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.
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!
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