Beauty spot: Carine Roitfeld for M.A.C

M.A.C photos and video

Carine Roitfeld, former editrix of Vogue Paris, elevated the smoky eye to an art form, and now she's making her signature style accessible beyond the magazine pages, with a M·A·C collaboration of chic eyeshadows, dramatic Kohl Power eye pencil, black Fluidline, two mascaras, and more. It'll hit the boutiques Sept. 6. Check out some of the collection below:

Non-flash video link

Carine Roitfeld "Jungle Camouflage" full-face kit. FULL FACE KIT >> Jungle Camouflage Contains four eyeshadows: "Dew Soft" creamy beige (veluxe pearl), “CamO” muted gray taupe (satin), "Bad Lieutenant" blackened deep brown (matte), and "Carbon Intense" black (matte), with "Bootcamp Bronze soft, sheer chestnut Cremeblend blush. The cost is $44. >> Desert Camouflage Contains four eyeshadows: "Sahara Dust" light neutral beige (satin), "Cactus Thorn" mid-tone brown bronze (frost), "Desert" shimmering warm taupe (satin), and "Carbon Intense" black (matte), with "Sand Storm" soft, sheer warm caramel Cremeblend blush. The cost is $44. To help balance and enhance the look:

"Tropical Mist" sheer translucent nude lipstick, $16.

"Feline" Kohl Power eye pencil, $15.

"Blacktrack" Fluidline eye liner, $15.

"Zoomfast" Black Lash mascara, $16.

Spa for a Cause

Nadine Kam photos
Juliet Lighter, center, founder of Women Speaking Out, with Aren Delacruz and Karina Migotti in the courtyard behind Q Laser and Fashionista's Market, where guests at "Spa for a Cause" could relax over drinks, and pupu from M Nightclub.

Juliet Lighter's non-profit Women Speaking Out organization hosted its inaugural "Spa for a Cause" fundraiser on Aug. 26 at Fashionista's Market and Q Laser on Bethel Street.

Through the intimate spa party, the former Miss Hawaii USA aimed to help raise the awareness of domestic violence, while allowing guests to indulge in a day of pampering. For a $15o donation, guests could enjoy spa services, cocktails, pupu, dessert, music, shopping, and go home with a gift box of product samples from Sephora Waikiki.

At Q Laser Center, guests could choose one elite service from a menu that included a 30-minute massage, laser hair removal, laser rejuvenation, teeth whitening, and chiropractic adjustment. It was a good opportunity to check out some of the services offered at Q Laser. I, for one, am a big chicken, so I wanted to know exactly how hot that laser gets before trying that collagen-boosting treatment.

One of the guests gets a laser rejuvenation treatment. The goal is to have a forehead more like Bugsy's, at right below, than the pug at left. The humorous comparison greets visitors to Q Laser Center.

From there, women could move on to Fashionista's Market next door to enjoy a dessert bar with treats from The Mixer, Cake Envy and Candies Cupcakes, as well as a 20-minute neck and shoulder chair massage, hair blowout, and nail color change or nail art from The Nailery, then shop the FM racks with a 10 percent discount.


Funds raised will go toward funding WSO's educational programs focused on reaching women about domestic violence, and to adopt a local women's shelter for the holidays. Lighter, a survivor of domestic violence, created WSO in 2007 to help create social change, but said she's also in the process of rebranding her organization, saying that while she had been focused on education and empowerment for younger women, she has realized such help is needed at all ages.

For Mother's Day, she hosted a similar spa event involving Bath & Body Work and Victoria's Secret for women of the Ewa Beach Domestic Violence Shelter, and said, "We take these things for granted, but some of these women had never had a massage. They were literally in tears and we all left crying. It just made me realize I need to be doing more in the community."


Her aim is to adopt a different women's shelter annually.

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For more information on Women Speaking Out, visit www.womenspeakingouthawaii.com
Q Laser Center is at 1183 Bethel St. Call 524-1237. Fashionista's Market is at 1185 Bethel St.

Lighter with Q Laser Center's (and Rakuen's, and Fashionista's Market's) Anita Clemente.

Another guests gets an adjustment from Cy Hirota.

Anita Clemente gets a well-deserved back and neck massage from Sierra Keylin.

Stylist Crystal Pancipanci, left, was offering shopping assistance at Fashionista's Market, with founder Alyssa Fung, center, and Moani Hara. The dessert bar was a good place to be!

Spin Valerie Joseph's 'Wheel of Fashion'

Valerie Joseph is inviting all to stop by the Ala Moana Center boutique to donate $5 to Community Helping Schools, and spin the boutique's "Wheel of Fashion" to win discounts of up to 40 percent off, plus the opportunity to win a free dress.

Spin the wheel through Sept. 22, when the boutique will be presenting its 5th annual “Fresh Fashion Rocks” benefit at the M Nightclub at Waterfront Plaza, also benefiting Community Helping Schools, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping public schools obtain supplies and services that aren't included in school budgets.

“Fresh Fashion Rocks” will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., with a fashion show, dessert bar by Hokulani Bakery, silent auction, music and dance performances, and more. Tickets are $20, available at the boutique.

Call 942-5258 for more information.

Toast to Baguette's warm welcome

Nadine Kam photos
At Fendi Aug. 16, Anne Young, with Alan Young, tries to choose between the Fendi Baguette Zucca, left, and Fendi Baguette Paglia, two of six of Silvia Fendi's favorites, reissued in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the handbag that helped usher in the era of the "It" handbag. It took her an hour to decide on the embellished Zucca style.

The dress code at Fendi last night was "Baguette," so I was half expecting someone with a sense of humor, and no baguette in their wardrobe, to come in with a loaf of French bread tucked her
arm in honor of the handbag's namesake.

No such moment arrived, but it was still fun to see women with the baguettes they had chosen over the years from the more than 700 styles created in the familiar flat, elongated shape that fits so well tucked under a woman's arm.

Silvia Fendi created the first baguette in 1997 and its immediate and phenomenal success helped usher in the decade of the "It handbag." With its eye-catching stream of creative embellishments and fabrications, it fueled an appetite for ornamental designer bags.

Fendi's district manager Cammy Maheras with her first baguette, a 2012 Lurex fabric version that she loves for its shimmer and versatility. It can be paired with denim to dressy evening ensembles.

"Baguette Mania" events at Fendi in the Royal Hawaiian Center Aug. 14 and Ala Moana Center on the 16th were highlighted by a champagne toast accompanying an exhibition of archival baguettes. You can still view them through 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Ala Moana Center store.

Also available for sale will be copies of the new "Fendi Baguette Book." Pictured on its pages are vintage, rare, limited-edition and one-of-a-kind artist baguettes, including interpretations from such artists as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst.

This red embellished baguette is one of about 10 owned by Kazuko Rodriguez.

Bobbette Adcock brought in this baguette of woven leather in all the colors she favors in her wardrobe and suiting the colors of her other accesssory, her dog Cha-Lee.

Jinhee Oh with her own Fendi purse, left, and another 2012 design. This was my favorite. From afar, it looked like pony hair, but up close the pattern comprises beadwork, with baguette-cut crystals gracing the hardware.

A closer look at the baguette.

Izumi Montenero with her Fendi, and Chizu Kiriki.

At the front of the shop, Fendi craftsman Luis Villar was working on custom Selleria baguettes.

Choosing your leather color is the first step toward owning your own Selleria baguette. I was mightily drawn to the purple.

Representing the University of Hawaii College of Arts & Humanities, dean Peter Arnade and Hye-Ryeon Lee admired Luis's work. Funds raised from a percentage of sales during the event will benefit arts programs at the school.

Kazuko Rodriguez and Jenine Goto at an interactive display of Fendi baguettes included in "The Baguette Book," which I swear weighs 20 pounds. Jenine's baguette dates to 2005, a Zucca with a floral pattern.

A limited quantity of Silvia Fendi's six favorite baguettes have also been reissued in conjunction with the anniversary event, and stores had to fight over these in-demand handbags. In addition to the two considered by Anne Young at the top of the page, the reissues are:

Fendi Baguette Gialla

Fendi Baguette Jeans

Fendi Baguette Tucano

Fendi Baguette Specchietti

Fall 2012 trend preview at NM

Nadine Kam photos
Neiman Marcus offered a preview of fall trends last night. Among them, several shades of green, as shown in this combination of a Halston dress with Helmut Lang jacket and accessories.

With fall season set to begin, in stores if not quite in the air yet, Neiman Marcus is abuzz with trunk shows and previews of what's to come.

Informal modeling is taking place in the store today, and the store hosted two preview fashion shows offering a glimpse of the season's top trends, many inspired by London and the classic chic style of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

The season's mix is highlighted by digital prints, mixed greens, menswear, structured and retro-style jackets, leather leggings, navy as the new neutral and sparkling ladylike brooches worn in unexpected ways.

Digital prints combined with leather leggings, hemmed to showcase booties and all your fab footwear.

More green in a Donna Karan dress and DVF coat with Alexis Bittar jewelry and Prada Art Deco sunglasses.

Mixed with green is blue as the new neutral.

Ladylike classics are inspired by the style of new fashion icon Kate Middleton. This dress, paired with leggings, is from Victoria Beckham.

Menswear influence in a bomber jacket from Burberry, layered with a cashmere cozy.

Menswear gray flannel pinstripe suiting by Jean Paul Gaultier, paired with pearls to soften the look, plus brooches worn at the shoulder rather than the lapel.

In-store events for early fall include:

Neiman Marcus photo
Pieces from David Yurman's Labyrinth Collection.

“Up Close: David Yurman”: During store hours through Aug. 19. The event offers a peek at the jewelry designer’s NM Exclusive Labyrinth Collection featuring pieces in sterling silver with diamonds. You'll be able to earn InCircle bonus points with Yurman purchases of $1,000 or more. Spend $1,000 and get 2,000 bonus points, $2,500 and get 5,000 points, $5,000 for 10,000 points, and $10,000 for 20,000 points.

Buccellati trunk show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 and 18. View the latest collection in
Precious Jewels Salon, Level One

"Up Close: Brunello Cucinelli": Earn InCircle bonus points when you spend $1,000 or more on regular-priced men's or women's Brunello Cucinelli merchandise when you use your NM or BG credit card Aug. 23 to 26.

Beauty Event preview: Snag an NM Exclusive tote bag and beauty samples with your cosmetics or fragrance purchase of $100 or more, and visit participating counters for other special offers. One tote per customer, while supplies last. In Cosmetics, Level One.

Piazza Sempione event: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 5, and 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 6. View the Fall 2012 Collection in Designer Sportswear, Level Two.

Stuart Weitzman trunk show: View the Fall 2012 Collection from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7 in the Shoe Salon, Level One.

Guy Bedarida for John Hardy: Meet creative director and head designer Guy Bedarida and view the latest collection from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 11 in Designer Jewelry, Level One.

Christian Louboutin trunk show: View the Fall 2012 Collection from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 15, and noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Shoe Salon, Level One.

Fashion for the young set at AirBuggy

Nadine Kam photos
AirBuggy founder and President Meiko Iida, right, with store manager Seiko Jackson.

If there's a new mom in your life, check out AirBuggy at Waikiki Beach Walk. From the looks at the glitzy new boutique, specializing in jogger strollers and infant apparel, you'd never guess its creator's humble origins.

Meiko Iida, CEO of GMP International, said she wanted to open her first American boutique here as a thank you to Hawaii, where, while on vacation 17 years ago, she first spotted the American baby jogger, and was buoyed by the idea of spreading the joy of walking and traveling with kids. At the time, she was searching for something to do, as a divorcée who was broke without prospects beyond retail work. She set a goal of bringing the jogger stroller concept to Japan.

The covered strollers, in many colors, run about $480.

Speaking through an interpreter, she said she was able to borrow $39,000 through a government program in Shibuya aimed toward helping women establish themselves in business.

With the money, she began importing the stroller to Japan, and they became an instant hit. But in Japan, people pressed her for a lighter, safer and more compact stroller. When the American company couldn't offer the smaller wheels and canopy her customers wanted, she bought a sketchbook and struggled to draw new designs based on customer requests, before traveling to Taiwan on her own to look for a factory that could produce the stroller.

She launched AirBuggy in 2000 and the brand quickly spread throughout Asia, including Tokyo, Kobe, Fukuoka, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul, while also meeting the high safety standards set by the United States, England and Germany.
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The boutique is on the second floor at 226 Lewers St., open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call 533-9070.

The jogger on the right is for pets. A 3-in-1 jogger is convertible, allowing one to carry baby, and switch to a pet or groceries when your child can fend for him/herself.

Among items available at the shop are First Dress infant shirts ($22) with the cutest designs.

DeTour International managing director Takahiro Hirashima, designer of the First Dress line of infant wear. After taking a look around Waikiki, he says his next collections may feature Hawaii-inspired designs.

More First Dress designs featuring swans, elephants and an animal alphabet.

Cute storage.

Cute carryalls.

Finger puppets.

Barettes for older girls.

Keiko Mikuni with her son Falcon, who may be a customer for infant apparel and accessories, including sunglasses, carried at AirBuggy.

Kaiwa's Mitsue Momai serves up drinks at the grand opening event. For a look at some of the food catered by Kaiwa, visit my other blog, Take a Bite.

Beauty spot: Burberry's London style

Burberry photos

The Olympics are over, but if you're still in a London state of mind, look no further than Burberry Beauty to channel your eddy, stylish inner Brit.

For Fall-Winter 2012, Burberry is offering a sophisticated, muted palette that starts with longwear "Velvet" foundation ($54) that wears like a weightless, protective second skin.

The Sheer Eyeshadow collection features muted shades such as "Gold Trench," "Dark Sable," "Mulberry" and "Porcelain White" to highlight. They're $29 each.

Finish with Burberry Lip Cover, a soft satin lipstick that over coverage and color fidelity in such natural lip tones as "Nude Rose," "Sepia Pink" and "Mocha Glow," at $30 each.

Find the line at DFS Galleria Waikiki's second-floor Beauty World.

Burberry sheer eyeshadow in "Mulberry."

Burberry soft satin Lip Cover in "Sepia Pink."