Pop-up preview of Artigiani Milanesi luxury cashmere

Nadine Kam photos
Davide and Rebecca Bizzarri of Artigiani Milanesi were in town over the weekend to show their bespoke knitwear.

BY NADINE KAM

Artigiani Milanesi, known for its handcrafted Italian cashmere garments, brought its first pop-up shop for 2016 and its first Hawaii trunk show to The MODERN Honolulu over the weekend to showcase men’s and women’s designs from its winter collection of 100 percent Italian cashmere coats, ponchos, jackets, sweaters, cardigans and dresses.

Shoppers were welcome to try on samples with owners Rebecca and Davide Bizzarri on hand for measuring and custom fittings for the bespoke garments by the brand founded in 1959 in Milan, known for its high-quality knits.

Davide absorbed the craft while sitting at his mother’s feet as she worked in a factory where women were taught the artform, post World War II, as Italy rebuilt itself and the knitwear industry led the Italian renaissance in postwar fashion.

Clients placing custom orders could choose from several colors of cashmere.

Two years ago, the couple moved the company and its facilities, including vintage hand-operated looms, to Bowen Island, Canada, for new opportunities in North America.

Among their aims is to open a store in Maui to feature their cashmere scarves (about $75 to $250), jackets ($800 to $900) and other apparel.

Rebecca said the idea is to have a space where people can see how a sweater is made. Shoppers will be able to buy instantly from stock or opt to use the company’s made-to-measure service.

In an era where cheap, machine-made knits have come to be expected, it is so wonderful to be able to see and feel their exquisite creations and know they have the support of the handful of people around the globe who still appreciate fine craftsmanship.

Rebecca modeled a few of the designs.

A garment rack showcased the colors of Artigiani Milanesi’s winter collection.

 Photos courtesy Artigiani Milanesi

Artigiani Milanesi's circular scarf.

Artigiani Milanesi Revere jacket.

French rose sweater.

Kini Zamora makes 'Project Runway All-Stars' Season 5

Lifetime photo
A new “Project Runway All-Stars” season starts Feb. 11, and Hawaii viewers will see a familiar face with the return of Kini Zamora, fourth from left.

BY NADINE KAM

Hawaii designer Kini Zamora will get his second chance at taking the top spot in Lifetime’s “Project Runway” when he returns for the series’ “All Stars” Season 5. The first episode is set to air Feb. 11, and among the 13 contestants will be three other familiar faces from Zamora’s Season 13: Emily Payne, Mitchell Perry and Fade Zu Grau.

Zamora, noted during the show’s run for his speedy work and couture finishing, ended his season in third place and was one of four finalists to present a show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion week in New York in Fall 2014.

He lost to Sean Kelly, but the two remain friends and Kelly showed up to support Zamora when he presented his Spring 2016 collection at Honolulu Fashion Week in November.

Following “Project Runway,” Zamora returned home to present two headline shows at Honolulu Fashion Week and opened The Clique by KZ to sell and showcase his many collections, ranging from menswear to women’s casual, bridal and evening wear.

In an interview posted online at Mylifetime.com, Zamora was asked, “What makes you All-Stars material?”

He said, “I feel like I have a lot more to show the world and I feel like I have the potential to win. I was so close in my season and I’m ready to go to the end and win ‘All Stars!’ ”

Harold Julian Photography for HI Luxury
I was able to use one of Kini Zamora’s gowns for our Spanish-inspired fall 2015 fashion feature in HI Luxury magazine.

Other designers he will be competing against are Alexander Pope, Asha Daniels, Daniel Franco (who never goes away), Dom Streater, Ken Laurence, Layana Aguilar, Sam Donovan, Stella Zotis and Valerie Mayen.

Follow his journey on social media and post your thoughts with the hashtags #DesignerKini and #teamKINI, or by visiting kinizamora.com, and of course I will be weighing in right here.

Bo Montalvo photo
One of the images in Kini Zamora's portfolio on MyLifetime.com.

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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.

More Mojo for Hawaii's most handsome gentlemen

Mojo Barbershop & Social Club photo
Mojo Barbershop & Social Club conveys a vintage vibe with respect for men's barbershop traditions while offering contemporary services and techniques, the best of both worlds.

BY NADINE KAM

Mojo Barbershop & Social Club has opened its second location in the historic McCully Chop Suey space at 2005 S. King St.

The 1,300-square-foot McCully location features eight chairs for its haircuts and shaves, a complimentary beer with each cut, and a new 15-minute head spa shampoo and scalp massage treatment.

 The barbershop also has a larger lounge area and retail space stocking such popular men’s grooming lines such as Grant’s, Layrite, Upper Cut Deluxe, Ursa Major and Crown Shaving, along with other men’s accessories and small gift items.

Cost runs $15 for beard trims, $35 for a haircut, $40 for a straight razor shave, and $65 for a cut and shave.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Appointments are taken at 927-8017. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The first Mojo Barbershop & Social Club, reminiscent of old-fashioned barberships, opened in October 2011 in Chinatown, geared toward providing men’s grooming services with the motto, “Keeping Hawaii Handsome.”
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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.