GLAM! sale is on at Blaisdell

Nadine Kam photos
Models walk the runway in upcycled designs by Charmaine Claire Viernes, right, during the 2016 Goodwill Goes GLAM! Doll Me Up fashion show that took place July 21 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

With Thursday's "Doll Me Up" fashion show produced by Kini Zamora, featuring upcycled designs by seven child and seven adult designers, the "Goodwill Goes GLAM!" sale is on.

Fans of thrifting can shop brand-name fashions and goods, both new and gently used at bargain prices under one roof at the colossal pop-up shop at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Ave., through Sunday.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 22 and 23, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 24. Park free at McKinley High School. Tickets to the GLAM! sale are $4. Check facebook.com/goodwillhawaii for any weather updates due to the pending tropical storm Darby.

New additions to the event this year include a Hawaiian Telcom Entertainment Lounge equipped with TVs, a laptop/computer station and complimentary Wi-Fi access for shoppers.


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No7 beauty products are being featured at the GLAM Spot featuring products from London-based Boots Alliance, available at Walgreen's Keeaumoku.

Boots Retail USA will also be hosting free beauty workshops and demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on GLAM! sale days, featuring its No7 cosmetics and skincare products. The workshops will include a No7 "Match Made Foundation" service covering color-matching foundations, foundation tips and demonstrations; No7 "Sun Kissed Complexion" workshop offering tips on how to achieve radiant skin; and No7 "All About the Eyes" workshop on how to keep your eyes looking youthful with No7 eye products.

The schedule is as follows:

July 22 and 23
Noon: No7 Match Made Foundation Service
1 p.m.: No7 Sun Kissed Complexion
2 p.m.: No7 Match Made Foundation Service
3 p.m.: No7 Sun Kissed Complexion

July 24
Noon: No7 All About the Eyes
1 p.m.: No7 Sun Kissed Complexion
2 p.m.: No7 All About the Eyes
3 p.m.: No7 Sun Kissed Complexion

Kierra Akima, 11, won $300 for her sleek black cocktail dress created from fabric sourced from Goodwill garments.

During last night's fashion show, seven child designers, ages 10 to 12, and seven adult designers took on the task of creating new fashion by upcycling threads sourced from Goodwill stores.

The child designers, who had prior training from Sewciety Hawaii sewing school, were Kierra Akima, Keala Baclayon, Keanuenue Desoto, Ella Laird, Aubrey Lock, Skye Nagata and Kelly Oshita. The adults, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Honolulu Community College fashion programs, were Matt Batulayan, Krystal Ann Cabo, Mitch Johns, Von Kaanaana, Charmaine Claire Viernes, Edmar Villa and Kaycee Yoshioka.

They had been selected at the beginning of the year to participate in the mentorship program led by Hawaii's "Project Runway" designer Kini Zamora, and the little ones did such an amazing job that during the runway show, guests probably didn't know they were seeing designs by pre-teens. They got their head start in sewing classes with Uakea Egami from Sewciety Hawaii.

Kaycee Yoshioka was the adult winner of $1,200 for her three-piece collection.

During my interview with Kini prior to the show, I mentioned that I had been sewing at that age, but now that I reflect back on my experience, I was only sewing shifts, jumpers, skirts and wrap dresses at 10 and 11. I was about four years away from any thoughts about evening wear, because my only evening needs were for prom.

I told him I was clearly not destined for a designing career because I didn't care about the process, only getting to wear the finished item. And, unlike many people who grow up to be designers, I never watched a Miss America pageant thinking, "I'm going to grow up and design gowns." It just didn't register.

I ran into a fellow journalist at the event and, because the little girls had talked—during film segments in between the fashion showcases— about what they wanted to be when they grew up (veterinarians and horseback riders dominated), we put the question to each other, and it turned out we both wanted to be journalists—a straight track.

Recent Honolulu Community College Fashion Technology graduate Matt Batulayan was inspired by Hopi kachina in coming up with his looks.

But like these young designers, there was an animal element involved that got me hooked. My parents subscribed to the Star-Bulletin and for some reason, when I was growing up, the newspaper was constantly running stories about the zoo. Human interest stories about the elephant's love interest, newborns, etc., and I kept a scrapbook of all the zoo happenings, which fueled my interest in the paper. Coz what child cares about politics?

The Goodwill Goes GLAM! event presented by Bank of Hawaii Foundation is now in its 5th year of raising awareness about Goodwill Hawaii’s mission to assist people having difficulty finding employment, offering them the services and tools they need to become self-sufficient. More than $280,000 was raised during last year's event, making it possible for Goodwill Hawaii to assist more than 11,000 individuals.

Guests entering the venue were greeted by models styled in Goodwill pieces.

VIP guests enjoyed a dinner presented by Jon Matsubara, culinary director of Forty Carrots at Bloomingdales Ala Moana Center. The main course was butter-poached beef tenderloin topped with thick-cut Nueske bacon and Hamakua mushrooms, served with creamed Ewa corn and sauce bordelaise.

Dessert during the meal focused on locally sourced ingredients was hibiscus sorbetto served over a slice of Frankie's Nursery honey cream pineapple, with a spearmint accent.

More photos are at TGIF: staradvertiser.com/tgif/tgif-photos/goodwill-goes-glam-july-21

Or watch rebroadcasts on 'Olelo Channel 53 as follows:
6 p.m. Aug. 21
8 a.m. Aug. 22
5 p.m. Aug. 23
4 p.m. Aug. 28  

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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.

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.

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.

Reyn Spooner marks 60 years

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Reyn Spooner marked it's 60th anniversary with a fashion show on Ala Moana Center's Center Stage July 7, that took viewers on a journey from the 1950s to the present.

Opening the show were models Roycen Dehmer and Desmond Centro in Reyn's rice bag shorts from the 1950s, that had emcee Jordan Segundo quipping, "They did a lot of recycling then."

I'm glad that recycling is back in a big way, showing that good ideas may skip a generation, but always come back with a generation seeking the "new."

Nadine Kam photos
From left, in Reyn Spooner, company chairman Charlie Baxter, president Kirk Hubbard III, and Japan partners Takuro Sakatoku, Ryota Matsumoto and Fumio Matsubara, following the brand's fashion show on Ala Moana's Center Stage.


Sixty years is a grandpa territory, but over the years, Reyn Spooner has remained relevant in keeping up with the times. In recent years, the brand has collaborated with such urban lifestyle and fashion brands as Stüssy, Opening Ceremony, Converse and Vans.

And, it doesn't end there.

Company chairman Charlie Baxter, a former San Francisco-based e-commerce CEO, invested in Reyn Spooner because he said he sees its potential reach far beyond Hawaii's shores.

"It's really a state treasure," he said, with a history of influencing many major resort and lifestyle brands, and a story that resonates around the globe for people who love Hawaii.

Always cognizant of its Hawaii roots and ties to community, one of Reyn Spooner's latest designs Reyn Spooner designs is a limited edition aloha print honoring The Friends of Iolani Palace’s 50th anniversary. A portion of sales will support the organization’s restoration, preservation and conservation efforts. The shirts retail for $118, women’s scarves are $80, and eco totes are $26.

The company initially found its niche creating an aloha shirt casual enough for weekends, and dignified enough for customers to wear professionally. Back then, the only shirts on the market were poor fitting, loud-colored garments made for the fledgling tourism industry.

One of the company's biggest hits was an all-cotton, pullover aloha shirt with a button-down collar. But founder Reyn McCullough wasn't satisfied with the intensity and brightness of the tropical- and calico-print fabrics he was using. He liked the shirts worn by surfers—those bleached out by constant sun exposure. After experimenting with ways to achieve the same chambray effect, he realized the easiest solution was to simply turn his fabrics inside out. The company is still widely recognized as the originator of the "reverse print" they remain famous for today.

Following the fashion show, the celebration continued at the Reyn Spooner store near Macy's. Guests were treated to seafood dishes from Roy's Restaurant, with signature Spooner Kloth serving as a table cloth.

Hamachi and sea asparagus over Spooner Kloth.
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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.

Psychedelic Swell debuts at Surfjack

Nadine Kam photo
Models from the Psychedelic Swell fashion show posed for a group shot after the show.

Downtown denizens Roberta Oaks and Barrio Vintage's Bradley Rhea and Jonathan Saupe teamed up for a one-time, limited edition collaboration collection, Psychedelic Swell, that came to life during a fashion show at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club June 16.

it looked like the late 1960s and early ’70s all over again, with not only the models, but guests dressed in groovy retro-print garments, suede vests and polyester, echoing the vibe of the collection which featured Oaks' modern silhouettes, with garments sewn from Barrio Vintage's collection of era fabric.

“It was something we’d talked about for some time,” said Oaks.

Many of the textiles were manufactured in Honolulu in the 1960s and ’70s, and feature the bright color combinations of the psychedelic and neon generations.


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“To see them survive the test of time and find a new life has been both inspiring and exciting,” Rhea said. “For me, it was interesting to see this pile of fabric transformed.”

For Rhea, the experienced cured him of any desire to create a Barrio Vintage collection from scratch. “I was amazed by what’s involved in creating a collection and what it’s done is made me even more appreciative of people who do this for a living,” he said.

Usually, such a collection might be available for sale immediately after the show, but to make it fair for those who could not attend the show, the entire 26-piece collection of men’s and women’s wear went on sale online at 10 a.m. June 17 at RobertaOaks.com and Barrio Vintage.com., at prices ranging from about $120 to $150.

I was interested in one of the shifts, so kept checking the sites, even while out on a fashion shoot at Cromwell's. Most of the garments were gone by 1 p.m. And so, due to the mostly one-of-a-kind nature of the collection, these modern-retro collectible garments are destined to become tomorrow's rare vintage finds.

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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.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck arrives in Hawaii

Nadine Kam photos
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck arrived at Ala Moana Center today, and hundreds of fans turned up to stand in line for edibles and merchandise.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck arrived at Ala Moana Center this morning for its first appearance in Hawaii, stationed in front of the Sanrio store.

The truck will be serving sweet treats from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through June 19, although it's best to go as early as possible, because cafe edibles were shipped over along with the truck, and once they sell out, supplies can't be replenished.

Candace Lin in Hello Kitty puffy bow.

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Special items offered are a five-piece macaron box set ($15) with one surprise Sanrio character macaron inside, a three-piece Hello Kitty cookie set ($12), and a four-pack of mini cakes ($15). In addition to the goodies, a Hello Kitty Cafe mug ($13), pink Hello Kitty Cafe T-shirt ($25), pink bow-shaped water bottle ($4) and puffy bow headband ($30) will be available.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck debuted at Hello Kitty Con in October 2014 and has been rolling up to festivals and events nationwide ever since, spreading Sanrio’s message of happiness, friendship and fun. Shipping the truck over was costly, but the company didn't want to let geography exclude Hawaii from being part of the fun.

Hello Kitty T-shirts and mugs for sale.

The truck opened at 10 a.m. today, but people were in line from 8 a.m.

Some of the items included a three-piece cookie set, coffee mug and bow-shaped water bottle.

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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.

miraDry: Don't sweat the summer

Nadine Kam photos
The miraDry system uses thermal energy to destroy sweat glands in the armpits, reducing sweating from that area permanently. Prior to treatment, a tattoo pattern is applied to help the technician guide the device.

Warmer summer days ahead mean we're heading into the sweaty season and some people will try anything to get rid of the nasty spotting and odor associated with perspiration, including removing their underarm sweat glands completely.

That's the promise of the miraDry system being used at The Vein and Skin Center of Hawaii, where Dr. W.Y. Chung says the thermal treatment, FDA approved in 2011, will safely get rid of 82 percent of sweat glands as a permanent solution to excessive sweating.


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The procedure eliminates eccrine glands responsible for body-cooling moisture, as well as apocrine glands responsible for odor. The apocrine glands secrete a protein- and lipid-rich secretion that, when broken down by normal skin bacteria, produce odor.

Because apocrine glands open into hair follicles, the follicles are also eliminated, reducing under arm hair by 70 percent.

Chung said it is safe to remove underarm sweat glands, no thicker than a single hair, because they represent only 2 percent of the body’s 2 to 4 million sweat glands.

Prior to miraDry, he said the most effective treatment for excessive armpit sweating was Botox injections, but those need to be repeated every six months, at a cost of about $3,000 each year. In comparison, the one-time miraDry treatment is $1,950.

For many who have tried the treatment, it has meant relief, and often, a new wardrobe for those who can now wear long sleeves comfortably and are no longer restricted to sweat-hiding black.

The full story is in the June 4 Star-Advertiser.
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More information: The Vein and Skin Center of Hawaii is in the Pan Am Building at 1600 Kapiolani Boulevard. Call (808) 949-8346.

The tattoo pattern corresponds to areas of treatment indicated on a screen.

Medical assistant/laser tech Jade Fernandez performs the treatment on a patient who uses her phone to watch what's happening.

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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.