Louda Larrain livin' out loud

Nadine Kam photos
At the grand opening of Louda Larrain’s “Emporium of Cuteness” at Fishcake, friends of gallery owner Maura Fujihira were lucky enough to don Larrain’s— front and center in white jacket—creations.

It was such a treat to drop by Louda Larrain’s “Emporium of Cuteness” exhibition’s opening night at Fishcake/Box Jelly, Nov. 13. We don’t often get to see such exquisite, magical and tactile textiles as those that spring from her imagination to her fingertips to kaleidoscopic life.

At the center of the exhibit was Larrain’s tremendous dress of many colors representing a couple of decades of work, and 200 of the 500 swatches she has amassed—her babies—each one representing a work of art fabric she created by hand and sold to the likes of Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, Emanuel Ungaro, Gianfranco Ferre and other renowned houses, for the creation of their own couture designs.

I could spend hours studying each one of her many-textured swatches.

Googly eyes.

My story in Thursday’s paper: http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/20141113_Tactile_sensations.html
detailed her childhood in Russia, where teaching fashion illustration was her route out of Siberia and eventually to Paris, where she attracted the attention of the house of Lesage, the famed embroidery atelier now owned by Chanel.

As she told me:

“They asked if I could leave a few sample swatches. At that time I only had about six or eight swatches. Now I have more than 500.

“The next day, Francois Lesage called me. He said, ‘Darling, sit down. I have news for you, and you will fall out of your seat. Someone went crazy for your fabrics.’ And that was (Chanel designer) Karl Lagerfeld.

“After that my life was like a fairy tale. I still had to work very hard, but after I produced this fabric for Chanel, every door opened. I could call and everyone wanted to know what I was doing. Sometimes they would say, ‘This is too Chanel,’ because they had their own identity, so I would continue experimenting.”

On the dress form is Louda’s wearable “scrapbook” of swatches from 200 of the textiles she created over the years.

From Paris, she built a reputation for herself in New York, where her distinctive, one-of-a-kind coats were sold in art galleries.

Love brought her to Kauai, which her husband, storied photographer Gilles Larrain, considers the most beautiful island in the world. And we are the beneficiaries of their move. Thanks for the eye-opening experience!

Larrain will also be conducting a fashion illustration HFX workshop from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Fishcake. The cost is $70 general, and $35 for Hawai’i Fashion Exchange members. Register at bit.ly/1tW55YE

Toby Portner loved Louda’s “Yakuza Flower” bear.

Did I say loved? LOVED!

There were dolls as well.

This one is a little scary.

I really liked the top that went with Louda’s hoop skirt, shown by Maura Fujihira, who below, shows off another of Louda’s dresses.

Deanna Itano in one of Louda Larrain’s dresses.

Fiber artist Tanyah Tavorn in another of Louda’s pieces.

Manila designers bring indigenous artforms to their work

Nadine Kam photos
Manila designers Cora Manimbo and Oskar Atendido with Catherine Caldwell of HI Luxury magazine, center, in one of Manimbo’s jackets comprising silks imported to the Philippines, as well as hand-woven fabric from Ilocos Norte. The jacket is about $200.

Manila designers Cora Manimbo and Oskar Atendido visited Hawaii Island, before flying over to Oahu for a “Filipiniana Americana Fashion & Art Show” that took place Nov. 8 at the New Life Church.

In a presentation Nov. 13 at Fresh Cafe Downtown, Manimbo showed some traditional ternos and blouses made with indigenous Philippines fabric, noted for its intricate embroidery, beadwork and handpainting. Manimbo creates many of her own fabrics.

Atendido showed his fine handcrafted filigree jewelry made of silver, copper and gold, saying he had long been interested in the handcrafted pieces in his mom’s jewelry box and would study them for hours, trying to figure out how they were made.

“What I found was a craft that was rapidly disappearing that was worthy of saving, because once you lose it, you lose it,” he said.

Oskar Atendido shows one of his filigree jewelry designs, utilizing handcrafting techniques that were being lost in the Philippines.

Filigree work found its way to the Philippines through schools Belgian missionaries. Up until about 10 years ago, when programs were starting to be phased out, the techniques were still being taught at Saint Louis University, a private Catholic university run by Belgian nuns in Baguio, in central Luzon.

Atendido said the school also teaches Belgian lace, or tatting, tradition, on which the filigree is based, hence its resemblance to lace.

The exhibition also featured artwork by Jasmine Knight and Leni Knight, who organized the events as a fundraiser for Local Family Caregivers, to assist families in need for financial support for respite care and other assisted-living services.

Anna Davide wears one of Cora Manimbo’s light-wear jackets of piña, or pineapple fiber, with handpainted flowers. The jacket is about $300.

From left, Angelica Reyes, Raizza Pulido and Novie Hartwell, Mrs. Hawaii Filipina 2014, wear jackets created by Manila-based designer Cora Manimbo.

From left, Hartwell, Reyes, and Pulido, Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina 2014, wear ternos created by Manimbo.

A detail of Manimbo’s handcrafted, appliquéd and embellished fabric, as worn by Raizza Pulida in the photo above.

Oskar Atendido’s filagree orchid design. He also created necklace featuring the Lily of the Valley that he said in the Philippines, grows only in Baguio City.

More floral filagree work with coral centers.

The earliest jewelry reflected religious belief, and many designs were created with a compartment to carry relics of saints. Religious motifs continue to be popular in filagree jewelry from the Philippines.

Leni Knight, whose artwork graces the walls, organized the exhibition.

Anna Davide in a pink terno by Cora Manimbo.

Angelica Reyes in a gothic-style terno.

Nordstrom Beauty Event returns with Younger Serum

Nadine Kam photo
Ferial Boukarroum, National Sales Director for Lancer Skincare, is introducing two new products at the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Event this weekend. Her skin looks flawless sans makeup, which she attributes to Lancer’s Younger Serum.

The Nordstrom Beauty Event takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 15, with an opportunity to pick up fall makeup tip and tricks from visiting beauty experts.

If you want in early on the 8 a.m. Fall Trend Show, tickets are $20 and redeemable toward your beauty purchases the day of the event.

Among those offering their expertise are Laura Mercier training executive Regina Sanches, who will be offering consultations and a four-piece gift with purchase for those buying a minimum $95 in Mercier products; and Guerlain regional makeup artists Chantel Templeman and Kevin Sifflet, who be offering customized solutions to fit individual skincare and makeup needs.

Lancer Skincare’s Ferial Boukarroum is also back in town and is in store today through Saturday, offering facials and consultations to introduce the brand’s Younger Serum, as well as Lip-Enhancing Serum that contains hyaluronic acid and a bit of capsaicin to moisturize and plump lips. A Lancer gift-with-purchase will be available.

I’m especially excited about the Younger Serum, which promises some of the smoothing, line- and spot-reduction properties of retinol, which is still the gold standard for anti-aging skincare more than 25 years after it was first formulated for over-the-counter use. But retinol can be irritating and drying, an is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is reacts with light and oxygen, and those who use retinol are told to avoid the sun.

Dr. Lancer sought to solve this problem by developing a treatment that is as effective as retinol, but without the skin irritation and other side effects.

Ferial explained that the resulting Younger Serum formula includes aster flower, copper amino acid, glycolic acid, yeast amino acids, soybean extract, Ayurvedic babchi extract and hyaluronic acid complex, plus a trademarked MIMIXYL retinoid activator that signals the body to create collagen, elastic fibers and new skin cells.

The Younger Serum sells for $275; the Lip-Enhancing Serum is $40.

Dr. Harold Lancer, Beverly Hills dermatologist, is well aware of the struggle to maintain a radiant complexion. In Hollywood, it seems celebs are willing to pay any price for eternal youth. But, unlike Hollywood, most people don’t want procedures that would change their face so as to be unrecognizable, as has happened with countless older actors, and cautionary examples Jennifer Grey, Meg Ryan and Renée Zellweger.

So, Dr. Lancer also wrote the book, “Younger: The Breakthrough Anti-Aging Method for Radiant Skin,” to help readers navigate the mixed messages of dermatological advice, and avoid expensive invasive treatments, while making the kind of smart lifestyle choices in diet, exercise and stress management that support skin health.

One way I could see his products working was on Ferial’s face, spotless without the benefit of foundation or other makeup because her luggage was delayed on her flight here from Dallas. She’s hoping her clothes, makeup and shoes catch up with her in time for Saturday’s big event, but on the bright side, there’s nothing like a spotless complexion to convince shoppers a product works … and while on the floor, she’s already shopped for some new shoes!

Drop by any of the cosmetics counters to schedule your Saturday appointments.

Conscious Designers Hawaii makes runway debut

Nadine Kam photos
Models in designs by Carlous Palmer wait back stage for their turn on the runway.

Conscious Designers Hawaii, a coalition of Hawaii designers dedicated to eco and socially conscious clothing, made its debut on the runway at Hawai’i Convention Center, as part of Hawai’i Fashion Month.

Among designers featured were Carlous Palmer, whose garments opened the show; Big Islander Taleah Smith of Indigo Sage; Love at Dawn’s Angela Tomiye, who offers repurposed vintage clothing; Love Me Knots jewelry; Yi Lin Hu; and show organizer Camille Mori, of Tsubaki Himé, whose skirt and blouse ensemble closed the show.


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Beyond the runway, CDHi also hosted a Progressive Launch Party Nov. 11 at Box Jelly/Fishcake, an interactive event that included a fashion installation by eco-friendly designers, panel discussion and networking.

Conscious Designers Hawaii was founded to promote eco-conscious designs by designers who care about sustainability. Along with providing a forum for designers, the group is committed to connecting with consumers who favor a more eco-friendly approach to shopping.

The event also served as a fundfaiser for Dress a Girl Around the World, a non-profit that aims to help underprivilaged girls feel loved and respected.

A model’s skirt is adjusted to show Love Me Knots’ body jewelry.

More of Carlous Palmer’s designs.

A makeup touchup backstage at the Conscious Designers Hawaii showcase at Hawai’i Convention Center.

Yi Lin Hu adjusts his design on his model Caitlin Falls before the fashion show.

A simple sheath dress shows off one of Love Me Knots necklaces.

'Get Out!' active apparel on Hawaii runway

Nadine Kam photos
Shoppers at the popup shops at Hawai’i Convention Center had a little surprise help from the designers involved, including Tsu.ya’s Kristi Yamaguchi, center, with Elizabeth Wen Tell. Yamaguchi helped Stephanie Matsumoto, left, make her sportswear selections. Visit http://www.tsuyabrand.com to shop. I especially liked her zippered, edgier take on leggings.

If there’s one thread running through Hawai’i Fashion Month, it’s that collaboration is one key to fashion success. The past weekend offered some spectacular shows at Hawai’i Convention Center, that showed what can happen with a mashup of local and New York talent, and when designers can broaden their horizons.

All too often in Hawaii, we work as individual islands, and as small as many participating companies are, the word I got was that business owners still have the same reservations and concerns as the world’s top brands when it comes to mixing up labels and worries about the company they keep.


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Because each label often presents its own fashion show, what we usually see is one singular, myopic vision of a brand.

It’s hard for any stylist to convince brands to mix it up, the way pieces are worn in real life, because no brand wants to water down its concept, but Hawaii-born, now New York-based stylist Don Sumada showed time and again how to mix it up with the kind of panache that gets attention.

Featured were pieces from Naissance, by Japan designer Takashi Kumagai, Saturdays Surf NYC, Sig Zane, Tsu.ya by Olympic gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, AllisonIzu, Roberta Oaks, Meleana, Matt Bruening, and more.

The result, during the “Get Out!” show of casual, active and swimwear, was a fresh way of layering and accessorizing that lifts Hawaii out of “regional wannabe” category, and into the realm of national- and international-caliber player.

More, please!

John Koga was one of the artists, along with Lawrence Seward, who designed the pop-up shop at Hawai’i Convention Center, featuring garments, accessories and jewelry by local designers against the backdrop of the late Tadashi Sato’s “Volcano.”

Scarves by Kaypee Soh were among pieces featured in the popup shop.

Julie Chu and Courtney Coleman were there to represent Loco Boutique in a popup sponsored by H.I.S. Travel Agency.

Brenton Thwaites named 'Rising Star' at EuroCinema Hawai'i

Nadine Kam photos
Australian actor Brenton Thwaites, dressed in Prada, arrived on the red carpet at the EuroCinema Hawaii Awards ceremony where he received the Rising Star Award.

The EuroCinema Hawai’i Film Festival Awards Gala took place Nov. 8 at the Moana Surfrider, with former Bond girl Barbara Carrera on hand to serve as Mistress of Ceremonies, the recognition of Hawaii’s best student film, and the presentation of the Rising Star Award to Australian actor Brenton Thwaites.

Thwaites, who starred in “Maleficient” and “The Giver,” is working on the adventure thriller “Gods of Egypt” with Gerard Butler, and has two more films, “Ride” and “Son of a Gun,” in post-production.

EuroCinema Hawai’i, a “festival within a festival” within the Hawai’i International Film Festival, aims to advance cultural understanding and exchange between the peoples of Europe and Hawaii through film, as well as support future filmmakers of Hawaii with a generous sponsorship of $5,000 from the Sunny Dupree Family Foundation.

This year’s winner, Kali Kasashima, who directed “N. King,” received a $1,000 cash prize and a matching cash award for his school, the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media. Additionally, ACM will receive a new $3,000 production scholarship to be awarded to students based on screenplays and budgets reviewed by members of the EuroCinema Hawaii Board and the Sunny Dupree Family Foundation.

Actress Barbara Carrera arrived with EuroCinema Hawai’i president Jefferson Finney, left, and Jon Staub.

Roger and Julie Corman of New World Pictures arrive on the red carpet.

The juried winner was determined by the Golden Globes’ Aida Takla-O’Reilly, editor and composer John Ottman, and producer Julie Corman.

The student nominees were:
>> Nicholas Bresnan: “Cadence,” Henry J. Kaiser High School; https://vimeo.com/105828364 (Password: hiff)
>> Erin Lau: “Day pass,” University of Hawaii at Manoa, ACM; https://vimeo.com/100621793 (Password: HIFF)
>> Kali Kasashima: “N. King,” UHM ACM; https://vimeo.com/93328291 (Password: nKing)
>> Paisley Mares (writer/director) and Kristin Briones (producer): “Winter for the May Queen,” UHM ACM; https://vimeo.com/87987761 (Password: tofu)
>> Jake Nowicki: “Bicycle,” UHM ACM; https://vimeo.com/100373999 (Password: acm)

The evening’s award winners were:
>> The Princess Dialta Alliata di Montereale Award for Best Film: “The Imitation Game,” (UK/USA)
>> Best Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game”
>> Best Actress: Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Italy’s “Human Capital”
>> Best Director: Morten Tyldum, “The Imitation Game”
>> Best Student Film: “N. King,” directed by Kali Kasashima
>> The Prince and Princess Kawananakoa Rising Star Award: Brenton Thwaites, “The Giver”
>> Lifetime Achievement Award”: Roger and Julie Corman, New Line Cinema (sponsored by Christina Hassell)

Kali Kasashima, director of “N. King,” picked up the Best Student Film from Sunny Dupree, whose Sunny Dupree Family Foundation sponsors the annual award.

From left, Barbara Carrera, Princess Dialta Alliata di Montereale and Jefferson Finney introduced the awards.

Thwaites gamely posed with fans en route to the lawn where the awards ceremony took place.

Prince and Princess Kawananakoa Rising Star Award was presented by Quentin and Elizabeth Kawananakoa to Brenton Thwaites, accepting the award with Make A Wish recipient Annabelle Roberts, wearing a dress by Ari South.

On the red carpet are “Hawaii Five-0″ executive producer Peter Lenkov, Angie Laprete and director Bryan Spicer.

Kristy Haskell, second from left, with husband Watters O. Martin, sponsored the award.

Producer Chris Lee in Dolce & Gabbana with Jimmy Choo shoes and Prada tie.

Wayne Yoshigai, left, and John Schamber mark the occasion in Prada.

More party-goers.

Some of the night’s edibles:

Chef Wayne Hirabayashi of Kahala Hotel and Resort was offering Hawaiian salt-spiced peanuts and popcorn in keeping with the movie theme, as s well as kataifi-wrapped Kauai shrimp, and below, Spanish paprika smoked tako poke in mini squid ink cones wrapped in metallic paper.

Chef John Matsubara, from the Hyatt Waikiki Resort & Spa’s Japengo restaurant, offered irresistable pork chicharróns and chicken skin topped with Japengo Estate Spiced Honey from the Hyatt’s rooftop apiary, Meyer lemon and Greek yogurt.

Chef Danny Chew, from Sheraton Waikiki’s Rum Fire, offered smoked kampachi with shio koji, watercress puree and roasted lemon gel, and below, beef tenderloin with smoked tomato sauce.

On Kalakaua, the curious were drawn to the red carpet and limo arrivals.