A celebration for Takeo

Nadine Kam photos
Joining Takeo and Eric Chandler, center, at their table were from left, singer Claudia Vazquez, Miss Hawaii Teen USA Courtney Coleman, Kitty Woo, Miss Hawaii USA Angela Byrd, Lance Rae and Pamela Young.

A who's who of beauty queens, models, entertainers and designers showed up in support of designer Takeo May 29 at Empress Restaurant at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, where friends staged a "Celebration 4 Takeo," a fundraiser to help with medical expenses from his hospitalization and open-heart surgery in April.

The outpouring of love and support was fitting for the designer, who, along with Eric Chandler, has contributed so much to the community through fashion shows and benefit events that have raised funds for scholarships. The two have also tried to raise the profile of Hawaii as a fashion destination through the F.A.C.E. of Honolulu events that helped to promote young and new designers, and tried to make fashion friendlier by bringing it out of exclusive boutiques and into public streets.

I had visited Takeo at Queen's before his surgery and respected his and Eric's wish for privacy afterward. A few days out of the hospital, Takeo called me to ask that, based on his experience, I help spread the word to every young, aspiring creative individual that in going about their work they also take time to think about their health, and consider financial security and lifestyle changes if necessary.

Typically for Takeo, he wasn't thinking about himself, but about others! He had been lying in bed thinking about how hard everyone in Hawaii works, and he sees how young designers work so hard on their craft by day, then take to an endless round of parties at night and weekends to promote their work. He had also been caught up in that cycle, and it does take its toll.

It's difficult to slow down when you're accustomed to working at a certain pace, and especially now, when change comes so quickly, there's the paranoia that if you stop for a second, you'll lose momentum. But ultimately, life and good health are far more valuable than any fame or fortune.

Thank you Takeo and I wish you a speedy recovery! And of course, don't go back to work right away!

For those who want to make a donation toward defraying his medical expenses, contributions can be made payable to Eric Chandler and mailed to: “Celebration 4 Takeo,” 1128 Nuuanu Ave. #204, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Courtney and Angela show their love for the designers who helped drive them continue to support their efforts toward achieving their life and career goals. I was sitting next to Angela, who's already in Vegas for her Miss USA pageant, which takes place June 19 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. You can follow the action online at www.missuniverse.com/missusa and also help vote Angela in as a semi-finalist there. Courtney's pageant takes place in July at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas.

Several musicians contributed their time and talent for the event, which included a performance of Takeo's favorite song, "Waikiki," during which audience members were welcomed to join in the hula. Dancers included Liana Green (foreground), Dr. Angela Pratt, Iwalani Tseu and Trini Kaopuiki.

Kristian Lei with Takeo and Eric. It's hard to believe that even through her tears during this emotional event, she was able to belt out "Amazing Grace" and "Circle of Life." She's amazing!

Part of the festivities included the auction of men, including Midweek publisher Ron Nagasawa, at right. He joked that there was talk of having the men whip off their shirts to raise the bidding, but he decided he was worth more with his clothes on. For the record, there was no stripping that afternoon!

Another part of the fundraising was the auction of designer apparel, including the 1980s vintage Diane Freis dress worn by Courtney. The designer's name is spelled wrong on the card, but that was 30 years ago so as popular as Freis was back then, I notice no one remembers how to spell her name anymore. This is the second time I've seen it misspelled recently. In the background, former Miss Hawaii Pam Kimura models a St. John suit that was also up for auction.

Included on the menu were roast duck, roast chicken, beef broccoli, and shrimp with vegetables ...

... and of course, noodles signifying long life.