A star is born on Hoku night

Whitby Bierwolf photos
Kiani Ventura-Tampos, left, Mailani Makainai are in a silver Niho Mano Cuff and silver Kapa Cuffs from the Paradisus Sonny Ching Collection. Mailani also wears Kamapua'a Tusks with silver lashing, from the same collection.

No matter what the outcome of the Hoku Awards, Kiani Ventura-Tampos—nominated for Female Vocalist of the year and Reggae Album of the Year—was a winner before she set foot in the Hawai'i Convention Center Kalakaua Ballroom.

As a new artist from the Big Island, she said she doesn't really wear make-up and "fashion isn't at the top of my list due to not much fashion choices as the Hilo mall is limited."

Even so, with all the stories I've written about Ralph Malani and the work he's done with Polynesian models and artists like Raiatea Helm and Anuhea, she decided to contact him through Facebook to see if he could help her make a good impression on an audience of her peers in Honolulu, as well as a television audience.

"After talking to him and mentioning how I love Rihanna, he said he was interested in helping me."

For his part, Ralph said, "At first, wasn't going to do it because I'm so busy."

But then he had a change of heart because he was already prepared to do a makeover on last year's Hoku Award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year Mailani Makainai, and Kiani was so eager to make an impact.

"She is sweet and never been on TV or in the paper," he said. "She is a Big Island girl with Big Island style, but the night of the Hokus she will be a star."

Kiani Ventura-Tampos before her makeover.

Beauty Spot: Ross Burton's favorite things

Nadine Kam photo
Makeup artist Ross Burton's favorite things have a way of becoming Oprah's favorite things as well. He'll be presenting master classes at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 28 at Nordstrom.

A woman I just met asked me for some cosmetic advice because she feels she needs a total makeover. Well, her timing is perfect, because there's no shortage of makeup and skin experts in town for the Nordstrom Cosmetic Trend Event taking place in-store May 28.

I was able to catch up with some of them early, including Hylton Lea of ReVive Skincare, George Smart of Osmotics, and Ross Burton, whose favorite things often become Oprah Winfrey's favorite things because she relies on her makeup artist's advice.

Prior to working with Oprah, he was the artistic director for Lancome Paris, accustomed to working for a single brand. His work has intensified as he's now inundated with product from every brand imaginable and says it's his duty to "vet, test and try" products before he can recommend them to Winfrey.

One of his favorite things that has also become hers is the Clarisonic brush, which helps to cleanse and exfoliate.

His favorite things tend to be multi-use products, like YSL's Touche Eclat pens, which can be used as an eyeshadow base, mask skin imperfections, cover dark circles under the eyes and highlight the eyes.

Other favorite products:

NARS Illuminators: Can be applied directly to the skin or added to any moisturizer to add a sheer, natural glow to skin.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine: Lip color that combines the best attributes of a lipstick and gloss, adding sheer color to lips, with a transparency that allows one's own skin color to show through, for an individualized color effect. It's really beautiful.

Bobbi Brown bronzers: in multicolors to suit any skin tone, to highlight and contour.

Going back to the woman in need of a makeover. A lot of times, it's a matter of keeping up with trends, whether in hairstyle or use of color cosmetics. Burton said many women get stuck in a rut. "They keep using products that don't work for them anymore because they felt most beautiful when they were using it." It's pretty obvious when you see 40-year-old women with hair and styles and makeup styles that were last "in" when they were in high school.

The three tips he dispenses all the time are:

1. Organize: Clean out your drawers and shoe boxes; discard cosmetics that don't work and keep what does work.

2. Take your cues from fashion: Just as you update your wardrobe with a new belt, shoe or handbag, update your cosmetic wardrobe with a new lipstick, blush and eyeshadow in the latest colors and formulations, and learn to use them in contemporary ways. For instance, as skincare has improved, foundation has become light and sheer, often no more than an SPF-tinted moisturizer that allows you to see skin, not makeup.

3. Do your research: Keep up with the latest beauty blogs and magazines, which seasonally offer their own hot lists of products that work.

As to whether proximity to Oprah is putting Burton on a path to having his own OWN television show, he plays it coy, only saying only time will tell, but adding, "Makeover shows are always popular."

Beauty Spot: Osmotics

George Smart, national director of education for Osmotics, shows the device used for the LED treatment used in conjunction with the company's products. He's 40 and his skin is amazing. After battling rosacea most of his life, he said Osmotics' Blue Copper is what started him on the path of skin healing.

Francine Porter, creator of Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, is revolutionizing the way skincare is sold by bringing esthetics to the sales floor with the introduction of LED red-light Therapy used in conjunction with Osmotics products.

This is the wave of the future, just as performing makeovers on the sales floor might have been a novel idea 50 years ago but is commonplace today.

While the Nordstrom Cosmetic Trend Event is going on May 28, you may be able to catch George Smart, national director of education for Osmotics at the counter performing the LED Therapy, which will continue to be available on a permanent basis, by appointment.

A treatment that might cost $200 at a esthetic or medi-spa will be free with a $75 purchase from Osmotics, or $75 without purchase. Consider it a lift with purchase instead of a gift with purchase.

Porter started the company because she was frustrated by the empty claims of many cosmetic brands, and wanted scientific proof of products' effectiveness. She began working with university medical centers, basing its treatments on clinically validated tests, and licensing technologies that produce results.

Smart said he suffered from rosacea throughout his life, unable to find any product that worked until he discovered Osmotics Blue Copper 5.

Although most people might use Osmotics for anti-aging purposes, others like Smart, seek it for relief from rosacea or other skin conditions such as excema, psoriasis, or who are going through chemo or radiation.

Some of the most popular items from the line include:

"Crease-Less": A needle-less Botox alternative, with patented peptides that help prevent expression lines and creases.

"Eye Surgery": An under-eye rejuvenator to help reduce dark circles, puffy eye bags and smooth crepey eyelids.

Necollete: Targets signs of aging and sun damage on the neck, chest and décoletté.

Catching up with Bliss Lau

Malie Moran photo
Romi Beppu, a Hawaii dancer who was formerly a Boston Ballet principal dancer, auditions for Bliss Lau's fashion presentation taking place Sunday night at The Waikiki EDITION.

Hawaii-raised and now New York-based designer Bliss Lau is back in town for two fashion events taking place at the Waikiki EDITION Lobby Bar this weekend.

She’ll be sharing her New York experience during the Hawaii RED magazine and Hifi Fashion Panel, 2 to 4 p.m. May 28. Tickets are $25, visit redfashionpanel.eventbrite.com.

Then at 6 p.m. Sunday she’ll present her Fall 2011 “Embraced” collection that debuted in New York in February. Tickets are $10, available at fashionasart.eventbrite.com.

But first there was the matter of casting ballet dancers to model her pieces. By the time I caught up with Bliss at the Lobby Bar, she was thrilled that she had seen so many powerful dancers, including Hawaii dancer Romi Beppu, a former principal dancer for the Boston Ballet.

You can see why she's enlisting dancers in a peek at the collection's New York debut, which I posted in February. (Click on the top photo of the earlier post to see the video.)

I intended to dash in for a quick photo of the auditions so paid a dollar for an hour of metered parking, but actually hung around a half hour longer so my car was towed from the Ala Wai marina area! Those tow trucks come fast because they're parked around the corner near the Waikiki Prince Hotel! At least the tow yard wasn't at Sand Island. I totally would have had no money because I forgot they only take cash. I had to go to a cash machine at the Prince.

Nadine Kam photo
Bliss shows one of the pieces she designed for herself when she needed something to wear to an event.

Oh well, it was sort of worth it to be able to catch up with Bliss and see her amazing body jewelry up close. At the shows, you get the impression of what the pieces are like, but this was a rare opportunity to feel their weight and see the work and detail up close. Her workmanship is incredible.

She makes all her samples by hand, and it took her about two months to finish her first leather piece with long, cuffed sleeves; the one being worn by Romi in the top photo.

She initially entered Parsons to study fashion design but along the way she discovered a passion for handbag design, then jewelry. She said that a fashion foundation provided the fundamentals for creating both. She still designs jewelry with clothing in mind, creating, essentially, airier versions of halter tops, dresses and collared, peplum jackets.

Even so, when I asked her if she'd ever return to clothing, she said, "Probably not."

She said she designed too many strange, unwearable things that she has held onto, but will never show anyone.

Sunday's show promises to be amazing. Be there!

Beauty Spot: Bvlgari

Nadine Kam photos
From left, Neiman Marcus product specialist Catherine Sun was joined by Bulgari's national trainer Monica Rivera, senior account executive Jeanette Sukalac, and West Coast territory senior account coordinator Fariba Hobadifard, during a Bulgari skincare master class.

When using any skincare line, whether budget- or luxury-oriented, effectiveness is moot if you're not using the products correctly.

That may not be as much of a concern if you're paying $20 or less for drugstore brands, but if you're shelling out more than $100 or $200, you want to be sure you're getting your money's worth.

Toward that end, Bulgari hosted a couple of master classes at Neiman Marcus on May 14, giving a couple dozen women, in two afternoon workshops, an opportunity to try and learn effective application of products from its Bvlgari Gem Essence line.

After hydrating from within with mock mojitos created with muddled basil and mint, lime juice, honey and soda water, women were put to work on external hydration, starting by removing their own makeup, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing, and finally, applying a protective layer of tinted Source Defense Moisturizer.

Bulgari's national trainer Monica Rivera led the class in learning to gently pat serums and moisturizers onto the face, spa style, rather than using the typical fast rubbing motions of a person in a hurry. Correct application, following gentle exfoliation, helps more of the serums to penetrate the skin's surface rather than sticking mainly to one's hands and fingertips, though of course hands need protection too.

Cheryl Suzuki applies Bvlgari Masque Precieux to a volunteer.

To give an idea of how effective skincare products can be over time, cosmetitian showed how the back of her hands have remained young looking over time because she's used them as palettes for skincare application demonstrations throughout her career. Hands are notorious for betraying age because women don't tend to them they way the do their faces, but in XX's case, her hands looked 20 years younger than her arms, which betrayed the wrinkling and dark circles caused by sun exposure and aging.

From initial presentation of Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert-scented oshibori towelettes to cleanup with hot towels, the slow, luxurious pace of the afternoon did indeed feel like a spa, but one in which each woman was her own facialist!

The Bvlgari Gem Essence line is beautifully packaged and scented. It's one of the most effective lines I've found for my aging skin. Others would be two Japanese lines, Rice Force, available at The Kahala Spa, and Love Renaissance, available at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Wedding Ring Shop introduces Tacori Boutique

Nadine Kam photos
From left, Jennifer Lieu, Lena Hanson and Lindsey Muraoka are dwarfed by a giant wedding ring display that marked the grand opening of the Tacori Boutique at The Wedding Ring Shop.

June is the traditional start of the wedding season, and if there's a summer wedding in your future, The Wedding Ring Shop has something new to offer.

The nearly quarter-century kamaaina company hosted the grand opening of the Tacori Boutique, the first in the nation, on May 13 with a private champagne and diamond celebration.

The shop-within-a-shop was designed by Tacori founder Haig Tacorian, in ‘Tacori Blue, and to mark the occasion, a larger than life boxed wedding ring was constructed at the ground-floor entrance to The Wedding Ring Shop.

On view were Tacori’s 2011 spring collection of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion jewelry, noted for the American jeweler's signature crescent silhouette design.

Naturally, there were many women browsing and trying on, and a few men there admitted to purposefully leaving wives at home, lest they decide they need an upgrade!

The Wedding Ring Shop is at 1181 Kapiolani Blvd. For more information, call 945-7766 or visit www.weddingringshop.com.

The Wedding Ring Shop's Michael Han prepares to cut the grand opening ribbon of the Tacori Boutique.

Shoppers, running the gamut of those already married to the happily single, tried on many an engagement ring.

A Tacori setting creates a halo effect that makes a diamond appears larger than its 1-carat size.

Shauna Goya tries on a diamond engagement ring.

Beyond diamonds, Tacori also had many pieces of semi-precious stone jewelry available for purchase.

The invite.

Oil consumption isn't pretty

Nadine Kam photos
A look at the Solar Lounge at Fishcake, at 307 Kamani St. in Kakaako.

The Blue Planet Foundation showed ways to live stylishly and sustainably at its Solar Lounge event at Fishcake on May 11.

The Watt Wheels solar-powered living room was lighted with luminaires and lamps designed by local artists Mark Chai, Keiko Hatano and Wendy Kim-Messier.

Blue Planet founder, chairman and visionary, Henk Rogers was there to evangelize for the cause. Many may be familiar with his name because he brought the video game Tetris to the United States game market almost two decades ago.

He said when he looked around the globe for a place where his foundation could make the most impact, he didn't have to look farther than his home here in the islands, where energy is costly—financially and ecologically—because of the distance involved in importing fossil fuel. Yet, it is a relatively small place, with plentiful energy sources—whether solar, thermal, wind or ocean current—that could provide for all our needs.

He said that we have the technology and money to essentially go cold turkey on oil right now, but what is lacking is the willpower. The willpower seems to be increasing though, as I overhear many more people talking about electric car options because of the rising cost of gasoline. (If it gets people out of SUVs and idiotic monster trucks I'd be happy.) Guests couldn't miss the big hint at the door, an electric Tesla parked at the entrance to the soiree!

The Blue Planet Foundation website offers tips on how you can avoid "energy vampires" at home and start conserving energy in ways that aren't costly.

Man of the hour, Henk Rogers, left, with Blue Planet Foundation executive director Jeff Mikulina, and their message imploring others to "Be the Change."

Dior's Hawaiian moment

Style.com
Two looks from Dior's Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection.

In an intro to 2011, I optimistically predicted this would be the year of a Hawaiian renaissance in fashion. For those attune to the cosmos, all the indicators were there, among them warmer temperatures necessitating fewer clothes, the strong showing of Hawaii-linked designers Jay Sario, Andy South and Ivy Higa on "Project Runway," the return of "Hawaii Five-O" to television, and the spate of films shot in the islands, including "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "The Descendants," from which we gleaned images of George Clooney in a downtown-style aloha shirt!

But perhaps most exciting, Hawaiian style got a refreshing jolt when John Galliano showed it on Dior's Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear runway as part of his South Pacific fantasy.

For those of us who have grown up with the Hawaiian print, seeing it every day our entire lives reduces it to a yawner, but Dior showed what can happen when island-style prints are combined with exquisite silk and textured fabrics, beautiful accessories and playful styling.

Dior merchandise director, ready-to-wear, Fabianne Espinola, arrived in town over the weekend for a May 7 trunk show, allowing fans to inspect the garments up close.

Being as Galliano is no longer with Dior, pieces from his last collections are being purchased as collector's items. Fabianne said the search for a successor is continuing, so stay tuned.

Nadine Kam photos
At Dior Ala Moana, models Rain Rusden and Daniela Abe wear designs from the spring-summer 2011 RTW runway. Use of the hibiscus print, below in a pink color way, is subtle on Rain's skirt. It's different from the typical blind-em-in-the-eyes approach that prevails in Waikiki discount stores.

Shoes from the collection add a wow factor to the ensembles.

A delicate knit-and-crocheted dress shows some of Dior's luxurious details. The ruffles are hand dyed for an ombre effect and a subtle orchid pattern is crocheted throughout the orchid-colored skirt.

Flower-finished ties hang off a sheer, jeweled floor-length red carpet look.

When I said I love starfish, Dior assistant manager, sales, Shirlene Kinjo, encouraged me to try on this starfish-inspired dress, but for a sample size, it looked pretty big so I declined. Now I wish I had. It may have been my only chance because most of the garments were destined to be shipped on to the next trunk show destination and will otherwise be available by customer request. Oh well. Below is the designer's ideal look.

To complete the picture, jewelry that looks like local-style eyelash lei.

Lolitas, steampunk denizens and cosplayers at home at Kawaii-Kon

Nadine Kam photos
Kawaii-Kon attendees are never shy about being photographed.

For the non-anime, non-manga fan, Kawaii-Kon offers a quick intro to the world of cosplay, Lolita dressing, and increasingly, steampunk. I don't recall seeing any steampunk clothing two years ago, the last time I attended the event, but their contingent is growing, and that adds to the excitement of the event. I mean, if you're not a cosplayer and you've parachuted in for a couple years, if you've seen one Itachi and Sasuke pairing, you've seen them all. Steampunk offers more opportunity to get creative because there's no defined character template.

I was there to capture the Lolita Fashion Show on video, but naturally got sidetracked by all the costumes. It's less scary than Halloween because most people aren't hiding behind gruesome masks—well, with the exception of one zombie!

It's always fun to just walk around, and this year I got dressed as a more contemporary, businesslike Lolita, so I didn't feel so much like a voyeur as in past years when I simply arrived in street garb!

Earl Crawford spent three months working on his "World of Warcraft" Tauren costume, with his daughter as Astrid, the Viking Girl from "How to Train Your Dragon." They're with Julia Tashima and her daughter Kaleia.

Xinyun Cao is Hatsune Miku from "Vocaloid."

Dan is Sephiroth from "Final Fantasy VII."

Brian Patgue and Jeffrey Lucas are cardboard robots Danbo and Yotsuba.

Lolitas lined the stage at the finale of the Lolita Fashion Show that took place April 30.


Video link for iPhone

Matt Brannies, left, is pictured with Tory Laitila, a steampunk cossack, with kindred spirits in the background.

Won Park, already a master of origami, has turned his craftsmanship toward creating impressive steampunk accessories.

Jordan Miller spent five months working on his Shimon costume.

Kira Cowles, left, is Scanty Demon, and Selina Sonoda is Kneesocks Demon, from the anime "Panty & Stocking."

"Dragonball Z" family, from left, Andrea Ogata as Bulma, Kai Ogata as Trunks and Jon Ogata as Vegeta.

I was following this guy around for a long time, but my notes got messed up so not sure what this costume is.

Chloe Nichol in steampunk drab.

Rick Oishi is Gray, from "Fairy Tale," with Sarah Chang as Juvia.

Summer Ramey is "Star Wars" Princess Leia.

Cody Beem is an Umbrella Corp. Undead Squad II specialist with zombie Dale Beem in his sights.

Kevin Nagata shows some of his new toys to Won Park.

Waiting for the start of the Lolita Fashion Show, Erica Antoine is dressed as Ruki, from the Japanese band Gazette, at center is boy Lolita Michael Tromboc and Patrick Upega dressed in elegant gothic Lolita style.

Candace Gabriel is Yuna, from "Final Fantasy X," and Cregan Yanagihara is Squall, from "Final Fantasy VIII."

Megan Fellows, right, is Sophie from "Howl's Moving Castle,' with her sister Megan as Howl, holding Calcifer, the fire demon.

Sean Matsuo, left, and Jamie Kim, in Lolita style.

Tori Ninetails as Lulu from "Final Fantasy 10," with Christian DeCosta as Naked Snake from "Metal Gear Solid."

Angie Hanai is Athena from "King of Fighters."

Lolita Momoko Ryugasaki.

From left, Ty Yamasaki is Tobi, from "Naruto," Raquel Algono wears school girl pink, and Michael Uehara is Karasuma from "School Rumble."