HCC students stage jubilant 'Juxtapose'

Nadine Kam photos
Kyle Woolsey posed with his models, including Ari South, far right, after his finale show during “Juxtapose—Central Park After Dark,” the Honolulu Community College senior fashion show.

Ten designers from Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology program presented their senior collections during the school’s annual fashion show April 25.

“Juxtapose—Central Park After Dark” saw the school’s Building 5 Courtyard transformed into a New York cityscape with a backdrop of skyscrapers, trees and small bridge on the runway.

I spotted one of the school’s illustrious alums, Kini Zamora, in the crowd, but where was his fellow “Project Runway” designer Ari South?

Well, what a surprise when—just when we thought the last model had appeared in the finale show—Ari turned up on the runway in a red ballgown created by Kyle Woolsey, for whom South had served as a mentor.

I still remember seeing Ari—when she was still Andy South—during a friendly post-fashion show walk-off at Kahala Mall. Andy in stilettos put the girls to shame, and at that time none of us knew of changes in store.

To see Ari in full blossom was a spectacular moment that will be remembered for years to come.

The fashion show also serves as a project for the school’s many educational departments. The stage and New York skyline backdrop were the work of the HCC Art, Design Center and Carpentry departments. The cosmetology department created hair and makeup looks.

Ari South, right, with Pono Fernandez, after the show in evening gowns by Kyle Woolsey.

Designer Kini Zamora with one of his mentors, retired HCC instructor Lillian Zane.

The event advertises “heavy pupu,” but guests over the past few years have been treated instead to a full dinner buffet. This year’s event, catered by JHTW Foods, embraced the theme, serving such dishes as New York steak with Big Apple demi, and pictured, pastrami-crusted mahi with mustard cream sauce. One diner said the meal alone was worth the $35 ticket price.

Designer Alexander Propios with his model Leilani Ramos. I was impressed that he designed this print and had the fabric made, as well as the placement of graphic elements on his garments. It was a puzzle that is way beyond my non-mathematical, non-mechanical way of thinking.

 The designers take their bows on stage at the end of the show. From left, Irene Cramer, Shailanne Ah Loo, Joliber Albano, Cherrie Lyn Beltran and Charae Laleo.

Students take their bows after the show. From left, Kyle Woolsey, Alexander Propios, Savanna Rains-Cole, Veronica Hendrickson and Karen Dulatre.

In the spirit of the evening, instructor and mentor Joy Nagaue carried a purse with a New York skyline to match the fashion show’s backdrop.

Here are the collections:


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“Chiology” by Shailanne Ah Loo

The idea of balance, in life, work and enjoyment of outdoors, appeals to Shailanne Ah Loo, whose meditations brought her to Chiology, based on the Chinse belief in chi, a life force energy that flows through all living things.
Ah Loo attempted to capture the free flow of wind, the abundance of nature’s colors in a collection that is playful and full of life, and adjustable to suit an individual’s needs and whims.


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“Watermark” by Joliber Albano

In the fashion world, there are designers who love structure, and those who love flow, and the two styles rarely merge. Joliber Albano is the rare designer capable of marrying the two aesthetics, to womens’ best advantage.
“I like to accentuate a woman’s body. My styles have features that create the illusion of a slim waist, pleats to add volume to a small bust, or to make it look like you have a perfect hourglass figure.”
Her philosophy grew out of her own problems finding suitable clothing for her petite frame.
“I have a small bust and found clothes that just accentuated what I don’t have, or dresses with back plunges that couldn’t be worn easily without a bra.”
Now, if she does create a plunging back, she builds in a bra, and even a simple sundress has figure-shaping princess seams.

Malia Jones launches debut swimwear line

Nadine Kam photos
Surfter/model Malia Jones is no newcomer to the world of swimwear design, having contributed and consulted with fashion brands since she was a teen-ager, but now she’s gone solo, launching her inaugural Malia Jones spring/summer 2015 collection.

True to her Kailua and North Shore roots, surfer-turned model-turned designer Malia Jones a k a Mrs. Alex O’Loughlin, remains grounded, even after a lifetime spent courted by surf and fashion brands, and jetting around the globe.

I caught up with Jones at the Rebecca Beach boutique at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, one of the local shops carrying her inaugural Malia Jones spring/summer 2015 collection, which brings together all her ideas of what swimwear should be, after having spent a career modeling “every swimsuit ever,” she said.

“I’ve worn it all. I’ve been ambassador to swimsuit companies and I’ve had my own collection within other swimsuit companies and been a consultant on other brands.”

Photos courtesy Malia Jones


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Stepping out on her own takes much more effort. “I get more picky when it’s my stuff because it has my name on it, so I’ve gotta love it,” she said. “I make everything myself, from sourcing materials, to the fit, to trying it on, adjusting the fit, finding the right factory to make it, getting the material there. It’s so much easier when you’re doing it for someone else, but it’s so much more interesting when you’re doing it yourself.

“The hardest thing is streamlining because there’s all these things you want to do but you have to make it true to the brand, and you have to make it timeless, because it’s for that timeless, classic woman who’s just chic. I think it’s all about changing, evolving, keeping what works and throwing out what doesn’t work. I think it’s a good thing in my personal life, and a great thing for all women.”

In spite of all the work she puts into her line, she doesn't let her design duties distract from her marriage to “Hawaii Five-0” star Alex O’Loughlin.

“He’s so supportive. When I have to go to L.A. to manufacture, he’s with the kids,” she said. “I try on the different pieces for him and he tells me which ones he likes. For the most part, he likes them all.

“I have a really good boundary between work and being a mom and a wife. I do need my creative space and when I’m in it I’m in it. But at the same time, I need my beach time, I need my surf time, I need my mommy time, I need my yoga time. I need time to chill out with my family and not think about what’s happening elsewhere.”
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The Malia Jones collection can be found at The Modern Honolulu gift shop; Rebecca Beach at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel; Bubbles and DJ Number 808 at 66-165 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa; Seaside Luxe at Hualalai Resort on Hawaii Island; and Cabana at Four Seasons Resort Maui; and www.maliajones.com

Malia Jones adjusts a suit on Meleana Estes. I love the lattice lace detailing on the top she was wearing, also her own design. Unfortunately, because of the details, including leather neckline trim, she said it is rather “pricey” and will only be available online once her website is complete.

Jyoti Mau wears a bandeau bikini top ($110) and bottom ($110), under a white caftan coverup ($395).
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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.

Your Cargo snap could win you prize

Photo courtesy Cargo
Cargo’s “Summer in the City” eye palette.

To reinforce the idea of Cargo Cosmetics as a makeup brand that fits all your needs on the go, the company has launched a social media photo contest to discover where you wear Cargo.

To enter, snap a photo of your favorite Cargo product in your city or on a trip. Tag @cargocosmetics and use the contest hashtag #MYCITYMYCARGO in your post. Midnight EST April 26 is the deadline, and five winners with the most creative photos will win a Cargo Summer in the City eye palette.

Winners will be announced April 27.

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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.

Earth Month inspires upcycled designs from CHIEF, Love at Dawn

Nadine Kam photos
Love at Dawn designer Angela Tomiye, front left, and CHIEF designer Lynn Dagan, front right, posed with their models after their debut fashion show at Honolulu Night Market.

Timed ahead of Earth Day, CHIEF designer Lynn Dagan and Love at Dawn designer Angela Tomiye teamed up to stage their first fashion show at Honolulu Night Market on Saturday, as well as a trunk show of one-of-a-kind vintage and upcycled pieces.

The show served as a reminder that rather than be wasteful, the clever dresser can do his/her part to conserve resources by rescuing pieces.

Both designers share a love of vintage design and textiles, and could never bear the thought of others discarding them at the expense of the planet, as well as the closets of current and future fashion lovers and collectors. They enjoy giving the garments and textiles new life by repurposing them into more contemporary clothing and accessories.


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Dagan said she’d been repurposing garments since she was in the 9th grade, followinge the example set by her mother and grandmother.

Growing up in a Filipino household, she was the dutiful daughter who studied to become an ER nurse to please her mom, and she said she loves her job, but when she goes home to sew, “This is therapy to me.”

She learned to sew by watching YouTube videos, and much of her work now centers on embellishing denim shorts, and creating clutches, wallets, totes, purses and unisex crossbody bags out of unique fabrics and leather.

One of her fans, Charyse Iseri, introduced her to Angela, and Dagan said, “Angela and I really get each other. We seem to have that eye that recognizes vintage or vintage appeal. When I shop in thrift stores and come across textiles that catch my eye, I am already thinking about how I am going to design the piece.”

 Angela Komiye, left, and Lynn Dagan, right, with their intern Kiki Krog.

Among the models was Miss Hawaii USA Emma Wo. She will be competing in the Miss USA 2015 pageant on July 12 in Baton Rouge, La.

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CHIEF designs are currently available at Mori Hawaii by Art & Flea in Ward Warehouse, as well as The Butik at 1067 Kapiolani Boulevard, and Kira Hawaii at Pearlridge Uptown. Tomiye has a studio at Mccully and King sts., above the old Chop Sui House, where she meets with clients by appointment.

More pieces courtesy of the designers:

 

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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.

Ala Moana Center announces new tenants

Photo courtesy Ted Baker
Ted Baker London is among the retailers coming to Ala Moana Center’s Ewa Wing.

I’m excited to see the rundown of new shops and restaurants coming to Ala Moana Center when the Ewa Wing is completed — tentatively late this year, just in time for Christmas.

Construction is moving quickly, and I noticed Wednesday morning that they have torn down my favorite access point on Ala Moana Boulevard: the ramp heading toward Longhi’s and Morton’s. If you’re heading down there, plan accordingly.
The expanded three-level shopping area will eventually feature 650,000 square feet of new retail space, including a 167,000 square-foot Bloomingdale’s store. Nordstrom will also move into the Ewa Wing in March 2016.

Here’s a list of what’s coming; some of the brands are already represented elsewhere in town. I’m particularly excited to see newcomer Ted Baker London. Love the brand’s retro, ladylike-with-an-edge style.

» Aqua Blu: Offers high-end versatile bags perfect for jetsetters on the go. Each bag is designed to be practical, fashionable, light and functional.

» The Art of Shaving: Presents a collection of grooming essentials, including shaving sets, razors, shaving brushes, and shaving products made with quality ingredients and 100 percent pure essential oils to help men achieve healthier, smoother skin.

» BOSS Hugo Boss: Line of sophisticated clothing for men and women, ranging from tuxedos and evening gowns, to club wear and casual styles.

» Calypso St. Barth: The boutique captures the romance of travel and a languid luxurious lifestyle, with the leisure looks of dip-dyed caftans, cashmere cardigans and other luxe bohemian delights.

» David Yurman: The brand is known for fine jewelry and luxury timepieces capturing the essence of relaxed American luxury.

» The D Shop – Desigual: The Barcelona-based brand is characterized by its distinctive, colorful prints and casual designs for women, men and kids.

» Gloria Jean’s Coffees: Single origin and flavored beans, and the latest in coffee accessories will create a modern, elevated coffee and food experience.

» Laline: “Body meets soul” with this bath and body care line. Laline combines the best of nature and science, sourcing essential oils and scents from Provence, and mineral salts from the Dead Sea to help improve skin.

» Pierre Marcolini: The chocolatier makes his own couverture chocolate using cacao beans sourced from Mexico, Madagascar, Venezuela and more exotic locales, resulting in luxury craft chocolates and sweets.

» Ted Baker London: The menswear and womenswear brand is loved for its quality and distinctive use of design and colour, plus attention to detail. Traditional and contemporary influences with a dose of irreverent sense of humour capture a quintessential British attitude.

» Tempura Ichidai: The second offering from Pierthirty USA, Inc., will feature a fresh tempura bar allowing patrons to choose from a variety of tempura items.

» Longines: Known for its rich heritage and winged hourglass logo, Longines brings its 180 years of watchmaking expertise to elegant, high-performance timepieces.

» Moncler: Travelers swear by Moncler’s stylish, technologically advanced apparel and outerwear providing warmth and go anywhere lightness.
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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.

There's plenty to love at Nomads Hawaii boutique

Nadine Kam photos
In searching for one of the newspaper’s “5 Things We Love,” I bought this marble box inlaid with lapis lazuli, malachite, carnelian and other semi-precious stones, from Nomads Hawaii.


Blame it on Doris Duke. You can’t walk away from her Shangri La estate without gaining an appreciation of Islamic arts and the beautiful fixtures and furnishings in her home, drawing from her international travels.

After visiting her newly opened Mughal Suite at Shangri La last year, I fell in love with her marble bath inlaid with floral studies comprising semi-precious stones.

Well, I can’t afford a room of marble, but on a visit to Nandini Bhattacharjee’s Nomads Hawaii boutique in Kailua, I recognized the work in inlaid vases and boxes from India, and could afford one of the boxes, now about $117, a 50 percent markdown.

Bhattacharjee traveled the world and brought back the things she loved to share with the rest of us.
Offered are clothing, jewelry and housewares including batiks sarongs (about $28) from Indonesia and handmade bedding from India.

One shelf is devoted to international Fair Trade items made by adult workers who are paid fair wages in safe working conditions, provided with education and healthcare, and using eco-friendly practices.

Nomads Hawaii is at 131 Hekili St., Suite 112, in Kailua. Call 261-6677.

I could only feature a few objects in the paper, here are a few more:

These are two images I captured last year while writing a story on the opening of Doris Duke’s Shangri La Mughal Suite, the heiress’ private quarters with adjoining wall-to-wall marble bath.

Another inlaid marble vase from Nomads Hawaii.

At Nomads Hawaii, these handmade stuffed toys from Africa have individual names.

 Handpainted egg cups from India. This set of three is $18.

Umbra Zoola ring holders and cardholders, $12 each.

Carved wood elephant candle holder from India.

Kokeshi-style figures made in Indonesia.
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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.