H&M welcomed 800 on opening night

A crowd gathered at the red carpet entrance to the newest H&M store at Waikiki Business Plaza. The line extended along the left side of the building. — H&M courtesy photo

Eight-hundred invited guests crowded the entrance of H & M, Hennes & Mauritz AB, March 26, marking the grand opening of the international retail giant at the Waikiki Business Plaza, the first H&M store in Hawaii.

The event included food from chef Chai Chaowasaree, a concert by indie band Best Coast, and of course, it marked the first time attendees could shop the racks, full of spring trend items for men and women, including grand opening specials on accessories as low as $1, and apparel as low as $5.

The two floors could barely contain the crowd, and it took a lot of weaving and dodging to move through a crowd that has waited years to be able to shop the brand's reasonably priced contemporary apparel. It was such a frenzy that afterward, several people said they were so tired and relieved to get out the door.

H&M also unveiled an installation featuring artwork by local surf photographers Mike Coots, Sarah Lee and Zak Noyle, whose photos are being featured on a trio of limited-edition H&M T-shirts. All proceeds from sales of the shirts will benefit AccesSurf, a non-profit organization that provides surfing instruction and therapeutic educational programs on water recreation for people with disabilities.

H&M was established in Sweden in 1947. Today there are 310 stores in the United States and more than 3,100 H&M stores in 53 markets worldwide.
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H&M is in the Waikiki Business Plaza, 2270 Kalakaua Ave.

Hawaii News Now Sunrise anchor documents the moment for television. She's in H&M's spring pink and florals. — Nadine Kam photos

Best Coast played a 12-song set for an appreciative crowd at the center of the store. For a sampling of the band's sound, click here.

From left, H&M staffers Katie Shamblin, Diana Johansson, Marina Müller and Olivia Vongphet.

Also representing H&M, Meng Hok, Marissa Ferretti and Michael Steven Gallegos.

Of course there were models among the guests, from left, Pono Fernandez, Nalani Ravelo and model-turned-photographer Daniela Voicescu.

H&M North America president Daniel Kulle, left, with local surf photographers Sarah Lee, Zak Noyle and Mike Coots, whose photos are being featured on limited-edition T-shirts, below, sales of which will benefit AccesSurf. — H&M photos

First look: H&M Waikiki

Nadine Kam photos
A display at the entrance to the new H&M Waikiki, which opens Thursday. Not all these pieces are in stock, but they will be.

After more than a decade's wait, H&M will open its first Hawaii location at noon March 27 in the Waikiki Business Plaza, with 31,000 square feet of fashion on two floors.

During a media preview this morning, we got a peek at the women's and men's styles that have won the brand fans all around the world.

As H&M enthusiast Malia Chung told me earlier, "I appreciate how H&M brings high fashion and runway style pieces to an affordable price point for us fashion fiends on a budget!
And the designer collaborations they're doing are amazing too."

It's been a long wait for those of us in Hawaii, and it was explained to me while working on last week's story about the grand opening, that they always seek the best location in any city they go into, and they were willing to wait for the central Kalakaua Avenue location.

The first 500 shoppers in line on the 27th will receive a limited-edition tote bag featuring the most popular images of local surf photographers Mike Coots, Sarah Lee and Zak Noyle, as well as an "Access to Fashion" pass valued from $10 to $500 to shop the store.

If you do happen to nab that $500 gift, that money will go a long way. There will be grand opening items priced at $5, and prices generally run about $19.95 to $34.95. Some of the higher-end items are about $129 to $169 and those are toward the left of the store's Kalakaua entrance.

New items arrive daily, and because there's such an emphasis on personal style here, they say that we shouldn't see others wearing the same things we choose. All I can say is that when someone pulled out a pair of banana-printed pants for me, that was her taste and I just said, "Oh, no."

We didn't get a chance to shop today, but I look forward to the opp soon!

A couple of videos featuring the key women's looks:


http://youtu.be/JlJFXVNgJS4
http://youtu.be/bI768oyt71U

This pineapple design beach coverup is $5, one of the grand opening specials.

These are some of the pricier looks.

More spring dressing.

An abundance of accessories are a stylist's dream.

There's as much of an array of looks for men as for women.

Spring trends on NM runway

To coincide with my print story today on Spring Trends 2014, here's a look at styles on the runway at Neiman Marcus, shown during a preview fashion show last month, also featuring themed cocktails by Chandra Lucariello, director of mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits, and crepes from Aloha Crepes:


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Vivienne Westwood celebrates 1st year in Waikiki

Nadine Kam photos
Red, white and blue, the British way.

Vivienne Westwood marked its first anniversary at The Moana Surfrider Hotel on March 6, a celebration of fearless, individualistic Brit style.

If you've got a wild side at all, you've got to love Dame Westwood, an icon of punk, new wave and shock fashion.

In spite of her ties to the U.K. punk scene and Malcolm McLaren's SEX boutique, I find the clothing carried here to be both original and more easy to wear than you'd imagine, given her reputation for eclectic, eccentric clothing.

You must check it out!

From left, Jason Alex Yapching, Azlinn Gregg and Catherine Caldwell.

Westwood boutique manager Jered Branco with Spa at Trump director Bridgette DeVore, left, and Malie Moran.

Vivienne Westwood statement necklaces, the larger with her signature Orb motif. You can see the design more clearly on the bag below:

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Unfortunately, after early dinner at the Hyatt, I could only drop in at Westwood for a few minutes before heading to second dinner at Stage in the Honolulu Design Center, which was marking the return of chef Ron De Guzman and debuting a collection of fashion-inspired artwork. You can view more at my other blog, Take a Bite.

Honolulu Eye Clinic hosts trunk show

If you're shopping for eyewear, check out this trunk show of designer brands taking place at Honolulu Eye Clinic from noon to 4 p.m. March 12, with discounts AND lunch! Can't beat that!

Willows launches new bridal fair

Nadine Kam photos
Models for The Bridal Boutique posed for a photo with Photographix Unlimited, which offers photo booth services for party guests.

The Willows Restaurant hosted its inaugural Ho‘omaika‘i, a wedding and special events fair, on Feb. 28, 2014, highlighted by a family-oriented special occasion fashion show by 'IOLANI Sportswear, and a mini bridal fashion show presented by The Bridal Boutique, featuring gowns by Alfred Angelo Bridal and Casablanca Bridal.

The event offered prospective brides and grooms the opportunity to tour the venue, sample its famous buffet, sample wines from The Wine Stop, listen to the music of wedding performers Maila Gibson & Ben Vegas, Kanoe Gibson and Randy Allen, and Smooth Remedy, and check out other vendors including photographers, lighting and sound specialists, videographers, florists, favor specialists, and bakers.

Hugo Higa, M.D. was there to share non-invasive cosmetic procedures to help couples look their best for photos or the ceremony, and Ho'ala Salon & Spa touted ways to prepare and de-stress before the big day.

There was also prize giveaways and The Bella Project was there to collect donations of wedding or prom dresses, tuxedos, and other formal wear and accessories toward helping teens in need attend their proms.


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The Willows general manager Garret Kamei said his catering staff is available to attend to many of the details that make wedding planning a headache, from providing the buffets and professional staff, all in a convenient location with valet parking.

Although old-timers are well-aquainted with this historic, multi-complex site, it remains a hidden, unexpected oasis in the midst of the city, that younger couples have yet to discover.

The Willows Chapel has been the site of many isle weddings, and the venue can host celebrations for up to 150 people in private rooms, as well as restaurant buy-outs for larger events.
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The Willows Restaurant is at 901 Hausten St. Call 808.952.9200.

A photographer from Photographix Unlimited keeps his eyes on the brides. The photos are printed on the spot for guests who utilize the company's photo booth services.

The Willows chapel at night.

Guests eye some of the creations by Cakeworks Bakery, above and below.

Celebrations' sakura- or cherry blossom-themed favors are a favorite of brides.