Parade of 'Angels' in Waikiki

Nadine Kam photos
Nina Thai, front left, poses with her models during the grand opening of her second Angels by the Sea boutique in Waikiki, this one at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel, streetfront on Kalakaua Avenue.

Nina Thai celebrated the grand opening of her second Angels by the Sea boutique June 2 with a party that started with a mini parade/fashion show of keiki and grownup models down Kalakaua Avenue.

Guests were invited to meet at The Waikiki Shopping Plaza, where models in angel wings and the boutique's new Summer 2016 collection—due to hit the racks in July—led the procession to the new store at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel, streetfront on Kalakaua.

Nina started her girls line about six months ago because moms were asking for matchy-matchy rompers and dresses for their mini-me's.

After a blessing, well-wishers squeezed into the store, where sweet treats in ocean blue awaited. There was barely room to maneuver because so many were shopping the BOGO event. The buy-one-get-one free offer ends June 3. Angels by the Sea's resort-style rompers, sun dresses, maxis and separates are popular with women because they manage to be playful, feminine, sexy and romantic, all in one.

The lightweight garments are also ideal for our hot, humid weather. Keiki styles run from about $38 to $78, adults $80 to $180.

I get so many compliments when I wear Angels by the Sea. I wore a floor-length dress today and some of my co-workers were gushing, "Wow, you look great! Are you going out?"

Oh, hello. I go out almost every day and night, making what is supposed to be complimentary sound a bit insulting, like I'm not even trying every other day. But it just makes me think maybe I should be wearing Angels by the Sea more often!

Sales from the event will benefit the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Ellen Hamada Scholarship Fund for Fashion Design & Sewing, which supports local students pursuing their dreams in fashion industry. For Thai, it was a dream that became reality in 2010 when she opened her first location at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

She's coy about what her next move will be, but I have a feeling this second boutique won't be her last.
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The new Angels by the Sea boutique is at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Resort & Spa, 2348 Kalakaua Ave. Call 921-2747. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.

Nina led a parade of "angels" from Waikiki Shopping Plaza to her store, drawing smiles from visitors along the way.

A couple of the grown-up styles, which will be available in July.

A blessing preceded entry to the store.

One of the store's window displays.

Inside the boutique crowded with well-wishers, sweet treats colored ocean blue, awaited.

In addition to clothing, Angels by the Sea carries a few ocean-themed items for the home, including the wall signs below.

Ocean plush toys.

Nina with Hawaii News Now's Jennifer Robbins.

Clea Saldania in Angels by the Sea.

At night, we could see the glow of the angel wings.
 

Models showed more of the styles to be available in July.

A reward at the end of a long evening for this young model.

Photo courtesy Ritsuko Kukonu
As for current styles, I am wearing one of them (blue), as are Jennifer Robbins (in pink) and Ritsuko Kukonu, right.

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