Wegman's 'Dogs in Coats' coming to Max Mara Waikiki

Nadine Kam photos
William Wegman’s “Dogs in Coats” series arrives at Max Mara for an event taking place 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1.

BY NADINE KAM

Max Mara is welcoming a special exhibition of William Wegman’s iconic “Dogs in Coats” photography series featuring images of Weimaraners in Max Mara’s signature 101801 double-breasted cashmere and wool beaver coats.

The exhibition debuted in Boston, where Wegman—who rose to fame with his Weimaraner portraits—earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art. The show made its way to Chicago, New York, Toronto, Houston, San Francisco and cities in between before arriving at the Waikiki store for a shopping event taking place 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1.

Max Mara originally commissioned Wegman to create a series of eight images featuring its 101801 coat in celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2001. In celebration of the renewal of “Dogs in Coats,” Max Mara is offering a reproduction of 30 limited edition 101801 coats with the original silhouette and camel color. Exclusive Dogs in Coats notecards will be included with every purchase. Guests will also receive an exclusive signed edition of Wegman’s book, “Polaroids,” with a qualifying purchase of $2,000 or more.

The Max Mara store is at 2186 Kalakaua Ave. Call 926-6161.

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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.

Honolulu Fashion Week 2015: Kini Zamora presents Spring/Summer 2016 collection

Nadine Kam photos
Kini Zamora posed backstage after his fashion show at the Hawai’i Convention Center.

BY NADINE KAM

Kini Zamora has been one busy guy, traveling to Austin, Tex., in August for “Project Runway’s “Werk” fashion show, to Fashion Week Los Angeles in October, and opening his shop The Clique by KZ, last month.

And sending 40 looks down the runway during his Spring/Summer 2016 showcase at Honolulu Fashion Week on Friday.

Out went last year’s sportswear in favor of feminine dresses and jumpsuits. His color palette for women ranged from creme florals to a mix of muted and shiny metal for evening.

Most striking were dazzling evening gowns of feather-light, near transparent silver and orange metallics. There were also short, pleated metallic skirts that the bold-hearted can pull off by day.

 One of Kini's "Project Runway" pals, Sean Kelly, was there to show his support.


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More structured pieces showcased the technique that got him to the finale of “Project Runway.”

Interspersed with the women’s wear were casual pieces for men who have not advanced as far as women in the fashion realm. T-shirts and tank tops bore the word “Kane,” as if none of us could guess by eyeing the beefcake!

Back stage after the show, I spotted designer Sean Kelly, winner of Kini’s “Project Runway” Season 13. I tried to shoot the two from a low angle, which had Kelly saying, “I’m up here.” So funny because that’s the line one of my beautiful friends uses when men are talking to her boobs.

We had a nice chat about his own travels post-“Runway,” and how he has to balance design work/time with the demands of celebrity. He also spoke about growing up in New Zealand in a small place where he had nothing to do, so his creativity stems from having to entertain himself.

Chuching Yang back stage in one of Zamora’s designs.

Chuching Yang and Meg Akim in evening ensembles.

Zamora’s male and female models wore jewelry by Pharoah Beads, by local designers now based in Las Vegas.

Before the show, Kini's 40 ensembles lined up as dressers, below, study the looks to be created.

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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.

Honolulu Fashion Week: From one kind of runway to another

Nadine Kam photos
One of Korean designer Lie Sangbong’s creations, presented during the Hawaiian Airlines Presents: Runway to Runway fashion show during Honolulu Fashion Week.

BY NADINE KAM

As a sponsor of the 2nd annual Honolulu Fashion Week, Hawaiian Airlines presented a “Runway to Runway” fashion show of international designers from Hawaii and destinations served on its travel routes, and partnered with a handful of Honolulu Community College Fashion Technology Program graduates and other emerging designers for a unique experiment in upcycling as a fun way to demonstrate social and environmental responsibility.

The HCC graduates and participating designers from The Cut Collective + Creative Lab’s Fashion Immersive Program were invited to participate in the airline’s “Cabin[to]Couture” project as a platform to showcase their skills using first-class and coach seat materials that were removed from planes after HA rejuvenated the cabin of its Boeing B717 neighbor island aircraft earlier this year with modern, lightweight seats.

Hawaii designer Kaypee Soh, right, with Japan model/actress Hinano and center, AULA designer Yukimi Kawashima.


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The upcycled garments and accessories made from the old seat fabric were unveiled in a small exhibition that greeted fashion week participants over the weekend.

When approached with the project, Joy Nagaue, professor of the Fashion Technology Program at HCC said, “I accepted; our students can do anything!”

And so they can. The work shown by Randy Oribello (Class of 2014), Chai Lim (Class of 2013) and Jacky Lau (Class of 2013), was nothing short of amazing in detail, and even more impressive given the weight, thickness and inflexibility of the fabric.

This airline seat, above, became the dress below. The upcycling challenge was part of Hawaiian Airlines “Cabin[to]Couture” challenge to emerging local designers.

Chai Lim was inspired by the notion of air and flying in creating an airy, short skirt paired with a clean, structured strapless top. The 2013 HCC graduate works at Tori Richards, as a pattern technician.

Honolulu Fashion Week 2015 opening day

Nadine Kam photos
Honolulu Fashion Week’s “Live Aloha” show opened with Grace Lee, left, interviewing New York Fashion Week creator Fern Mallis, and local-born curator in charge of The Costume Insitute, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harold Koda.

BY NADINE KAM

Honolulu Fashion Week opened Friday with a marketplace of local brands and “Live Aloha” fashion show featuring about 25 local designers and brands at the Hawai’i Convention Center.

Among those represented, big and small were Malia Jones, Matt Bruening, Ari South, Roberta Oaks, Sig Zane, Bliss Lau, Reyn Spooner, Florencia Arias, Allison Izu, Rumi Murakami, Ten Tomorrow and Language of the Birds. Credit for styling the local showcases goes to Don Sumada, originally from Hawaii, who’s now a freelance editorial and fashion show stylist based in New York City.

One of the runway looks.


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The show opened with Grace Lee briefly interviewing special guests in town for the event, fashion royalty Fern Mallis, who started New York Fashion Week in 1993, and Harold Koda, the local-born curator in charge of the prestigious Costume Institute, Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I was able to interview both, who are as humble as can be given their stature in the fashion/museum world. My interview with Mallis ran prior to fashion week, and my interview with Koda is slated to appear in the paper Dec. 3.

I had a seat, but ended up sitting on the floor for the best video angle. As a result, everyone who said hello, like fashion show producer Lynne O'Neill and Harold Koda, had to bend way down to greet me. Sorry about that!

Pierre, dressed in an indigo kerchief for the show, at the CHAI Studio booth within the fashion week marketplace.

Jana Higa of Blue Bird Jewelry showed some of her latest creations in the market place.

Dexter Doi and Carol D'Angelo of Ecolicious, started their company with eco tote bags long before the plastic bag ban, and have since moved into apparel. Next year, they may enter the cut-and-sew phase of their business. Many locally educated designers know Carol as a former instructor at the University of Hawaii apparel design program and former curator of the UH Textile Collection.

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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.

Honolulu Fashion Week model search is on

Eli Schmidt photo
Hawaii-born international model Keke Lindgard modeled a Bliss Lau volcano bead dress worn over a Matt Bruening evening gown during last year’s inaugural Honolulu Fashion Week.

BY NADINE KAM

Are you the next Keke Lindgard? The local model, back home for Honolulu Fashion Week, has walked Paris runways, been featured on international magazine covers and been the face of Gucci Eyewear?

Find out if you have the look of an international superstar during the Honolulu Fashion Week Model Search taking place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22 at Hawai’i Convention Center.

A panel of judges are searching for models between the ages of 15 and 24.
Females should be 5-foot-8 or taller, and guys between 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-3. Bring one to two portfolio images.

Models should wear:
— Simple, form fitting clothes.
— Tight jeans or short skirts and tight tank tops or T-shirts.
— Heels for girls.
— No slippers.
— Clean hair and clean face (no product in your hair and very minimal make up)
— Bring a bikini (women).

Judges are:
— Roman Young, Wilhelmina International
— Bobby Gutierrez, Wilhelmina Models, NYC
— Damon Rutland, NOMAD Management
— Lynne Hanzawa O’Neill, fashion show director
— Brie Thalmann and Stacey Makiya, fashion editors, Honolulu magazine
— Lashauna Downie, Bliss Models and Talent
— Ryan Brown, Wilhelmina Hawai‘i
— Joy Kam, Kathy Muller Talent and Modeling Agency

Models will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, with the last model seen at 12:30 p.m. Selected models will be featured in Honolulu magazine and have an opportunity to be featured in next year’s fashion week event.

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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.

Lolitas drop in for 'Harajuku' exhibition

Nadine Kam photos
Japan street artist Minori is in town for the opening of Honolulu Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion.” She’s with the museum’s textiles curator Sara Oka, who created the exhibition.

BY NADINE KAM

The Honolulu Museum of Art hosted an opening reception for its latest exhibition, “Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion,” continuing through April 3.

In town for the occasion were Japan streetwear artist Minori—dramatically dressed and in shironuri, or white face, makeup—and Juliette et Justine designer Mari Nakamura, who both graciously posed for photographs with guests, many of them fans of colorful and flamboyant Harajuku style, and dressed for the occasion.

True to the spirit of dress as an expression of creativity and fantasy, the museum created an “Alice in Wonderland” space with giant mushroom, forest thicket and March Hare.

Coincidentally, 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” aRealizing that I know the story by osmosis, yet have never actually read it, I just bought the anniversary edition of the book, illustrated by Salvador Dali.

For the background of the Harajuku exhibition, visit my earlier post.

If you feel you missed the excitement, mark your calendar for next year, when the following events will take place:

Jan 28: Meet guest artist Misako Aoki, president of the Japan Lolita Association, 10 a.m. to noon in the exhibition gallery. Free with museum entry.

Jan. 29: ARTafterDARK: Kawaii Hawai‘i-themed event focused on Harajuku. Misako Aoki will be in the exhibition gallery, posing for fan selfies. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m.; $25 general admission. Free for museum members.

Feb. 21: Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday: Mori Girl and Steam Boy. Free event will feature art activies and anime and manga related films, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many guests showed up outfitted for the occasion. From left are Cat Agena, Chris Minn and Angela.

Dezerae Leon Guerrero is one of the models who will be walking the floor of the exhibition. She’s wearing a mix of Vivienne Westwood and pieces created by her mom. She also sews her own garments. The hat is from Alice and the Pirates.

 Brent Anbe accessorized with a Party City bow and crown accented with photos of his dog Stewie. Yes, the name was inspired by "Family Guy."

Also in town for the event was Juliette et Justine designer Mari Nakamura, right, pictured with Sara Oka.

Aileen Uedoi, left, in Juliette et Justine, and Christi Kim in Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Both say they tend to dress in classic Lolita style, but dressed in sweet Lolita style for the occasion.

Kari Chu in dress and accessories by Angelic Pretty.

Among garments on view is this kawaii, sweet and innocent decora/fairy kei design by Nile Perch. Love the unicorns.

After strolling the exhibition, stop by the museum shop for Harajuku key chains, jewelry, books and more.
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The show is open during museum hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, through April 3, 2016. Museum admission is $10 general, includes same-day admission to Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House; youths 17 and younger admitted free. Call (808) 532-8700, or visit www.honolulumuseum.org.

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Unrelated to the museum’s exhibition, but of interest to anime and cosplay fans, the first Anime Matsuri will take place at Hawai’i Convention Center over Thanksgiving weekend. Events include a Lolita tea party, maid cafe, concert and cosplay fashion show. Special guests are Reika, described as Japan’s No. 1 cosplayer with 18 years of cosplay experience and more than 500 costumes, and Stella Chuu a New York City-based cosplayer and burlesque performer who merges pop culture and striptease.

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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.

Kensei presents fall show at Greystones

Nadine Kam photos
Kensei, center, posed for pictures after his fashion show with his models, songstress Cathy Foy, left, and Dale Young.

BY NADINE KAM

Stylist Kensei staged an intimate fashion show for 20 of his friends at Greystones Mansion on Sunday.

The presentation featured fall looks including a 1970s boho-inspired segment, and evening looks showcasing the layering of textiles, textures, jewelry and accessories with Kensei-style ingenuity.

Segments were introduced by songstress Cathy Foy, who set the tone of the shows with disco-era songs: Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and Donna Summer’s “The Last Dance,” and Broadway’s “South Pacific” tune, “Bali Hai.”

Cathy Roberts in one of Kensei’s evening ensembles.


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A special place was held for long-time Kensei friend, Jane Lyman, who died April 29 at the age of 93. The last time Kensei staged such an intimate show was in his living room, to mark Lyman’s 90th birthday.

I missed the beginning of the show, but was told that at the start, a giant moth fluttered through the living room, that portends a visit from the deceased. There were many that felt Jane was there with us. Certainly, she would have loved to be there and would have enjoyed the show immensely.

Makiki’s graceful Greystones Mansion was the setting for the elegant show.

The 1970s-inspired segment also had a Southwest vibe with plenty of leather, fringe and statement jewelry.

Radasha Hoohuli in a beaded evening ensemble.

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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.

Ted Baker London arrives at Ala Moana Center

Nadine Kam photos
A peek into the windows at the new Ted Baker London store in Ala Moana Center’s Ewa Wing Expansion.

BY NADINE KAM

Ted Baker London hosted a grand opening party Nov. 10, two days before the boutique opened its doors in Ala Moana Center’s new Ewa Wing.

The luxury clothing brand is known for its distinct use of pattern and color and a quintessential British sensibility, unconventional and irreverent, with attention to detail that to learned eyes deliver something out of the ordinary.

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with British style, so became the first to make a purchase from the new boutique, a pretty floral flared skirt. Their women’s fashion combine retro ladylike prettiness and classic lines with a bit of cheek and sass that makes it fun, not too serious.

Not to be ignored, Ted Baker gives equal time to menswear, for men who want to get noticed.

During a weekend of fashion shows celebrating the opening and the fall season, Ted Baker was also among the brands featured on Ala Moana’s Center Stage Nov. 14.


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Jenny Kim, left, and Tarynn Nago wear dresses by Ted Bake, with the boutique's dressing rooms as a backdrop.

Spools of thread that are part of the decor, convey a sense of London tailoring.

Ladylike goves.

The feminine bow is a Ted Baker signature.

A well-dressed woman is matched by a dapper gentleman.

Daniel Morales in Ted Baker, with the boutique’s dressing rooms as a backdrop.

Cocktails served up in coconut cups.

The charming invite made note of Ted Baker’s roots as a shirt specialist and the company’s new home in Hawaii.

As one of the first of the 30-plus new stores to open its doors, party-goers that evening were greeted by security outside the construction barricade. Once the doors opened, the first glimpse of the beautiful new wing and the lighted store were revealed. The barricades are now history!

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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.

bkr spreads message of beauty, health, hydration

bkr photo
Kate Cutler, left, and Tal Winter left their law practices after 13 years to become the founders of bkr, with the notion that beauty will save the world.

BY NADINE KAM

Believing that the average person has four careers in her, Tal Winter and Kate Cutler were ready to take a step away from their first after practicing law in California for 13 years.

The two met at University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Winter went on to represent abused children in the foster care system, while Cutler worked in corporate litigation.

“It wasn’t that we were unhappy with our work, but we wanted to do something more creative,” Cutler said.

In 2011, they made the leap with their launch of bkr (pronounced “beaker,” like the chemistry glass wide-mouthed glass vessels). Their specialty, glass drinking bottles wrapped in a brightly colored, sand-based silicone sleeve.

Neiman Marcus photo
A Rose Heart bkr ($35) is one of three bkr products being offered exclusively as one of Neiman Marcus's Gifts That Give.

Their one product, a stylish, Instagrammable 500-milliliter water bottle that quickly won a cult following. Initially carried by museum and design shops, bkr moved onto beauty floors, thanks to a push from excited fans, who shared their stories and convinced the founders that—with their message of beauty, health and hydration from the inside out—they were really in the beauty business.

The two founders were in town Nov. 5 through 7 for the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Event, and three exclusive bkr designs are also being featured as part of Neiman Marcus’s “Love to Give” collection of more than 60 designer items priced for holiday gift-giving. Ten percent of sales for each of the gift items will support the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Art to Go program.

I caught up with the founders at The MODERN Honolulu, where I spotted their colorful bkrs right away.

“We always drank a lot of water because we think it’s the key to being healthy from inside out,” Winter said. “But we realized we were drinking out of plastic that’s really bad for our health and the environment, and once you realize that, you can’t go back. Life is too short to drink from trash.”

The pair adopted the saying, “Beauty Will Save the World,” believing that those who fall in love with bkr also heed their message of environmental consciousness.

Although metal water flasks also abound, Winter said that was not an option. “You wouldn’t drink wine out of metal; water doesn’t taste good with metal either.”

Nothing prepared them for the response to their little creation, now also available in a teeny 250 milliliter size ($28) for travel and stowing in a purse.

Nadine Kam photo
Tal Winger, left, and Kate Cutler, with their bkrs at The MODERN Honolulu. Winter is expecting her first child early next year.

“Women would tell us they love their bkr so much and would ask, ‘Is it possible to love your water bottle?’” Winter said.

It became a must-have fashion accessory, the perfect chic addition for the road, whether traveling to the gym, beach or to carry with a designer purse to business meeting.

“We listened to our customers and once we made the connection, we started moving into spas, because they already knew the benefits of hydration,” Cutler said.

From there, they were able to approach stores like NM, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue with the idea of placement in their beauty departments.

“Basically, if you’re not drinking enough, nothing you put on your skin will help much,” said Winter. “A lot of the things you go to beauty counters or dermatologists for—fine lines, rosacea—are related to hydration, and most of us are dehydrated. If you ever feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.”

The duo have a few plans in the works, but demure from elaborating. Winter said, “We’re intending to grow in the beauty space where customers expect to find us. We’re not a container company. We’re a beauty company.”

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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.

Inside Bloomingdale’s Hawaii opening gala

Marco Garcia photos / Getty Images for Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's celebrated its Honolulu grand opening in style with a VIP party and Rockettes-style greeting Nov. 11 at Ala Moana Center. Bloomingdale's executive vice president for creative services Jack Hruska, center, stands with Rockette's inspired greeters.

BY NADINE KAM

Bloomingdale’s celebrated its Honolulu grand opening in style with a VIP party and Rockettes-style greeting Nov. 11 at Ala Moana Center. Bloomingdale’s executive vice president for creative services Jack Hruska, center, stands with Rockette’s inspired greeters.

I was lucky to be the first one in the store, warning gatekeepers to avoid getting trampled. In addition to the eyeful of the store itself, guests found themselves greeted by leggy models in Rockettes-inspired tuxedo jackets, with leotards and top hats, as well as waiters bearing cocktails.

In town for the occasion were Bloomingdale’s chairman and CEO Tony Spring; executive vice president, ceative services Jack Hruska; the store’s vice president and general manager Carolyn Edward; and “American Idol’s” Colby Benson.

The initially limited guest list swelled to 900, but due to the spaciousness of the store, it was easy and comfortable to mill around and view all the merchandise.

Most packed was the second-floor Aloha Room, destined to become a gathering place for special events, where chef Roy Yamaguchi was serving up caviar on mini cream cheese blinis.

Scattered elsewhere over the store’s three levels were drink and food stations featuring small bites from Ed Kenny (Town), Chai Chaowasaree (Chef Chai, Chai’s Waikiki), Chris Kajioka (the upcoming CK restaurant); Lee Anne Wong (Koko Head Café, Hale Ohuna); and guests did not leave without a “Tiny Brown Bag” of sweet treats from Michelle Karr-Ueoka (MW Restaurant).

To mark their entry to the local scene, Bloomingdale’s also made donations to 10 local-based organizations: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Friends of Iolani Palace, Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Joyful Heart Foundation, Kapi’olani Health Foundation, Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation, Nā Kama Kai and the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation.

Nadine Kam photos
Guests were presented with kukui nut lei, in Bloomingdale’s signature black-and-white, as they walked through the doors.

Just past the greeters, cocktails awaited, and there were more options upstairs such as the En Vogue cucumber and pink sugar martini, below.

Among the stylish guests were Marissa MacNaughton in Fendi, with Ian MacNaughtton in Kiton with Brioni shirt.

Dr. Shim Ching, center, with his wife Candice, left, in Pucci, and Marisa Gey, in Versace.

Small bites ranged from chef Roy Yamaguchi's caviar over cream cheese blinis and Madeira creme fraiche, to below, chef Chai Chaowasaree's festive somen.

 

Marco Garcia photos / Getty images for Bloomingdale's
Chef Lee Anne Wong show off her dish of smoked nairogi profiteroles, below. So yummy that I had two!

From left, Bloomingdale's executive vice president for creative services Jack Hruska, company chairman and CEO Tony Spring, and executive vice president/drector of stores Charles Anderson.

Guests received Tiny Brown Bags, a takeoff on Bloomingdale's signature brown shopping bag, filled with baked goodies from MW restaurant.

Nadine Kam photos
Town’s New York-meets-Hawaii bites were Delmono pulehu steak and lup cheong Madeleines.

Chef Chris Kajioka's nod to the Big Apple was a fall squash "Everything Bagel" risotto with the flavor of green apples.

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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.