Thursday, February 23, 2012

DVF boutique hosts warm-up to 'Sacs'

Nadine Kam photos
From left, members of the Junior League of Honolulu Monica Jennings, Lizette Chan-Zahn and Jennifer Dotson show copies of Diane Von Furstenberg's book, "Diane: A Signature Life."

The DVF boutique at Ala Moana Center welcomed members of the Junior League of Honolulu for a private party Feb. 17 in advance of JLH's "Sacs in the City" fundraiser coming up on Girl's Day, March 3.

Women browsed the colorful display of Spring 2012 designs to find something to wear to the event to show their support for the designer who has shown an interest in Hawaii's arts and culture scene. During her visit here last fall, she contributed $10,000 to EuroCinema Hawaii.

Diane Von Furstenberg is the featured designer for the luncheon fashion show highlighted by a silent auction of luxury handbags and other merchandise, which raises funds for the organization's community work.

On the runway at the Sheraton Waikiki will be 24 designs from the DVF Spring/Summer 2012 New York runway.

Tickets for the event, taking place 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., are $95. Visit www.juniorleagueofhonolulu.org for more information.

DVF shop Corinne Kesteloot shows one of DVF's isle-ready maxi dresses.

Jojo Watumull tried on DVF's tangerine-colored sequin dress.

BFFs Jill Misawa and designer Andy South, who apparently has been working on an accessories collection. I recognized his south-directional logo right away. Now that's good branding!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Planning ahead for fall

Style.com photos

Even though we're just in spring, the timing of the fall shows has those in fashion already looking forward to what they want to be wearing in September.

After finally getting a chance to review most of the New York fall shows, Marc Jacobs showed again why he rules the New York runways. His was my favorite show. Minus the giant, scene-stealing hats, his runway was full of color, textures, interesting layers and silhouettes that in real way, you wouldn't necessarily mix together.


I think there will be a lot of people clamoring for little knit shawlets come fall, like this one Marc Jacobs sent down his runway.

When it comes to what I would wear though, I definitely go for less drama, and I'm looking forward to the Rebecca Taylor collection, and if I could afford it, I would buy ALL the pieces from the Red Valentino collection. Unfortunately for me, those pieces fall largely into the $600 to $900 range, so I could probably only get one piece. If so, it would be this one:


I really love the pretty, feminine, fresh ingenue style, though I regretfully am past those days.



Monday, February 20, 2012

Designer seeks aloha via Kickstarter



Eric Wehner Photography
Courtney Coleman in one of Katrina Langford's HI State of Mind designs.

Katrina Langford is another Hawaii entrepreneur taking to Kickstarter.com as a source of funding for her clothing line, HI State of Mind.

After a fashion show fundraiser to kick off her campaign to rebrand her sustainable luxury apparel, she still has six days to raise about $3,000 toward her $7,000 goal. If she doesn’t make that goal by Feb. 26, she doesn't get any of the funds pledged so far.

She's hoping individuals will step forward to make pledges and spread the word by sharing her campaign link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/katrinalangford/sustainble-luxury-apparel. In return for money received, she will be offering unique items in return, such as her high- or low-tide skirts, logo T-shirt and 3-way garment level, depending on the amount pledged.

Funds raised, she says, will go toward hiring local seamstresses, that, in addition to freeing her time for design, will help provide individuals with jobs and keep production in Hawaii; allow her to purchase upcycled materials and help preserve the environment by keeping unwanted garments and accessories out of landfills; and allow her to help the economy by paying for the services of hair and makeup artists, models, photographers, videographers, and graphic designers needed to create a professional advertising campaign.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Michelle Vawer in a spot for Kohl's


Local model Michelle Vawer, up for Rookie of the Year vote for her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, is on a roll in 2012.

After writing about the issue, I heard from Hawaii designer Michele Lau, now living in New York, who said she spotted Vawer in a Kohl's commercial for Rock & Republic denim. The new spot just started airing here as well, and if you ditched TV for other media, here it is. Just click on the photo.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Maui shows up strong in SI Swimsuit Issue

Sports Illustrated photos by Walter Iooss Jr.
Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit issue covergirl Kate Upton, photographed in a swimsuit by Maui-based Suit Yourself Bikinis by Kathleen Bruening.

Hawaii may not be the biggest state for swimwear manufacturing and distribution, but there are a lot of innovative brands here, led by designers who understand the magic trifecta of fit, style and utility.

So it makes sense that Hawaii brands are typically on prominent display when the Sports Illustrated annual swimsuit issue and web site debuts.

There must be something in the water over on Maui because designers there are a hit with SI.

This year, Maui-based Suit Yourself Bikinis got the cover, with Kate Upton photographed in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in a suit designed by Kathleen Bruening, who posted on Facebook, that the cover suit was sold out by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, once word got out. She has a wait list going, and you can get on it by emailing info@suityourselfbikinisstore.com with your contact information and size.

Also among the featured brands is Acacia Swimwear, created by Maui-based designer Naomi Newirth and Lyndie Irons, wife of the late world champion surfer Andy Irons, and Maui Girl, which last year had a suit selected to be handpainted onto a model.

And the mother of Maui brands, Letarte, whose suits have now been in the swimsuit issue for 12 consecutive years. The brand created by Lisa Letarte Cabrinha and Michele Letarte Ross, and designed by Lisa, last made the cover in 2005.

Wearing one of Letarte's suits is Kailua girl and ‘Iolani graduate Michelle Vawer. In a nice emailed note, reader Winter alerted me yesterday, “Your 2009 prediction of Michelle Vawer for SI just happened!”

Thanks! I totally forgot I said that, although I always think it when I see her.

In November 2009, Michelle was the model for a Valentine's 2010 lingerie spread, "In between the lines," I styled for HI Luxury magazine. After the session, I posted, “I just wonder how long it will be before Sports Illustrated comes calling for its swimsuit edition?”

She was also the model for another photo session I styled for the magazine, in which she was cast as a femme fatale after a young heir's diamonds. I made a video out of the storyline. Sorry for the sound quality and jerkiness; I was a video rookie two years ago:


Nadine Kam video
Non-flash video link

Michelle is up for the title of SI’s “Rookie of the Year” at bit.ly/xrJbt5. In a "This Week in Beautiful Women" feature on Esquire.com, writer Jimmy Traina publicly wonders, "Who is this Michelle Vawer?" before naming her as his choice of "Rookie of the Year."

I don’t see any reason why she wouldn’t win!

Anyone else make the issue? Speak up now!

Michelle Vawer, shot in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, in a top by Cecilia Prado Mare and Maui-based Letarte's Lisa Cabrinha.

Michelle in a swimsuit by Maui-based Suit Yourself Bikinis, by Kathleen Bruening.

Sports Illustrated photo by James Macari
And Hawaii swimsuit designers aren't the only ones who got in. Here, Alyssa Miller wears Ki-ele's Zayit necklace, one of several pieces by Marylea Conrad featured in the magazine and online. The photo was shot on Desroches Island, Seychelles. The swimsuit is by Luli Fama.

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Added Feb. 16: Heard from a Garden Isle reader who also wanted to give credit to designer Lennie Collins, whose company La Vida Aloha, also made it into the issue. One of her suits was modeled by cover girl Kate Upton, below:

Sports Illustrated photos by Walter Iooss Jr.

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Added Feb. 22: Among jewelry featured are pieces by Maui-raised, New York based designer Tiffany Chou, and Makawao-based RockaBella Jewels also makes a prominent showing with stacking rings ($70 set) worn by Jessica Gomes, and a 14K gold-dipped shark tooth necklace ($80) worn by Chrissy Teigen, below:

Sports Illustrated photos by James Macari

Rockabella stacking rings.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Win a pink diamond



Opal Fields
Enter to win a diamond this month at Opal Fields.

If you can't afford to get her a diamond, you can try your luck at Opal Fields, where this month is Pink Diamond Month and you can enter, through Feb. 29, to win a pink diamond. The drawing for the one-fifth carat Fancy deep-purplish pink loose diamond will take place March 1. The stone is valued at $2,000.

This month, you can also get 20 percent off any amethyst piece, valid through Feb. 29.

The store is on the mall level, Macy's end of Ala Moana Center. Call 949-3982 for details.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

LV presents "Hawai'i Art Now"

Nadine Kam photos
The lovely Eli Baxter wrapped up in one of her dark, thorny works, "The Garden Stories: Ascension 2012," part of a series of pieces made from bicycle inner tubes and electrical wire.

Art lovers were treated to a private preview of the "Hawai'i Art Now" exhibition at Honolulu Academy of Arts on Feb. 7, as part of Louis Vuitton's Art Walks program.

Launched in 2006, the international cultural program is dedicated to provide insight into the lives and work of artists, and several of the artists were on hand to talk about their work.

Louis Vuitton is the presenting sponsor for the amazing and diverse show, and it's exciting to get a glimpse of the kinds of contemporary work being done here. It's always nice to see artists thinking beyond the pervasive bread-and-butter palm tree and ocean "art," if you can even call it that.

It's great to see so many of the luxury brands, including Chanel, Hermès and Fendi—all mentioned here before—supporting the arts in Hawaii.

Of course, it reflects a love of artistry and craftsmanship that has been at the heart of LV's culture since its founding in 1854. In modern times, Marc Jacobs, artistic director since 1997, has been a leader in forging collaborations with artists, bringing the unique visions of such contemporary artists as Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince to the brand.

I got there too late to hear the artists, but there was a whole lot of buzz about that little red box on the pedestal, covered in the artist's skin. She probably got the reaction she wanted. Guests were grossed out but titillated. I will definitely go back for a closer look!

Some of Sally French's "Superheroes." It's scary that the one on the lower left looks a little like me. A couple other of her miniatures also look like me.

Dorothy Faison's "The Captain's Lawnbed Courtesy of the Lawnboat Historical Society, 2011-2012," with watercolor, lithocoal and charcoal work on the wall, "Aeternum, Servants Sub Pectore Vulnus/Nursting an Everlasting Wound Within the Breast and the Lawan Boats Make Their Deliveries, 2008."

The path to the courtyards was lighted with battery powered luminaries. Real candles were considered, but champagne and fire are not compatible.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Nabbing a piece of Jason Wu

Nadine Kam photos (except Target looks)
There were about 50 to 60 in line ahead of me at the Lawehana Street Target this morning, for the Jason Wu for Target debut.

There's not much that would get me out of bed at 7 on a Sunday morning, but I didn't want to miss out on the debut of Jason Wu's collection for Target. Even so, I arrived at the Lawehana Street store about 5 minutes before opening Feb. 5, so at about 50th or 60th in line, didn't get everything I wanted. It was only because I knew other shoppers there that I was able to walk away witha couple of their rejects.

After the fact, I also saw someone I knew who had put back two of the Milu scarves I wanted. Someday I'll get it right. The secret, I learned, was to roll out of bed and get in your car without stopping to put on any makeup.

Milu T-shirt.

Missed out on the Milu scarves because I went for the clothes.

I was strategizing with people over the weekend, discussing whether Wu would be a greater or smaller draw than Missoni. I figured it might be less, because his designs tend to be more fitted and less forgiving than knits, and with Missoni, there was also a housewares collection. So I was sad to see the long line, figuring they had only come for one thing. After all, who really NEEDS to be at Target at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning?

Once we got in the door, some people detoured in a different direction, so I was hopeful. But they were heading for the handbags and scarves, wiping out the stock in no time. The entire frenzy lasted no more than 5 minutes. After that, people were waiting to see what came back from dressing rooms, but most people were going straight from racks to checkout.

At least the store personnel is learning, telling people toward the end of the morning that there is a one-item limit per style in an attempt to eliminate some of the buying for resale. But of course, people who do that will just show up with a larger contingent next time.

Next up for budget fashionistas is Marni at H&M. Guess I'll be shopping online again March 8.

A girl walks off with a dress I wanted, shown below over the decimated racks. Although press materials said it would be available online only, it was in the Lawehana Street Target, and came with a black sash-style belt. One skinny size 2 shopper, who I followed around awhile, hoping she would give her dress up, had to be content buying the dress in size large.

After about 5 minutes, the racks were cleared of all but a handful of large sizes, and a few latecomers and hopefuls stood around waiting for returns that never really came because few people were trying on and just headed straight for the registers. I did manage to pick up the blue top at the right, and I knew one of the shoppers who had grabbed the matching size 4 skirt and didn't want it after all, so passed it along to me. The whole look is below:

Either the prices were higher than initially stated, or we pay Hawaii prices. The top was actually $31.99, and the skirt was $35.99.

I saw this nubby gold top on the racks but didn't go for it because it looked heavy. But then someone who knew someone I knew asked if I wanted the one she had and said it was really cute on, so I tried it on and got it even though, at medium, it's two sizes too big. It's really cute and lightweight. It's shown on the model below, but has a peplum that in the photo is tucked in.

The actual price of the top was $38.99.

This is the poplin dress that got me out of bed early, but it wasn't stocked here. I'll probably be shopping for it online now that I have a good idea of the fit.

Matt Bruening's PVNCH arrives at Milk & Honey

Nadine Kam photos
Designer Matt Bruening with his models, from left, Ella Aki, Momoko Metzger and Casey Evans.


Following up on his December fashion show, Matt Bruening presented the debut of his Spring 2012 line, PVNCH, during First Friday at Milk & Honey, 1128 Smith St., where there was informal modeling and shoppers were treated to a 20 percent discount between 6 and 9 p.m.

If you missed it, not to worry, the boutique will be carrying the line, in addition to it's other brands, from House of Harlow to luxurious beauty products from Tokyo Milk.

I really love the House of Harlow headpieces they carry, but unfortunately I'm not young enough to be able to pull off the hippie-boho look like its creator, Nicole Richie, as in the photo below:

House of Harlow photo

While there, I ran into Julie Aragaki, who fixated on the necklace I was wearing. It's sort of an illusion necklace with three gold discs embedded with a varying number of diamonds, plus two small brilliant-cut diamonds on a gold chain. When it's worn, the pendants appear to form a constellation of varying lengths.

When I told her it was from Jade by Nikolai, she said she had to take a photo of it and send it to designer Nikolai Tsang, who has a knack for remembering who bought what.

I bought it for myself for Christmas of 2010, but sure enough, Nikolai knew I was there with Julie.

Milk & Honey co-owner Patricia Chang with the very comfortable-looking store mascot Mochi, who was a hit with shoppers.

Leesha Kubo in one of Matt's chevron design cropped tees. It has a sexy, butterfly back like the example below in case you don't know what that looks like:

Julie Ann Aragaki, right, with her daughter Arian. They made some quick rounds and were done with First Friday by 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Beauty Spot: Brazilian Peel


Nadine Kam photo
Mac Smith was in town Jan. 29 to introduce his salon-strength Brazilian Peel exfoliating glycolic peel with Sephora customers.

Congratulations to reader Nina Garett, winner of my Brazilian Peel blog giveaway held in conjunction with Brazilian Peel founder and creator Mac Smith's appearance at Sephora Jan. 29.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I had many questions about the home exfoliation system so it was great to be able to ask Smith all on Sunday afternoon.

Basically, I know of relatively weak 5 and 10 percent glycolic peel products causing some redness and irritation on friends' skin, and Brazilian Peel offers a 30 percent solution that Smith says is equal to spa formulations, so I wondered how dangerous it could be to put such an active solution in consumers hands.

Of course, that was the concern of the entire industry, hence the weak products, he said. He had to go to Washington to get special approval for the higher concentration from the Personal Care Products Council. Approval is based on safety data dating to 1998. He's hoping that information will be updated in the next glycolic review to take his findings into account.

In a spa situation, the esthetician can apply a stronger peel because they also follow up with a neutralizer to prevent the acid from irritating the skin, but Smith said that for home use, "You can't trust the consumer to take the second step."

So what he's done is to combine both peel and his patented Q-Mag magnesium-based neutralizer in a precise dual syringe format, so the dosage is equal and application is done in one step. All the consumer needs to do is squirt the two formulas into the palm of the hand, rub them together, apply, wait 10 minutes and rinse. I was a little concerned by the warmth of the two products in my hands, but I didn't experience a warming or burning sensation on my face when I applied it. (But you have to remember that like I said before, my skin might as well be leather; impervious to any allergen or product hazard.)


After 10 minutes my skin did look brighter, and Smith said with weekly exfoliation, people tend to see fine lines disappearing, a smoother complexion that allows makeup to glide on easier, and with the elimination of the dead skin layer, serums are better able to penetrate the top layers of the skin to do their work. For men, he said, it leaves skin smoother so that shaving is easier and leads to fewer nicks.

Smith said that after two years of sales, he knows of only five incidences in which buyers had trouble with the product, which is lower than incidences associated with a typical moisturizer. In troubleshooting, he said that two of the individuals used the product wrong, which, if you follow the instructions would be really hard to do.

Otherwise, he said, common sense applies. It works on all skin types, he said, but instructs, "Don't use it if you use Retionol or topical antibiotics. Don't use it on the same day as another peel."

Pregnant women might also want to avoid using it.

I've been big on exfoliation ever since I learned that skin cells turn over every 28 days, giving you new cells in a month's time. The problem is when those baby cells don't have a chance to reach the surface because they're trapped beneath a gooey matrix of dead, caked up skin. Regular exfoliation removes those dead cells, so your younger, more radiant skin can reveal itself.

"When we're all 20, there's no problem with turning over skin, but as we get older, that process needs some help," said Smith, a chemical engineer for Johnson & Johnson who designed contact lenses and critical care medical devices before he became intrigued by glycolic peels when a friend went through a bad experience, and he wanted to find out why and come up with a solution.

I'm a fan of the Brazilian Peel-style of chemical exfoliation vs. abrasive exfoliation, because unless you use gel-type exfoliants, there's a lot of grittiness and sharp edges to those abrasives, that can cause more damage than good for those who scrub too hard. I think of it like sanding wood. You're scratching and causing a lot of damage to the wood, which you can cover up with oils and varnishes later, but skin is not like wood.

One box of four Brazilian Peel applicators is $78 at Sephora, and will last a month with prescribed once weekly use.

Since coming up with his initial Brazilian Peel, he's come up with Brazilian Peel Clear, with 25 percent glycolic and 1 percent acne-fighting salicylic acid. A $45 kit comes with four weekly peels and 30 pre-moistened pads for a month of daily use. Both products include acai berry oil to help neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, as well. The Amazon acai and sugar-cane derived glycolic acid helped give the product its name.

Pasadena plastic surgeon John Gross serves as Brazilian Peel's Chief Medical Officer, and, like Smith, also possesses a chemical engineering degree, and is helping to develop new products including active serums that will help with age spots, hydration and offer post-peel protection.

On that note, you should be using SPF products daily to prevent your skin from further sun damage, but it's even more important to do so after a peel.