Party with The Collective at the opening of its new Ward Village shop

Nadine Kam photos
Allison Izu, left, and Summer Shiigi will welcome shoppers to the grand opening of The Collective, their new work/retail space at Ward Warehouse, Ward Village Shops, July 9.

The Collective is hosting a grand opening party between 2 and 8 p.m. July 9, with light refreshments, new design launches, and an interactive photo booth from Shoots Booth allowing shoppers to show off their new outfits and purchases.

The Collective is a combination retail/design workspace for local brands Allison Izu and Ten Tomorrow's Summer Shiigi.

"The Collective," spelled out in cookies.

“We wanted to create a new boutique where customers can see our workspace and how we develop products while also enjoying a personalized shopping experience,” said Shiigi.

During a preview event July 8, the work tables were cleared for food catered by The Pig & The Lady. Directly below the food service area were rolls and rolls of fabric representing the next few months of designs.

"Aren't you afraid something will spill?" I asked.

Shiigi's response? "Yeah, it could happen, but it'll all be worth it."

Schedules and two months of designs in allison Izu's workspace.

Allison Izu Song of Allison Izu and Shiigi of Ten Tomorrow founded The Collective (formerly known as The Cut Collective) in 2013 with the aim of, not only developing their own brands, but to provide a space for independent local designers to also develop their own “made in Hawaii” brands.

The pair continue to use their expertise in consulting and mentoring to help other local brands achieve their goals.

During the grand opening event, the first 25 shoppers to spend $250 or more will receive a gift with purchase. The designers will also be launching a stamp card rewards program on the same day.
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The Collective is at 1050 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 1460, at the Diamond Head of the mall. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Call (808) 591-6219, or visit thecollectivehi.com, or email info@thecollectivehi.com.

The Collective's retail space is at the front of the shop, and work space is in the back.

Shiigi got a lei and a hug from one well-wisher.

The Pig & The Lady provided the food during a preview event July 8.

Hangers that form part of the boutique's decor looked like clouds.

Champagne for the occasion.

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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.

One more reason to shop Allison Izu at Nordstrom

Photos courtesy Allison Izu
Enter to win this embossed snake Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, valued at $358, by shopping Allison Izu at Nordstrom, tomorrow through the end of July.

Allison Izu Song is delivering her newest collection of Allison Izu petite apparel during a trunk show taking place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30 in Nordstrom’s Petite Focus department.

New styles include the Honolulu Walk Short (a great casual mid-length short), the Peni Skirt (a classic, slimming pencil skirt), the Hotel & Smith (straight skinny jean) and the Hotel Capri (straight skinny capri), available in options of dark black denim, indigo denim, chambray and a new blue washed denim, all with stretch for comfort and ease, sized for women 5-foot-6 and shorter.

And, if you need one more reason to show up and BUY, for every pair of Allison Izu jeans you purchase at Nordstrom Ala Moana, you will be entered to win the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag pictured above. Entries will be taken up til the drawing on July 31. Good luck!

At left, Allison Izu's Hotel & Smith straight skinny jean, $138.

Allison Izu recognized in Oprah's magazine

As part of a cover feature in the February issue of Oprah Winfrey's magazine, O, Hawaii's Allison Izu Song is the featured designer for petite jeans.

The article, entitled "Jeans That Make you Look 10 lbs Thinner and Other Denim Miracles" shows readers, "How to Wear Denim Now" and answers questions like, "Can I Wear Flared Jeans If I'm Short?" The answer to this petite woman's dilemma, on page 69, is Allison Izu's Chinatown trouser.

The magazine replies," Yes! but don't take regular flares and hem them. It will throw off the proportions. Try petite flares by Allison Izu, who designs a clothing line for women 5'6" and under."

Of course, petites in Hawaii have known about Allison since she was preparing to launch her brand in 2007 (archives.starbulletin.com), but there are petites across the nation who are undoubtedly hungry for the right fit as well. The magazine has only been on stands for about two weeks and Allison has already received numerous orders for the featured jean, as well as, other new styles all manufactured in Hawaii.

Allison says, "I dont know what to expect or how this will impact our brand, I am just trying to be in the moment and ride the Oprah wave!"

To celebrate the moment, she is extending her new year offer of a 30 percent discount at ShopAllisonIzu.com, with the code: NEW2012.

Due to Oprah writeup, she brought back the Chinatown Trouser, with pin tuck; as well as the Honolulu (formerly the Luana-lulu, wide leg, high-waist trouser); and the Hotel (formerly the Kolohe Welt), straight skinny.

All with new details and in new fabrics, she says, including soft, comfy lightweight stretch chambray, and all made in Hawaii after some setbacks in dealing with manufacturers in China and L.A.