Last hurrah before Catherine's Closet closes doors

Nadine Kam photos
Angela McGuire shows her retro Hawaii style at Catherine’s Closet. She’s originally from Florida and now lives in Montana, but recently in town for a visit.

The downtown vintage boutique Catherine’s Closet will be closing its doors at the end of this month, and to thank customers for their patronage over the years, owner Catherine Fong will be hosting a benefit shopping day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, during which 20 percent of sales will go to breast cancer research.

There will be music and prizes throughout the day, and Fong will be bringing out fabulous pieces from her private collection, which I can’t wait to see.

In addition to clothing from past eras, the shop has been known for stocking the largest array of vintage hats, headpieces and fascinators on Oahu.

Don’t worry, when the doors close it won’t be a forever goodbye. You will still be able to catch Catherine singing around town, at Medici’s and special events, and after a resting period, she’ll be introducing an online boutique. Though it’s not the same as dropping in and talking story with the personable collector.

I met her in 2007, when her boutique was in Manoa. She opened her downtown boutique in 2010, and among her patrons were New York darlings Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez.
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Catherine’s Closet is at 125 Merchant St. Call (808) 386-2746.

Catherine’s Closet is known for owner Catherine Fong’s collection of vintage hats.

Speaking of head toppers, this little crown could be yours for $54.

Accessories befitting a woman’s vanity circa 1950s and ’60s.

Catherine’s already carries a lot of nice vintage pieces but she’ll be busting out her private stash on Saturday.

A selection of earrings, and below, necklaces.

One of the unique items up for grabs is a 19th century bar that was originally in a Chinatown shop and stored away for decades before its owners decided to part with their furnishings.

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