Nations scarf and the Bolduc au Carre, that is a signature of the luxury brand.

With lunch prepared by Le Bistro chef Alan Takasaki and his staff, it was a beautiful, relaxed way to spend a Saturday afternoon. What a treat!

The Toriis' giant yellow Bearbrick had a limited edition Waikiki twilly tied around his wrist while carrying the limited edition Picotin bag from the Waikiki Hermès opening, as well as a classic orange Birkin (30 cm).

Chef Alan Takasaki of Le Bistro created a luxurious meal that started with several appetizers before guests were seated. It was so food intense, I didn't know at the time whether to write about it on this blog or Take A Bite. Most events easily fit one category or the other, but Tiana understood the quandary. Noting that I write about food and fashion, she said, "I have both!"

Lunch guests Charlyn Honda Masini, left, and Tammy Browning, with goodie bags from Hermès, bearing catalogs, a scarf-tying guide and sweets.

Guests Kristi Komeya, left, and Joyce Aoki.

Nobu at the table, with flowers, below.

We thought the four-hour lunch was over with the arrival of white and pink macarons, but the real dessert of a Gianduja chocolate souffle was still to come. By that time, most of us had to leave, but about half of us decided we couldn't let those gold-leafed soufflés go to waste. They were definitely worth the time. We could have easily enjoyed two apiece, but I think just one would break anyone's diet for the week.

Another Bearbrick held the Japan flag in solidarity with our sister nation.