BTBJ: Social media edition

Nadine Kam photos
At the entrance to the American Heart Association's 14th annual "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" fundraiser, a group of BFFs was one of many posing for a 7-second video that would be converted into a flip book to have and hold.

I thought I had a 6 a.m. flight home from New York July 16, so rather than risk going to bed and not waking up, I decided to stay up ’til 3 to go to the airport. At just about 3, I double-checked my flight time and found it was actually 7, but that just meant I could watch another movie in the hotel room before leaving at 4. Why oh why did I pick “Beastly?” I had to cut it off in the middle to leave, but no biggie. It’s a throwaway kind of film.

So, after having been awake 26 hours and making the 11-hour journey home (it’s not so painful when you opt for first class, where the seats recline and Delta proffers eye masks, comfy socks and other pleasant amenities), I managed to get back to work the same day, hauling my tired self to The Waikiki EDITION, where the American Heart Association was hosting its 14th annual “Black Tie & Blue Jeans” event.

Dior's Hawaiian moment

Style.com
Two looks from Dior's Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection.

In an intro to 2011, I optimistically predicted this would be the year of a Hawaiian renaissance in fashion. For those attune to the cosmos, all the indicators were there, among them warmer temperatures necessitating fewer clothes, the strong showing of Hawaii-linked designers Jay Sario, Andy South and Ivy Higa on "Project Runway," the return of "Hawaii Five-O" to television, and the spate of films shot in the islands, including "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "The Descendants," from which we gleaned images of George Clooney in a downtown-style aloha shirt!

But perhaps most exciting, Hawaiian style got a refreshing jolt when John Galliano showed it on Dior's Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear runway as part of his South Pacific fantasy.

For those of us who have grown up with the Hawaiian print, seeing it every day our entire lives reduces it to a yawner, but Dior showed what can happen when island-style prints are combined with exquisite silk and textured fabrics, beautiful accessories and playful styling.

Dior merchandise director, ready-to-wear, Fabianne Espinola, arrived in town over the weekend for a May 7 trunk show, allowing fans to inspect the garments up close.

Being as Galliano is no longer with Dior, pieces from his last collections are being purchased as collector's items. Fabianne said the search for a successor is continuing, so stay tuned.

Nadine Kam photos
At Dior Ala Moana, models Rain Rusden and Daniela Abe wear designs from the spring-summer 2011 RTW runway. Use of the hibiscus print, below in a pink color way, is subtle on Rain's skirt. It's different from the typical blind-em-in-the-eyes approach that prevails in Waikiki discount stores.

Shoes from the collection add a wow factor to the ensembles.

A delicate knit-and-crocheted dress shows some of Dior's luxurious details. The ruffles are hand dyed for an ombre effect and a subtle orchid pattern is crocheted throughout the orchid-colored skirt.

Flower-finished ties hang off a sheer, jeweled floor-length red carpet look.

When I said I love starfish, Dior assistant manager, sales, Shirlene Kinjo, encouraged me to try on this starfish-inspired dress, but for a sample size, it looked pretty big so I declined. Now I wish I had. It may have been my only chance because most of the garments were destined to be shipped on to the next trunk show destination and will otherwise be available by customer request. Oh well. Below is the designer's ideal look.

To complete the picture, jewelry that looks like local-style eyelash lei.

The Butik marks 4th anniversary in style

Nadine Kam photos
The Butik partners Lan Chung, left, and Landy Cheung celebrate the 4th anniversary of their creation.

The Butik marked its fourth anniversary March 5 with the help of local designers who prayed for sun as they set up booths in the courtyard outside the 1067 Kapiolani Boulevard boutique. Luckily, though the skies were threatening, rain didn’t mar the event.

Their actual anniversary passed last fall, but that’s always such a busy time of year they postponed the celebration until spring, when it’s much more relaxed.

On hand for the mini fair were Lovelessizm, Ki-ele, Organik, Florencia Arias, Sas n Sol, and more. Butik fans received a 20 percent discount on in-store purchases, and vendors were offering discounts as well. Ki-ele’s Marylea Conrad was making way for her new collections by offering a clearance sale.

Kayo Master was there with her Mi Cielo applique T-shirt designs and equally adorable iPhone cases. I found it hard to resist the Cookie Monster. It was a good time for her to meet up with one of the Star-Advertiser American Girl winners to deliver her prize. We started the contest in early January to coincide with the release of the first Hawaiian American Doll ever, Kanani Akina. Young girls were to color an illustration we provided. Older girls were to design and draw an outfit.

We had only planned to have two winners in two age groups, but the work was so good, we expanded to four winners, announced Jan. 27, and Kayo, who helped us to judge, created her own “Thank You for Being Different” prize to present to 11-year-old ‘Aulani Oka. She was the only one to dress Kanani in a shave ice costume and it’s both our belief that originality should be rewarded.

‘Aulani was given her choice of one of Kayo’s T-shirts, but again, she had to be different, and wanted one of the San-X Mamegoma seal which Kayo created especially for her. (It’s another seal, the Hawaiian monk seal that figures prominently in Kanani’s life.)

For shoppers that day, the event was a great opportunity to meet the people who create their favorite designs.

Congrats Lan and Landy!

Kayo Master with ‘Aulani Oka and the T-shirt she won. Below, she tries on the Mamegoma design and also shown is the costume drawing that earned her the prize.

Kayo’s creations include adorable onesies and iPhone cases with various popular culture themes, from “Star Wars,” to “Smurfs,” “Mr. T” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

Wandering through the area without a clue as to what was going on, but looking stylish anyway, was Kuan Jung Lai and friendss Dick Page and Sarah Kunkel.

Florencia Arias was among the several vendors participating in the anniversary event.

Richie Miao was there with his Lovelessizm men’s collection with the promise of a women’s collection arriving soon. Initially, it was to have been designed by Andy South, but now Richie is helping Andy to produce his own line, while Kara Matsunaga, right, helps him with Lovelessizm’s women’s designs. Helping them with sales at The Butik event was Joy Furushima.

Hawaii Red Magazine’s Malie Moran, right, with Anne Tomita, artistic director for the 45th Annual University of Hawaii at Manoa Senior Fashion Show, “Paradox,” coming up May 1. There will be other events leading up to the show, beginning with the HIFI Pop-Up Resource Center March 21 to 25 at Ala Moana Center’s lower level, between Old Navy and Sam Goody.

Window shopping

Nadine Kam photos
Love the new window display at Hermes, Ala Moana Center.

How many times have you walked past a store window and stopped in your tracks, compelled to walk in because of something you saw there?

The cost of advertising is high, but in windows, boutiques have a built-in venue, so I've often wondered why retailers don't make better use of their windows. It's an artform that should be treated as such.

What triggered these thoughts was the current window display at Hermes, Ala Moana Center, which beautifully pays homage to the house's carriage, saddlery, leather and scarf traditions. Love it!

 

Ivanka on business and pending mommyhood

Nadine Kam photo
Ivanka Trump on the balcony of the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk earlier today, just after our interview.

Ivanka Trump was in town Feb. 16 to discuss the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk, Trump Hotel Collection and their brand’s commitment to Hawaii.

I wasn’t sure about going because those are topics generally covered by our business section. I just knew it could be uncomfortable in that kind of press conference situation when all the reporters are typically on point, then comes this one person from an offbeat publication asking an out-of-left-field question that sets everyone in the room groaning because for journalists, one bad question is time wasted in these limited-time situations. In this case, I would have been the oddball asking about her dress or pregnancy. Yikes!

It turned out the press conference was all of about 5 or 10 minutes, then she made time for individual interviews, so I could ask all those lifestyle questions in private. Yay!

I had about 10 minutes with the gracious Ms. Trump, who I’ve always admired for using her intellect instead of her blondness and other physical attributes to get ahead. She always comes across as a tough, strong, workaholic, when she could have just as easily grown up to be a spoiled brat, content to spend daddy’s or some Ivy League beau’s money.

I’ve been intrigued by her ever since I saw her Ivanka Trump Collection jewelry store on Madison Avenue three years ago. I was staring through the glass doors, and the security guard opened it and staffers were trying to beckon me in, but I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time, so declined.

I liked the idea that she was doing her own thing, separate from her famous father, Donald Trump. Since then, she’s moved on to shoes as well, and I asked her about how she balances her own business endeavors with that of the family, and her pending motherhood.

She said she doesn’t often think about balance beyond trying to avoid overtaxing herself, though her idea of overtaxing may be different from most individuals’.

Her whirlwind 24-hour hop to Hawaii was a good example. From here, she’s heading for more work in Panama, then, L.A., before heading home to New York, a three-day work trip.

She said, “Balance is a funny thing. It doesn't mean that much to me. When I haven’t slept in three days it’s because I’m trying to accomplish something or I’m working on a deal.”

I asked her whether she got her work ethic from her dad or mom Ivana, and she said, “Some of it is who you are, some of it is your environment. My parents are both very driven, very motivated people and that transferred. My brothers are the same way.”

And so is her husband, Jared Kushner, publisher of the New York Observer, who also has real estate interests.

IvankaTrumpCollection.com

Ivanka said her work as Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions for the Trump Hotel Collection trumps her other fashionable pursuits, but she said everything she does creates synergy for the brand, making cross-promotions possible. “It’s all luxury, very exclusive and I view it all as enhancing the lifestyle brand my father created.”

Ivanka said she hasn’t given much thought as to how her duties might change once her baby arrives in July. “You don’t know until you know,” she said.

She hasn’t to her mom about what to expect, either, saying, “It seems real but it doesn’t feel quite so imminent yet.”
But she fully expects to be on her feet and back in the boardroom quickly, already scheduling meetings a week-and-a-half after her due date. “We’ll see, check back with me in July.”

My last question came in the form of a note delivered to me as I was sitting, waiting for my interview. Malie Moran of Hawaii Red Magazine had to know who designed her dress. So I asked. The feminine, drape-front LBD is the creation of Jerry Seinfeld’s long-ago amour Shoshanna. Ivanka’s jewelry and pumps were from her own collection.

Pop!

There's a newcomer on the Hawaii 'zine scene, Pop Iroiro. 

 Zakkamono photo

If you raad Hawaii magazines, you're probably already familiar with the work of local graphic designer/art director Zakkamono and photographer Rae Huo, maybe without even knowing it.

The two have been freelancers for publications and corporate clientele for years, but now the Internet has enabled them to self-publish on their own terms. The first issue of their online magazine Pop Iroiro — literally "anything and everything" — has made its debut, featuring Zakkamono's artwork and Rae's photos, in 62 pages.

How do I know about it? I'm the first subject of Rae's 20 questions feature.

Check it out at www.popiroiro.com.

 

Some of Rae Huo's "14 Things."

Polyascko2's 'A Philosophy Fashioned' for men

John, left, and Gerald Alexander pose with their models after their Polyascko2 fashion show at The Edition Waikiki Jan. 22.

Polyascko2's John and Gerald Alexander put on one of the most ambitious shows I've seen in a while at The Edition Waikiki Saturday night, about 15 models, about 80 ensembles, running more than an hour long. For comparison, each New York Fashion Week show typically runs 15 to 20 minutes.

I was making my video, noting YouTube has increased its time limitation to 15 minutes from 10. Woohoo! since my video was running 11 minutes long. My co-worker said that kind of running time is self-indulgent, but I figure the models want to see themselves, the designers never get to see the show because they're backstage, etc. I probably included two-thirds of what was shown, which were the designers' statement three-quarter sleeve shirts, some casual street and outerwear, cardis and some sharp suiting.

I headed to the dressing room after the show (no, not to see men undressing!) to check out the clothing, beautifully cut and sewn from great fabric. I expected no less from the made-in-Italy garments, which are well worth their price points, starting at about $175.

I love the crisp, polished look presented, definitely worthy of the big leagues, though here, the buttoned-up looks will be a hard sell for men more accustomed to the hang-loose mentality. They're most likely to find a niche in Waikiki, with exposure to international clientele, and guys with money, who aren't afraid to make a statement with their clothing.

All day long, there was a fear that it might start raining at any time, a big worry because the show was taking place on the hotel's open-air pool deck. It is such an amazing venue for a fashion show, and this was the biggest to take place on the property since it opened last October.

I loved the way trees framed the models, and even when it rained, the water slick on the wood deck created a dark, ambient shine.

I would love to see more shows here, but for women's shows, they might have to add flooring over the deck because skinny heels could easily slip through some of the wood slats, as those who wear them quickly find out.

Other guests did not find any charm in the couple episodes of rain, which sent some scurrying for cover (which is why it looks empty in certain parts of the video), and others grabbing pillows off the loungers to cover their 'dos.

Pacing for the show could have been better, but that would have entailed hiring more models. With gaps between model appearances, the show ran a little too long for those unaccustomed to seeing that much menswear in one sitting. One girl moaned, "This is so boring, it's all men's!"

I guess she hadn't bothered to check on the details of the show before deciding to show up!

I think the brothers did a great job in showing Honolulu what a real fashion show looks like, and hope they inspire others to improve on that foundation.

Click on Hudson's photo for my YouTube video.

Video link for iPhone

Women ushering guests to their seats found time to pose on the red carpet.

Hawaii debuts on 'Kimora' tonight

Four months after Kimora blew into town for the filming of "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane," the Hawaii episode airs  at 7 p.m. today on the Style network.

East Coast friends called to say they saw me in it and word is the Hawaii crews do not come off well. I'll be watching tonight to see how close reality TV comes to reality.

Here's the refresher in case you missed the happenings of last August: http://bit.ly/etzU6n

Beauty Spot: Kali's a hands-down winner

Nadine Kam photos
Kali's Nail Supply stocks a wide array of nail products, including China Glaze polish, which she says has just surpassed OPI in popularity.



One of the under-the-radar beauty spots in town is Kali's Nail Supply. Kali Gregory has been an industry wholesaler for 24, going on 25 years in 2011, but lesser known, she's also open to retail clients.

While certain products are only available to licensed salon professionals—such as Calgel, due to training and safety issues—she stocks an array of polishes, bath and body products that anyone can purchase.

Although she's just around the corner from our office at Restaurant Row, I didn't find out about Kali's until she announced her series of First Sunday sales, the next one to take place Feb. 6., and she's adding a First Monday sale as well, for those who can't make it on the weekend.

Kali Gregory looks out for her customers. She said her accountant thinks she's crazy to offer her First Sunday and Monday discounts, when the profit margins on a bottle of nail polish are already small.

She calls herself a crazy Greek for wanting to save money and wanting to help others do so too, such that on higher end products, she'll try to stop people from buying, encouraging them to wait for First Sunday and Monday, when she offers 20 percent off a $20 minimum in product purchases.

I wouldn't call her crazy, but effervescent. She has a lot of enthusiasm for her products, and can explain the obvious and not-so-obvious uses of each one, such as using Be Natural Dry Heel Eliminator on her face. Billed as being good for cracked skin, she points to some wrinkles around her eyes and says, "These are cracks!"

I looked at the ingredient list, which is typical of any face moisturizer. The ingredients don't distinguish between your face or feet.

If you have any concerns at all about nail products, salon practices, fungal solutions, Kali's always willing to share her knowledge about the various product lines.

Drop by and take a look, or mark your calendar for First Sunday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Monday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) On First Sundays, she also presents Calgel demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. She's at 547 Halekauwila St., in the one-story building in back of the circuit court building. The building has a paid lot, but parking is free in the spaces marked Kali's.

Call 585-8788; neighbor islands call toll-free 1-888-883-KALI (5254), or find more information online at www.kalisnailsupply.com.

Zoya is one of the most popular brands for health-conscious buyers and expectant mothers. The nail enamels are vegan friendly, formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and camphor.

For those who like a bit of dazzle, Nubar Nail Jewels are among the products that can do the trick.

Sunday morning confessional

Nadine Kam photos
Kristian Lei with a glittering Buddha that was a gift for party hosts Eric Chander, left, and Takeo.

Like every reporter, I started in news before gravitating to music because musicians are just cuter than politicians. What I learned was how little control the young musicians, at the time, had over their lives. They would wake up and be told where to go, who to talk to and when, so they never had to worry about logistics and could focus on their craft.

I don’t know if I could live that way because I like structure and knowing what I’m doing from one day to the next. But a lot of times I don’t know what I’m getting myself into either. I get these nebulous calls that end with, “Come  OK?” And, being mostly agreeable, I go, “OK,” without knowing much about said event. For one thing, people who call reporters assume we might be on deadline, so they try to spit out details in 30 seconds.

So when 2Couture designer Takeo called last week, I got the sketchiest outline: Noon. Sunday. Tea at 1024. Kristian Lei. Dress. Wear a hat.

Yesterday morning, I wasn’t sure how to dress or if I really heard instructions to wear a hat. I was looking at my Miss Catwings green animal spot and skull hat. Too much? I had nothing to wear with it, so I just stuck on a headband. Then I was sad when I got there because everyone was wearing a fabulous hat, and there are so few hat-wearing occasions in town that when such an event happens you don’t let it go to waste!

The event had many occasions rolled into one. It was mainly a homecoming for Kristian Lei, who’s been in Hong Kong performing in “The Lion King.”

It was also an introduction of Miss Hawaii USA Angela Byrd and MissTeen Hawaii USA Courtney Coleman, and belated birthday party for Desiree Mitsunaga, and just a way for Takeo and fellow designer Eric Chandler to celebrate the new year with the women who inspire them.

There were informal contests for best dressed, best hat, best shoes and best overall look, and love-life confessions that we all vowed would not leave that room (oh, that rascally Eric!) … Though I don’t know, Pamela Young taped all! You can see her news segment here: http://www.kitv.com/video/26421504/detail.html

Blossom Tyau, left, with Pamela Young, who won the Best Hat competition of the day. Blossom surprised Pamela with some photos out of her past, when she was a Cathay Capers dancer, below.

 

You know it must have been a little out of hand when Pamela Young ends up on floored by Iwalani Tseu's love-life confession.

Miss Hawaii USA Angela Byrd and Miss Hawaii Teen USA Courtney Coleman.

Esther Nakamura lights a candle for birthday girl Desiree Mitsunaga, with Takeo.

Tea at 1024 owner Michele Henry with Angela, being photographed by Kristian Lei.