After Mu'umu'u Heaven, Deb Mascia's Hana Hou

Nadine Kam photos
At Deb Mascia’s Kailua boutique, Hana Hou Vintage, Nanhee Oliva models a 1950s cocktail dress ($40).

Fans of Deb Mascia’s retro boho spirit were saddened to hear she closed Mu’umu’u Heaven back in March due to rent inflation, but now they have two places to shop her upcycled apparel and vintage pieces.

After closing her boutique, she refused to answer her phone, which was inundated with calls from concerned clients and nosy reporters. When she finally did check back in, she found one particularly interesting phone call. T Galleria Hawaii by DFS, which had already run successful collaborations with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Apparel Product Design & Merchandising and POW WOW Hawai‘i, was interested in bringing her line of new and upcycled apparel fashioned from vintage mu‘umu‘u fabric and aloha wear, to its Waikiki clientele.

This globe ($850) is one of the furnishings available at Hana Hou Vintage. It’s real job is to make a barfly look like a brainiac. Open it up and …

 

Her first inclination was to say no, but she agreed to a meeting. By that time, she’d already opened another Kailua shop, Hana Hou Vintage, focused on sharing her vast collection of vintage apparel.

At T Galleria, she said, “I met the whole team, and everyone was so nice, I thought ‘Why not?’ ”

Then she head out to St. Martin for two weeks, and by the time she got home, she found the designers had already gone shopping at Re-Use Hawaii to construct the Mu‘uMu‘u Heaven popup and showed her plans for an installation that captured the lighthearted energy of her brand.

“They understood my concept and made it very easy to say yes,” she said. The pop-up is slated to be in place through the end of June.

Hippie floral pins at Hana Hou Vintage.

Meanwhile, Hana Hou Vintage in Kailua is home to her “untouchables,” a collection of vintage apparel she deemed too good to cut up for her upcycled Mu’umu’u Heaven original designs.

She grew up shopping thrift stores in Melbourne, Australia, and admits to dressing like an “old lady” as a pre-teen, developing her individual style as she went along.

Now, she’s thinking about writing a book to create more mindfulness about the value of reuse and recyling, and encourage fans of fast fashion to think about the repurcussions of consuming cheap, wear-once-and-throw-away fashion, with its detrimental cost to the planet.

Deb Mascia shows one of the throw pillows fashioned from vintage Hawaiiana fabric, carried at the Mu’umu’u Heaven pop-up inside T Galleria by DFS.


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Natural beauty from Tata Harper

 

Nadine Kam photos
A clean-faced Meleana Estes posed for a photo with Tata Harper, right, after the natural beauty expert’s skincare workshop.

Tata Harper was in town Wednesday to visit Neiman Marcus and introduce the latest additions to her line of all-natural skincare products, made at her Vermont farm. She also conducted a master class for NM clientele, during which she shared her philosophy of healthy living, a journey that, for her, began when her father-in-law fell ill with cancer.

That was when she began to see the way we fill our lives, bathroom counters and medicine cabinets with synthetic ingredients that can have health consequences.


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She’s been busy since I interviewed her three years ago, adding makeup basics in the form of sheer Lip Treatments and natural-looking and delicious Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tints. I bought the Very Sweet Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint in a shimmering peach color, that tastes like candy. Everyone left with rosy, glowing skin.

Since the last time I interviewed Tata, she’s come up with a basic line of skin-nourishing color products, the sheer lip treatments and Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tints, shown here.

Participants in her skincare workshop tried no fewer than 10 face products, two bodycare treatments and portable rollerball aromatherapy treatments aimed at reducing stress and irritability. She even has a “Love Potion” geared toward inducing calmness, positivity and happiness, that makes a woman more appealing to men.

I was already a big fan of her Hydrating floral essence, which hydrates skin before applying moisturizer, as well as her Repairative Moisturizer. But she also offers anti-aging serums, and I just have to figure out which one I need most. The treatment options are: Rejuvenating (anti-aging collagen treatment), Boosted Contouring (lifting and firming), Concentrated Brightening (tone correcting), or Elixir Vitae (wrinkle solution).

Also new from Tata Harper: Take-it-with-you aromatherapy rollerball treatments addressing “Irritability,” “Bedtime” relaxation and “Stress.” There’s also a “Love Potion,” essential oils for mood enhancement said to make a woman more attractive to men.

I feel there’s a universal consumer sentiment that 100 percent natural cannot possibly be as effective as manmade chemicals, but so far, Tata Harper’s products seem to work really well for me. The caveat is that everyone’s skin is different, but the brand is growing because more and more people are concerned about the chemicals we use in everyday life, and the smart choice seems to be going the natural route.

It was this notion that set Harper on her journey. After her father-in-law became ill with cancer, she started thinking about the products we use daily, that can be harmful, and, noting a lack of healthful retail options, she simply decided to make her own products, and her skin is flawless.
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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.

Season offers bouquet of rose scents and beauty

Photos courtesy Neiman Marcus
Chantecaille Rose Face Oil ($185).

If you’re thinking flowers for Mother’s Day, remember that flowers wilt, so you may want to add something with a little more permanence to that thought.

Everything’s coming up roses in the beauty department, and here are a few options available at Neiman Marcus, where a Spring Scent Event continues through May 10. During the event, those who make a purchase of $100 or more in Cosmetics or Fragrance will receive an bag filled with beauty samples.

Laura Mercier Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil ($62) and Infusing de Rose Nourishing Cream ($68).

Fresh Rose Face Mask ($62).

Natura Bisse limited edition Diamond Experience Rose Oil ($65).
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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.

Hawaii Jewelers Association names 2015 design winners

Denny Wong was named Jewelry Designer of the Year, collecting the highest points for his jewelry designs during the Hawaii Jewelers Association annual design competition, with winners announced during the groups annual banquet May 2 at Honolulu Country Club. Here are the winners in three categories:

JEWELRY UNDER $3,500

First place: “Jali” ring by Jason Dow. This eternity ring design captures the mysterious ephemeral transparency of intricate jali screens seen in prized Indian architecture. In 18 karat rose gold, framed in black diamonds.

Second place: “Waterfall” by Carrie Nottage Smith, Na Hoku. This elegant
opal inlay and diamond pendant expresses the hues and movement of Hawaii’s waterfalls.

Third place: “Fire and Ice” necklace, Denny Wong Designs. An icy blue apatite and fiery pink sapphire are the gems featured in this dramatic white gold pendant.

People’s choice: “Waterfall,” Na Hoku

JEWELRY OVER $3,500

First place: “Ocean Tides” ring, Maui Divers design team. This ring features a perfect example of Hawaii’s state gem, black coral, surrounded by waves of diamonds.

Second place: “Royal Bliss” ring, by Dona Wong, Keoni Collections. A stunning royal blue tanzanite is the centerpiece of this pendant, with a diamond crown set atop a rich, diamond-decorated lotus design base. Craftsmanship fit for a monarch in white and yellow gold.

Third place: “Koala” pendant, Tiara Pearl International. The cute and cuddly koala is a perfect expression for this impressive baroque Australian South Seas pearl. Delicate and imaginative use of white gold, diamonds, black rhodium and even a stick of wood completes this sculpted design of Australia’s iconic, irresistible living teddy bear.

People’s choice: “Snowflake” by Moshe Hakemolo, Diamond Guy Hawaii. The design of this engagement and wedding ring set is as delicate as a snowflake and packs a blizzard of brilliance. Set in 18 karat white gold it features a 3.5 carat round diamond that is surrounded by custom-cut fancy shaped diamonds.

HAWAIIAN-THEMED JEWELRY

First place: “Kilauea” necklace, Denny Wong Designs. The flickering of red emitted from the unique rose-cut red garnet featured in this 18 karat gold pendant represents Kilauea’s fiery cauldron. The black tourmaline necklace it is dangling from represents the black basalt rock that is Kilauea. Every aspect of this garnet, diamond and tanzanite pendant evokes fire.

Second place: ”Treasured Waters” by Dona Wong, Keoni Collections. Featuring a natural shape precious red coral and flowing diamond studded gold, this pendant expresses the dreamy romantic beauty of Hawaii’s waters. It completes its water motif design with a delightful raindrop filigree pattern on the back.

Third place: “Plumeria Scroll,” gold and diamond pendant, Maui Divers. This pendant features a delicate sculpted plumeria with flowing, diamond accented royal scrolling. A jewelry wardrobe staple for locals and a prize for visitors who might want to bring home a memento of their stay.

People’s choice: “He’e (Octopus)” by Donna Shimazu, Na Hoku. The power and grace of
the Hawaiian octopus is wonderfully expressed in this powerful slide pendant. With a gold body and Tahitian black pearl head and diamonds for the eyes this beautiful piece would be the perfect possession for those with the he’e as their aumakua.
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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.

HCC students stage jubilant 'Juxtapose'

Nadine Kam photos
Kyle Woolsey posed with his models, including Ari South, far right, after his finale show during “Juxtapose—Central Park After Dark,” the Honolulu Community College senior fashion show.

Ten designers from Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology program presented their senior collections during the school’s annual fashion show April 25.

“Juxtapose—Central Park After Dark” saw the school’s Building 5 Courtyard transformed into a New York cityscape with a backdrop of skyscrapers, trees and small bridge on the runway.

I spotted one of the school’s illustrious alums, Kini Zamora, in the crowd, but where was his fellow “Project Runway” designer Ari South?

Well, what a surprise when—just when we thought the last model had appeared in the finale show—Ari turned up on the runway in a red ballgown created by Kyle Woolsey, for whom South had served as a mentor.

I still remember seeing Ari—when she was still Andy South—during a friendly post-fashion show walk-off at Kahala Mall. Andy in stilettos put the girls to shame, and at that time none of us knew of changes in store.

To see Ari in full blossom was a spectacular moment that will be remembered for years to come.

The fashion show also serves as a project for the school’s many educational departments. The stage and New York skyline backdrop were the work of the HCC Art, Design Center and Carpentry departments. The cosmetology department created hair and makeup looks.

Ari South, right, with Pono Fernandez, after the show in evening gowns by Kyle Woolsey.

Designer Kini Zamora with one of his mentors, retired HCC instructor Lillian Zane.

The event advertises “heavy pupu,” but guests over the past few years have been treated instead to a full dinner buffet. This year’s event, catered by JHTW Foods, embraced the theme, serving such dishes as New York steak with Big Apple demi, and pictured, pastrami-crusted mahi with mustard cream sauce. One diner said the meal alone was worth the $35 ticket price.

Designer Alexander Propios with his model Leilani Ramos. I was impressed that he designed this print and had the fabric made, as well as the placement of graphic elements on his garments. It was a puzzle that is way beyond my non-mathematical, non-mechanical way of thinking.

 The designers take their bows on stage at the end of the show. From left, Irene Cramer, Shailanne Ah Loo, Joliber Albano, Cherrie Lyn Beltran and Charae Laleo.

Students take their bows after the show. From left, Kyle Woolsey, Alexander Propios, Savanna Rains-Cole, Veronica Hendrickson and Karen Dulatre.

In the spirit of the evening, instructor and mentor Joy Nagaue carried a purse with a New York skyline to match the fashion show’s backdrop.

Here are the collections:


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“Chiology” by Shailanne Ah Loo

The idea of balance, in life, work and enjoyment of outdoors, appeals to Shailanne Ah Loo, whose meditations brought her to Chiology, based on the Chinse belief in chi, a life force energy that flows through all living things.
Ah Loo attempted to capture the free flow of wind, the abundance of nature’s colors in a collection that is playful and full of life, and adjustable to suit an individual’s needs and whims.


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“Watermark” by Joliber Albano

In the fashion world, there are designers who love structure, and those who love flow, and the two styles rarely merge. Joliber Albano is the rare designer capable of marrying the two aesthetics, to womens’ best advantage.
“I like to accentuate a woman’s body. My styles have features that create the illusion of a slim waist, pleats to add volume to a small bust, or to make it look like you have a perfect hourglass figure.”
Her philosophy grew out of her own problems finding suitable clothing for her petite frame.
“I have a small bust and found clothes that just accentuated what I don’t have, or dresses with back plunges that couldn’t be worn easily without a bra.”
Now, if she does create a plunging back, she builds in a bra, and even a simple sundress has figure-shaping princess seams.

Malia Jones launches debut swimwear line

Nadine Kam photos
Surfter/model Malia Jones is no newcomer to the world of swimwear design, having contributed and consulted with fashion brands since she was a teen-ager, but now she’s gone solo, launching her inaugural Malia Jones spring/summer 2015 collection.

True to her Kailua and North Shore roots, surfer-turned model-turned designer Malia Jones a k a Mrs. Alex O’Loughlin, remains grounded, even after a lifetime spent courted by surf and fashion brands, and jetting around the globe.

I caught up with Jones at the Rebecca Beach boutique at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, one of the local shops carrying her inaugural Malia Jones spring/summer 2015 collection, which brings together all her ideas of what swimwear should be, after having spent a career modeling “every swimsuit ever,” she said.

“I’ve worn it all. I’ve been ambassador to swimsuit companies and I’ve had my own collection within other swimsuit companies and been a consultant on other brands.”

Photos courtesy Malia Jones


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Stepping out on her own takes much more effort. “I get more picky when it’s my stuff because it has my name on it, so I’ve gotta love it,” she said. “I make everything myself, from sourcing materials, to the fit, to trying it on, adjusting the fit, finding the right factory to make it, getting the material there. It’s so much easier when you’re doing it for someone else, but it’s so much more interesting when you’re doing it yourself.

“The hardest thing is streamlining because there’s all these things you want to do but you have to make it true to the brand, and you have to make it timeless, because it’s for that timeless, classic woman who’s just chic. I think it’s all about changing, evolving, keeping what works and throwing out what doesn’t work. I think it’s a good thing in my personal life, and a great thing for all women.”

In spite of all the work she puts into her line, she doesn't let her design duties distract from her marriage to “Hawaii Five-0” star Alex O’Loughlin.

“He’s so supportive. When I have to go to L.A. to manufacture, he’s with the kids,” she said. “I try on the different pieces for him and he tells me which ones he likes. For the most part, he likes them all.

“I have a really good boundary between work and being a mom and a wife. I do need my creative space and when I’m in it I’m in it. But at the same time, I need my beach time, I need my surf time, I need my mommy time, I need my yoga time. I need time to chill out with my family and not think about what’s happening elsewhere.”
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The Malia Jones collection can be found at The Modern Honolulu gift shop; Rebecca Beach at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel; Bubbles and DJ Number 808 at 66-165 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa; Seaside Luxe at Hualalai Resort on Hawaii Island; and Cabana at Four Seasons Resort Maui; and www.maliajones.com

Malia Jones adjusts a suit on Meleana Estes. I love the lattice lace detailing on the top she was wearing, also her own design. Unfortunately, because of the details, including leather neckline trim, she said it is rather “pricey” and will only be available online once her website is complete.

Jyoti Mau wears a bandeau bikini top ($110) and bottom ($110), under a white caftan coverup ($395).
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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.

Your Cargo snap could win you prize

Photo courtesy Cargo
Cargo’s “Summer in the City” eye palette.

To reinforce the idea of Cargo Cosmetics as a makeup brand that fits all your needs on the go, the company has launched a social media photo contest to discover where you wear Cargo.

To enter, snap a photo of your favorite Cargo product in your city or on a trip. Tag @cargocosmetics and use the contest hashtag #MYCITYMYCARGO in your post. Midnight EST April 26 is the deadline, and five winners with the most creative photos will win a Cargo Summer in the City eye palette.

Winners will be announced April 27.

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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.