'Project Runway': Denim saves the day for Kini Zamora

Lifetime photos
Kini Zamora with his model/muse on the runway.

‘Project Runway’ season 13
Episode 10: Muse on the Street

The episode opens with the male designers at home longing to work with their regular models again after last week’s twist of working with children.

Hawaii designer Kini Zamora expresses happiness over last week’s win and says in an on-camera interview that at home people live paycheck to paycheck so winning the competition and its $100,000 grand prize would change everything.

The designers next meet with a representative from Mary Kay cosmetics who reiterates that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and with that, they are sent to Washington Square Park to look for real world models for a makeover challenge.

The competition is about transformation so the designers are told they should not be looking for runway models but real women who could demonstrate the transformative power of clothing and grooming. The winning designer and muse would be featured in a Mary Kay advertisement in Marie Claire magazine.

Some of the designers have problems finding a person to agree to be a model, and Zamora is relieved when one girl says yes. But in talking to her, she says she doesn’t dress home unless she has to, and she likes wearing tie dye and boho clothing, which is incompatible with his sleek, structured aesthetic, leading him to worry, “Oh boy, that isn’t my style at all. Maybe I picked the wrong person.”

In the workroom he is stuck, and Sean Kelly notices he isn’t his usual self, silent instead of talking and laughing.

Then Zamora has an aha moment when he thinks of his mom and her advice to avoid going overboard. Thinking of her humble style, he thinks of going back to denim, which he had used for earlier collections at home.

He comes up with a denim on denim look of a dark denim jacket over a paler chambray dress that he imagines as a date-night outfit.

During the judging, Zac Posen praises Zamora’s look as being “perfectly polished.” Host Heidi Klum said she appreciates that Zamora’s model, “Looks real” and not as if she had been dressed by someone else.

Judge Nina Garcia called Zamora’s jacket is “phenomenal,” if casual by her date-night standards. Duh, different generation and income bracket. Hello.

Zamora ends up in the top three again and said, “Thank God for denim. It saved me.”

But Korina Emmerich won for a motorcycle jacket and skirt ensemble. And the youngest designer Alexander Knox is sent home for a midriff top and circle skirt ensemble in too-heavy fabric. It was his second design after starting all over after mentor Tim Gunn described his first creation as hideous. (It was.) Gunn has become less tactful and more direct with his criticisms lately. I like it. I think it’s more real.

Korina Ennerich won for motorcycle jacket ensemble and total transformation on this woman on the street.

Alexander Knox went home for these heavy separates that were too light on design.

I also liked Emily Payne’s dress and jacket that the women judges deemed too costumey and theatrical, but that designer Zac Posen also appreciated as a wow moment.

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

Kini Zamora on a roll with second 'Project Runway' win

Lifetime photos
Kini Zamora shows his American Girl design on the runway.

‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ SEASON 13
Episode 9: American Girl Doll

This week, the “Project Runway” designers meet up at Manhattan’s American Girl store where each is matched with an American Girl doll and the child model carrying the doll.

Hawaii designer Kini Zamora is lucky because his doll Samantha’s back story is that of an orphan who is adopted into a wealthy household, offering plenty of potential to showcase his upscale couture style.

Right away, he starts working on a houndstooth coat of bouclé fabric, and white dress. Mentor Tim Gunn worries that the two together look “too mature” for a little girl, and while Kini says he doesn’t do “flirty,” he changes course, using the red check fabric provided by American Girl.

Even though he’s designing for a girl, he can’t give up his structured aesthetic.

Working quickly as usual, the time he is done, he has created a coat dress, top and skirt. Later, when Amanda Valentine finishes early, leaving her time to handstitch details, she notes of the relaxed feeling, “This is what Kini must feel like every week.”

During a break, the designers talk about their own experience with dolls. This is how we learn of the evolution of Kini’s hairstyle. He said he played with troll dolls and their hair, and revealed that is the inspiration behind his tuft of blond hair!

Troll dolls were fads that emerged in the early 1960s, and again in the 1970s through ’90s.

The judges are won over by Kini’s pieces which are appropriate for his poor little rich girl doll, who he imagined as having no one to play with but she does have a credit card. Designer Zac Posen describes the ensemble as “Chanel meets Vivienne Westwood,” and guest judge Elizabeth Moss of AMC’s “Mad Men” asks whether American Girl will be recreating the pieces for 31-year-olds.

He is the hands down winner and says he’s happy to be on a roll that may lead to another win, and another until he wins the entire season.

And Sandhya Garg finally gets offed for a look the judges describe as a Teletubbie onesie.

This is the look that gets Sandhya Garg sent home.

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

Atelier Cologne: Every scent tells a story

Nadine Kam photos
Atelier Cologne was one of the brands featured during Project Beauty at Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus hosted its Project Beauty event Sept. 13 to introduce some of the fall season’s best skin care, fragrance and cosmetic lines.

My morning started with breakfast with Christophe Cervasel, creator of Atelier Cologne, who shared his philosophy and the stories behind his Cologne Absolue, pure perfume celebrating the fresh elegance of citruses, the traditional cologne ingredients. A high concentration of essential oils to ensure lasting power.

After several years creating fragrances for everyone from Kenzo Parfumerie, to John Galliano and Jimmy Choo, Cervasel and his wife Stephanie Ganter—who worked for Fresh—decided to form their own company and launched their first fragrance in 2010.

Behind each scent is an elaborate story, “A great moment you want to remember forever,” he said. “We create the story, than choose the notes we decide are perfect for that moment in life.”

His stories are of rendezvous between a woman who steals diamonds for the poor, and the secret agent whose heart she captures.

Even so, Atelier Cologne scents are considered unisex. “We never like to day it is for a man or a women because the choice is personal,” he said.

Atelier Cologne founder Cristophe Cervasel with his Rendez-Vous Cologne Absolue (pure perfume).

He said it is best to think of scents as a wardrobe that one changes with the occasion. “I couldn’t live without it. I would feel a little bit naked, like I forgot my glasses.”

He said his orange-scented Grand Néroli is great for starting the day fresh, while in the evening one might switch to Vanille Insensée or Vétiver Fatal. When he travels, he likes to wear Gold Leather, with its notes of rum and tobacco.

It takes a while to develop each fragrance, and of this, Cervasel said, “Paris is slower. We do things slower than Americans, but maybe it lasts longer.”

After breakfast at the Mermaid Bar, we went down to the retail floor for a sampling of the fragrances, so beautiful it was difficult to hone in on one particular scent. I was torn between the mystery of Rose Anonyme and the “woman who steals diamonds,” and languid Cédrat Enivrant, telling of friends who reunite after several years with a scent as fresh as a mojito with a touch of joy and bittersweet nostalgia. Amazing fragrances.

Atelier Cologne postcard
Fragrance evokes memories of good times and moments shared.

Those who made an Atelier Cologne purchase could receive a travel spray and monogram case.

But I absolutely fell in love with Silver Iris. Then I learned of its story:

“A woman of such intimidating beauty and sparkling vitality gained the adoration of everyone around her. However, no one knew what she had been through. With her wild spirit, she was tough, stronger than metal, and never looked back. When she met him, for the first time in her life, she could stand still. She may have found the absolu man.”

Knowing of my story, my friend said she got chicken skin when she heard it.

And that is what you want from a scent, Cervasel said. “We just want to talk about emotion. Do you feel something?

Another of the breakfast guests, Christine Chee-Ruiter, said she studied the neuroscience behind our sense of smell at Caltech, and said that it is a chemical stimulus that affects every cell and every form of life.

She said she knows one woman who wears a new fragrance for each boyfriend, and keeps the bottles as reminders of the relationship.

Because the olfactory bulb has access to the amygdala, which processes emotion, and the hippocampus, which is responsible for associative learning, “That’s why works to tie one scent to one person,” she said, “because it brings you right back in time.”

Grace Lee speaks with Tom Ford representative Todd Davidson during the Project Beauty runway presentation.

Also going on that day, Grace Lee of Hawaii News Now’s “Sunrise,” hosted a beauty presentation with drawings for luxury beauty baskets from Dior, Tom Ford, Kiehl’s, Cle de Peau, Bobbi Brown and Atelier Cologne.

Fall celebrations continue with the CUSP Event Sept. 18 to 21 on the store’s Level One.
There will be informal modeling from noon to 2 p.m. daily through Saturday. Make a $350 regular-priced contemporary purchase in CUSP and receive a set of three bracelets. Get an additional $50 off for a purchase of $500 or more. There will also be light refreshments and makeovers by a Tom Ford makeup artist from 1 to 4 p.m. daily through Saturday, and there will be a photo booth from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Beauty products on the runway.

Breakfast included chicken and waffles, and below, lox on latkes.

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

On the 'Hawaii Five-0' red carpet

Nadine Kam photos
The cast of “Hawaii Five-0″ on stage prior to the Sunset on the Beach preview screening of the series premiere, which also featured a mini concert by Bush, who provides a track in the opening episode.

When you work in Hawaii, you don’t need to pay all that much attention to fashion, even if you’re a celeb.

During the “Hawaii Five-0″ Sept. 13 season five premiere event at Sunset on the Beach, most of the celebs seemed to have little clue about what they were wearing. Nevertheless, some hands-on body and label searches provided some answers.

First to arrive on the red carpet was Taylor Wily, who plays Kamekona on the series, with his family. His wife Halona said he’s picky about what he wears, and this year the whole family dressed in Missing Polynesia to reflect their Samoan heritage. The prints they wore paid homage to Samoan tattoo designs and landmarks such as Leapia Harbor.

Taylor Wily and his family, from left daughter Tula, son YoungAisa and wife Halona, all in Missing Polynesia.

In another touching homage, Dennis Chun, who plays Sgt. Duke Lukela in the series, wore a Honolulu Police Department—I think tie bar that he wore on his lapel—that belonged to his father, the late Kam Fong Chun, who was a patrolman in the 1960s. He famously went on to play Chin Ho Kelly in the original “Hawaii Five-0.”

Said Chun, “I think he would have loved to be here.”

 Something old, something new: Dennis Chun, who plays Sgt. Duke Lukela in the show, wore his father Kam Fong Chun’s police pin dating to the 1960s, when he was a patrolman. Kam Fong went on to play Chin Ho Kelly in the original series. A closer detail of the pin is below.

Though admittedly “not a fashion person,” Grace Park, who plays Kono Kalakaua in the series, looked every bit the Hollywood pro in a goddessy green bias-cut satin gown from Versace, with slash seams throughout.

Although she’s been missing from the red carpet in recent years, she said she felt comfortable being there.

“It’s so mellow, no one is out here to tear you apart, coz why go through that?”

And executive producer Peter Lenkov only knew he was wearing a Tom Ford shirt, but could share more abot the season to come, including the return of “Lost” actor Terry O’Quinn.

With other “Lost” actors Daniel Dae Kim and Jorge Garcia already on board, Lenkov said, “They love Hawaii so much, they’re coming to us.”

More scenes from the red carpet on Saturday, and catch the Bush performance video:


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Grace Park in a satin, bias-cut dress intersected with bead-embellished slash seams from Versace’s fall-winter 2014-15 collection.

Alex O’Loughlin wore a black-on-black look from Dior Homme. He proved to be a good sport when this woman crashed the press line. He gamely posed for photos and said she was his girlfriend and hoped his wife didn’t see her.

Scott Caan dressed for the occasion in a shirt from Gitman Bros., a hat he picked up in Chinatown, Band of Outsiders slacks and Pierre Cardin shoes.

Ian Anthony Dale, who plays Kono Kalakaua’s beau on the show, gives an interview on the red carpet. He wore a suit by a Madrid designer discovered by his manager.

Jorge Garcia said at past red-carpet events he felt embarrassed over failing to dress up as others did, so this time he put more effort into selecting this pleated Luciano Viscontin shirt paired with slacks from Kramer’s.

Teilor Grubbs, who plays Danno’s daughter Grace Williams on the show, picked her own outfit for the premiere, a Ralph Lauren dress, Forever21 necklace and BCBG wedges. It was the first time her father Erik allowed her to wear such a heel, below:

The very personable Mark Dacascos, who plays Steve McGarrett’s nemesis Wo Fat, posed for a photo with a fan on the red carpet.

The series Hawaii casting director Brent Anbe, in a Moods of Norway jacket.

Rasa Rounier photo
After the “Five-0″ episode screening, most of the stars left to party. MidWeek’s Rasa Fournier and I picked up the closest vacated seats that had been reserved for Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan.

We stayed to watch Bush perform.
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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

Fall trends on the runway at Ala Moana Center

Nadine Kam photos
Kelsey Campbell on the runway during yesterday’s CH Carolina Herrera fashion show on the Ala Moana Center Stage.

It may be sweltering on the street, but for retailers, the fall season is here.

Ala Moana Center has been showcasing the fall 2014 with its Fall Trend Event fashion shows underway through Sunday.

Also, if you’re out spending, shoppers who redeem $200 in Ala Moana Center store and restaurant receipts dated Friday through Sunday will receive an exclusive clutch by local designer Jana Lam. Receipts can be redeemed at the Customer Service Center, one per person while supplies last.

Here’s Sunday’s schedule:

» Noon: Spiral Girl
» 1 p.m.: Macy’s
» 2 p.m.: bebe
» 3 p.m.: Valerie Joseph
» 4 p.m.: Pepsi fashion show featuring designs by Honolulu Community College students


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Other event highlights:

» Beijing Getaway: Enter for a chance to win a getaway for two to Beijing on Hawaiian Airlines, a four-night stay in the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing’s ambassador suite and a $500 Ala Moana Center gift card.

Submit an entry form through day’s end on Mall Level 2 near Louis Vuitton or by visiting www.facebook.com/ alamoanacenter. Must be at least 18 years old to enter.

» Give Back: The center will accept donations on behalf of Dress for Success Honolulu, a nonprofit organization that promotes economic independence for disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a support network and career development tools.

Shoppers are invited to bring classic suits and separates, dresses, jackets and sweater sets, handbags, accessories and shoes, unused cosmetics, creams and toiletries to participating merchants: Ann Taylor, Dooney & Bourke, Folli Follie, LeSportsac, Maui Divers Jewelry, Tapestries by Hau’oli, Tommy Bahama and Valerie Joseph. Those who donate will have access to discounts and offers at select retailers.

For updates, visit alamoanacenter.com and follow @AlaMoanaCenter on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via the hashtag #TFFE.
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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her onTwitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

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Kini Zamora scores first 'Project Runway' win on rainway

Nadine Kam photos
Designer Kini Zamora is back in town after New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and gathered with friends and family to watch the latest episode of “Project Runway” at Pau Hana Lounge. As for what’s new with the designer, check out my interview to appear in print Thursday.

‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ SEASON 13
Episode 8: The Rainway

The designers faced an avant garde challenge this week, with a twist. Instead of a normal runway, their designs had to be waterproofed for a rainway, a concept new to most of them.

The first time I saw a rainway was during Yohji Yamamoto’s Adidas Y-3 New York Fashion Week show in fall of 2007, when he made it rain under the yet-to-be-developed High Line. We were like “What?” as we waited for staffers with umbrellas to escort us to the bleacher seating.

Inspired by the idea of rain, Hawaii designer Kini Zamora—back in town following his showing on the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week runway—set about creating an umbrella style skirt.

Once again, his main competitor was Sean Kelly whose idea was a bit of genius, making use of the water in a way that would transform his garment. He created a very simple white dress, but poured Rit powder dyes into seams so that when water hit, it would start bleeding color.

He knew it was a risk, but one well worth taking. Even so, I thought it was somewhat derivative of the work of Alexander McQueen, who in 1999, had robots spray paint a white dress modeled by Shalom Harlow, who stood on a rotating platform so the pattern circled the dress. Now, THAT, was a remarkable moment. Sadly, a lot of young designers today seem clueless when told they are referencing other designers because they haven’t studied enough fashion history. I think if Kelly knew of McQueen’s work, he might have created something other than a simple white dress to appear less like a copycat.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Alexander McQueen’s spraypainted dress.

Kini Zamora with one of his Honolulu Community College instructors, Joy Nagaue, who was able to attend the “Project Runway” New York Fashion Week show in my place.

And although Zamora’s design was new to the judges, it’s been done quite frequently here, particularly by a number of University of Hawaii at Manoa design students intrigued by the folds of origami.

Zamora’s finished work, made of Lycra masquerading as glossy PVC fabric, looked something like a fetish-y dominatrix Catwoman meets “Wicked” character.

Amanda Valentine confesses to liking his garment, saying, “There’s something creepy about it,” before adding, “I like it. I kinda wish he would design like this for every challenge.”

Judge Nina Garcia called his work “sublime,” and judge Zac Posen praised his “skillful hand” and technique.

In the end, the judges could not decide between Zamora’s and Kelly’s designs, and both were declared winners. It was a great moment for Kini, watching the episode at Pau Hana Lounge with friends and family, who cheered and toasted his win. Someone remarked, loudly, “He should have won the last four!”

Sadly, Korina Emmerich should have been sent home for her grade-school Halloween project creation, but she had immunity, so Fäde zu Grau was sent home for his sportswear look. It was deemed too simple by the judges.

Lifetime photos
Judges admired Kini Zamora’s design down to the gloves that judge Zac Posen deemed difficult to make.

Sean Kelly’s white dressed transformed in the rain with the help of Rit dyes inserted into seam lines.

Korina’s creation may have been the worst of the season. She was fortunate to have had immunity.

Following is a link to my past post on Alexander McQueen’s “Savage Beauty” show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as a video of the spraypainting robots:

http://blogs.starbulletin.com/fashiontribe/taking-in-mcqueens-savage-beauty/

http://youtu.be/P13oZsD-t4s

'Project Runway': A scary moment for Kini Zamora

Lifetime photos
Kini Zamora’s design is scrutinized on the runway.

‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ SEASON 13
Episode 7: Priceless Runway

This week, the designers walk into the studio to find showcases full of Chopard jewelry. The pieces become the inspiration for compatible evening gowns.

As last week’s winning designer, Sean Kelly pickes first and his choice is a show-stopping flared bib of what looks like giant sapphires and diamonds. Hawaii designer Kini Zamora goes next and opts for a much simpler pair of diamond hoop earrings and statement ring.

He received a lot of screen time, which in the “Project Runway” universe could mean he wins, or gets the boot. (Getting ahead of the series though, please see my previous post.)

Before the designers start working, mentor Tim Gunn walks into the workroom with the news that he is using his one “save” to bring Char Glover, who was sent home last week, back into the competition. There are no more saves for the rest of the season.

Next, the designers take a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the exhibition, “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” The 20th century couturier was a master of innovative ball gowns and the exhibition offers insight into their construction.

Kini decides to do a hard/soft dress with a neoprene bustier mini dress covered with floor-length draped silk chiffon. Mentor Tim Gunn worries about the “bullet” darts and expresses fear about the length, which he calls borderline “hoochie.” Later speaking to the cameras, Kini says he is not a hoochie designer.

On the runway, the judges spot construction issues with Kini’s work due to the nature of the neoprene and they say they wish he had chosen different fabric. He ends up in the bottom three, but is lucky that Samantha Plasencia created a plain gown that judges deem boring. At this point in the competition, taking risk is more important than playing it safe, and Kini is one week closer to New York Fashion Week.

Look who’s coming back to town, and you’re invited to join him for a screening of “Project Runway.”

Korina Emmerich picks up her first win for this gorgeous ensemble. I think she picked the most stunning jewelry piece that was perfectly suited to her design.

Samantha Plasencia went home for a simple gown judges said looked more like what an intern would wear, rather than an important person. No argument there.
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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her onTwitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

'Project Runway's' Tim Gunn pops up in Honolulu

Photo courtesy of Tiki's Grill & Bar
In a Facebook post dated Aug. 21, Tiki’s Grill & Bar welcomed “Project Runway’s” Tim Gunn as a guest. Speculation is that he was in town to check on the progress of Hawaii designer Kini Zamora prior to New York Fashion Week, which began today.

So, what can we deduce in light of a number of Tim Gunn sightings around town? I’m sorry, but a person who dresses like Tim Gunn isn’t likely to remain incognito long when he pops up in Waikiki. And I really don’t think he’s here for the beach.

Gunn, of course, is the mentor to the competing designers in Lifetime television’s “Project Runway.” And one of our own, designer Kini Zamora, is still in the game.

Those familiar with the series know up to five finalists are sent home to create Fashion Week-worthy collections, and Gunn typically heads out for hometown visits to make sure the designers are on track. This takes place a few weeks before they are due back in New York City for Fashion Week and the show’s finale.

There are usually three finalists, with one or two more designers thrown into the mix to act as decoys to keep the suspense factor high.

The New York shows started today and the “Project Runway” show is slated to take place tomorrow at 4 a.m. Hawaii time (10 a.m. EST). I managed to get a couple of people into the show in my place and they promised to send photos.

With many media outlets covering the event, we’ll see every collection, though we won’t know the placements of the designers until the show’s finale. I really wish they would time the episodes to coincide with the fashion shows in real time, like they did in the very first season. Otherwise, the finale becomes a bit anticlimactic.

Meanwhile, keep up with official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week happenings at mbfashionweek.com

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.

Joyful hearts come together for a cause

Nadine Kam photos
“Law & Order: SVU” star and Joyful Heart Foundation founder Mariska Hargitay was in town for a couple of events marking the foundation’s 10th anniversary. She’s with JHF CEO Maile Zambuto and Jason Zambuto.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Joyful Heart Foundation she founded, actress Mariska Hargitay was in town for a benefit, as well as a picnic dinner event honoring foundation benefactors.

Hargitay, who portrays New York City detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” was inspired to start the foundation while vacationing in Kailua-Kona. She had always been moved by viewers response to the compassionate character she plays on television, which isn’t far from her own heart. The aim of Joyful Heart is to help heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

She is such a genuine person. Usually, I find the people behind such organizations to be glib and business-like because of the nature of fundraising, but she is such a believer in her cause and full of gratitude that people are willing to come together to help, that this is the second time I’ve seen her tear up talking about it.

I was able to attend the “resort chic” picnic event at a private home in Nuuanu, catered by Town restaurant. In honor of event underwriter Tori Richard, Ltd., guests were invited to show their support by donning Tori Richard attire, vintage or new.

During a resort chic-themed picnic dinner sponsored by Tori Richard Honolulu in honor of Joyful Heart benefactors, guests—including Jeanie Schmaltz, left, and Nalani Holliday—were invited to wear vintage or new Tori Richard garments.

I was invited to Tori Richard headquarters to try on some vintage dresses, excited by the possibility of seeing this secret trove. Even so, I thought it would be a long shot finding something to wear because, No. 1, I am short, and No. 2, 1960s and ’70s styles are very slim so a combination of long length and narrow widths often don’t work with a post-millenial body. It didn’t matter because I have my own vintage and new-ish Tori.

The first one-shoulder dress I tried on was snug but with a green print suited to my coloration. I also tried on a mod purple-and-white mini that fit a little better in the middle, but my fitter seemed to like the first dress better, so I was sold.

Also dressed in Tori Richard, at a private home overlooking Nuuanu Stream, were, from left, Stephanie Johnson, Schmaltz, Sherry Harper Wong and Andrea McTamaney.

As I got dressed that night, I thought this is what it must feel like to be a movie star getting ready for a red-carpet event, when you’re not in your own clothes and feel that little bit of self-consciousness. To me, behind the smiles, the stars always seem to exude a bit of uncertainty and discomfort on the red carpet.

Well, half the time I get invited to events, I’m not quite sure what they entail. I just get an outline, and this picnic really turned out to be a picnic with a mixture of low tables and lawn mats. Naturally, I have the sort of friends who want to try something different so we ended up sitting on the lawn, and if I knew that ahead of time I probably would have been more comfortable getting up and down off the ground in my own vintage Tori.

Even though the dress I wore had a casual look, women of past decades exhibited more decorum, in part, because of the clothes they wore. They were constricting, nipping in the waist—with the help of girdles—and sort of putting a lot of emphasis on the bust—something I don’t invite. The dress imposed good posture. These days, mass clothing allows us to be a little more lazy and slouchy. It’s a different story with certain luxury brands and fits, that continue to demand decorum. It is one thing to understand this theoretically, and another to feel the difference.

Guests had the option of sitting at poolside tables, low lawn tables or picnic mats adorned by pillows with cases sewn from Tori Richard fabric. We picked up fresh fruit, salads, entree items and desserts at various tables and stations around the lawn and poolside.

Toward the end of the evening, guests were invited to make their own s’mores with assorted chocolate, chocolate-dipped bacon or panna cotta.

Jason Zambuto photo
From left, Brittany Atiburcio, Midweek’s Yu Shing Ting and I in Tori Richard.

Brittany J. Atiburcio photo
The aftermath: Yu Shing and I were among the last to leave. We were so comfortable on our picnic mat with Tori Richard pillows.