Burberry Ala Moana reveals revamped look

Nadine Kam photos
The newly renovated Burberry store has reopened in its same location at Ala Moana Center's mall level. A front display featured this beautiful macramé trenchcoat.

Burberry Ala Moana marked the reopening of its renovated space with a blessing that took place July 14.

Shoppers walking into the store will see handbags in front, including Burberry's new Patchwork collection of runway bags, each named after a British street and crafted with different leathers, fabrics, color combinations and adornment, so no two are alike. They also offer the versatility of being worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody bag or carried as a clutch.

New to the boutique are the brand's new Patchwork runway bag, tapestries of texture, fabric and finishing details, no two alike, and with the versatility of being carried three ways.

Of course I fell in love with the more casual Burberry rucksack that became the "It" bag when it debuted on spring's runway as part of the part of the Functionregalia collection, and was promptly seen on Cara Delevingne, Taylor Swift and "Suicide Squad's" Margot Robbie.

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.