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.