By Nadine Kam

Style.com photos
Peaked shoulders off the Balmain Spring 2009 runway appeared in Michael Jackson’s final concert footage.

I was so happy the footage of Michael Jackson’s last concert rehearsals were made into the film, “This Is It.”

I was especially thrilled for the many dancers, musicians and crew members who worked so hard at rehearsal and could finally get some long-awaited and well-deserved recognition.

There was one segment I wish could have been explored more, and that was the work on the costumes, which promised to be even more spectacular than what we would expect, even by Michael Jackson standards, which is extremely high. They talked about costumes and gloves that would light up by remote control.

I’m familiar with 30 years of signature looks and silhouettes of the fashion icon, and the film introduced one more, straight off the Balmain Spring 2009 runway, of the peaked-shoulder jacket. You can’t miss it, and every time it pops up you’ll wonder whether you love it or hate it. Of course, Michael Jackson being Michael Jackson, his jacket was tricked out with crystals.

You can read more about it in a story that appeared yesterday in the Los Angeles Times.

The movie starts as an ordinary behind-the-scenes concert documentary, but is very touching in then end as we hear Jackson’s thoughts about the state of the environment and our individual roles in making the world a better place while “Man in the Mirror” plays.

If Jackson were alive, I doubt that this documentary would have been released in this form, because he was a perfectionist. Because this is rehearsal footage, I could tell he was delivering only 70 to 80 percent of his full performing capability, but his 70 percent might as well be 100 percent for most people. He’s still amazing to watch and never stops moving on stage.

For all that has been said about his “weirdness” and “eccentricity” over recent years, he comes across as being thoughtful and sincere, and the film reaffirms his musical genius.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
My kind of trick-or-treat: The candy bowl at Reneux was filled with a mix of mini Twix and Milky Way bars and other sweets, plus mini samples of Skinceuticals skincare products.

Reneux Med & Dayspa hosted a pre-Halloween open house Oct. 18 to demonstrate the latest tricks for treating your skin to beautifying techniques and products.

There were tours of massage, acupuncture, laser treatment and facial treatment rooms, and the space, above Bamboo Sky, at 401 Kamakee St., is bigger than you’d imagine from the entry.

What was scary was that as soon as I got there, I went under the Skinceuticals skin scope that identifies damage below the surface of the skin, not yet visible to the eye. I did this about a year ago at Sephora, and I thought my skin was OK. I’d been so disciplined about skincare before that, but seeing that result gave me license to slack off … a lot. I stopped wearing a hat, used sunscreen only intermittently, substituted a layer of liquid foundation (that I credit most with protecting my skin since my teen years) for a light dusting of mineral makeup. Those things, combined with the seeming increase in the intensity of the sun added up to one horrifying mess.

Let’s just say this visit was a wakeup call and I’m wearing sunscreen and a big floppy hat more religiously than ever. You can’t stop aging, but a little preventive care goes a long way in delaying the onset of unwanted spots and wrinkles.

The entry to Reneux Med & Dayspa (593-7844), upstairs at 401 Kamakee St., near the Ward Entertainment Center.

Showing the facial room are, from left, esthetician Erin Wong, massage therapist Kathy Lundquist and esthetician Ava Lim.

Skinceuticals products offer some Rx for troubled skin.

Spa neighbor, Tiffany Breeden (right) of Bamboo Sky, with Summer Shiige, who brought a few of their clothing racks upstairs to create a mini boutique.

Tiffany Breeden offered a 10 percent discount on Bamboo Sky clothing for the event. She changed clothes three times while I was there to show designs from the boutique. You couldn’t miss her first ensemble, that included  sequined leggings.

Among items she showed that day were silver sequined mini skirts, black sequined blazers and a sequined hoodie jacket. I added the hoodie to my ever-growing stockpile of sequined clothing. I wanted to buy one anyway when I was in New York but ran out of time. The last thing I’m looking for is a black sequined beret, then I’ll be set for life!

Lena Hanson, left, was offering a drawing for her Lena’s Fab Brows service. She’s pictured with Sheryl Gibo and Alan V. of Salon Blanc.

By Nadine Kam

Christian Siriano

When I watched the spring/summer shows in New York, it was hard to imagine the final form in which the designs would reach consumers. The shows are not always about what’s wearable, but about impressions, mood and image setting.

Well, we didn’t have to wait long to see Christian Siriano’s runway to realway interpretations. The designer introduced today a limited-edition and affordable capsule collection of signature silhouettes and print from his Spring/Summer 2010 runway collection shown a month ago during New York Fashion Week.

Oceanic print blouse, $19o, worn with silk charmeuse pencil skirt, $139. A blouse detail, below:

The capsule selection includes a dress and blouse in silk charmeuse and metallic pencil skirt, as a knit tee, scarf and blouse in Siriano’s blue Oceanic print.

Prices range from $98 to $220, and the pieces are available exclusively on www.christianvsiriano.com.

Here’s a link to my coverage of his show:  http://www.hsblinks.com/16o

And a photo of one of his key runway designs:

Getty Images

His runway collection is currently distributed at Saks Fifth Avenue and boutiques including 4510, Helen Yi and Wynn in North America and Alothman in the Middle East.

Siriano will appear as a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” today, featuring a showcase of his Spring 2010 evening gowns and Payless runway collection shoes well as his recently released book, “Fierce Style: How to be Your Most Fabulous Self.”

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Julie Aragaki celebrates the launch of her new magazine Chromatic, with Kim Koga at left.

There’s a new fashion magazine in town. Julie Aragaki, of Hawaii Bride & Groom magazine and Hawaii In Style TV introduced her latest title, Chromatic, during a party at Bonsai last Friday.

Guests were treated to mini massages by Bhakti Massage, specializing in special events, office and home services; a candy buffet set up by Sweet Treats Buffets, pupu from the Bonsai kitchen, including the cutest miniature nigiri sushi; and a glorious dessert buffet — including mini guava cream puffs — set up by Sunshine’s Cake Creations.

These days, you can’t have a magazine without the party pictures, and I spotted one of myself from a few months ago, which is kind of surreal. I’m usually behind the camera and these days, when someone takes your picture, you never know where it’s going to show up. Taste of my own medicine, I suppose. Photographers aren’t particularly good at identifying who they’re working for, so that night I had no idea that photo would end up in print.

Sweet Treats Buffets set up a candy bar of black-and-yellow sweets to match Chromatic’s color theme.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Brigitte Patton wears one of Kanna Yamauchi’s bridal designs.

Hui Makaala, an Okinawan scholarship organization whose goal is to promote the Okinawan culture and Uchinanchu spirit did just that during its annual fashion luncheon Oct. 18 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

It’s not often that they’re able to bring in a designer from Okinawa, but they hit the jackpot with the mother-and-daughter designers, respectively, Mitsuko Yamauchi and Kanna Yamauchi.

Mitsuko was the headlining designer here two years ago, and this year it was Kanna’s turn to show her designs for Yokang, a fashion collaboration that involves her husband, the artist and textile designer Hiroshi Tanaka.

Yokang designs were a hit at Hong Kong Fashion Week, and Kanna heads to Japan after Honolulu.

The fashion show was preceded by several performances by Dazzman Toguchi, Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi No Kai and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii.

Then Kanna put on a display of handpainted/airbrushed garments reflecting Okinawa’s colorful aesthetic that fits in nicely with our own island surroundings. Her show was presented during Hong Kong Fashion Week before her arrival here.

Dancer Dazzman Toguchi in one of Yokang’s unisex hoodies.

There was a break in the middle of the show, when Mitsuko showed some of her bridal designs, as well as men’s shirts that were available for sale outside the showroom before and after the event. The show concluded with Yokang bridal designs.

There was so much packed into the show that I had some trouble editing down to fit YouTube’s 10-minute restriction. Videos can give the impression that what you see is what you get, so, just know that there was much more than could be shown.

You can read more about Yokang in my story that ran in advance of the show: http://hsblinks.com/134

Mens’ shirts formed a big part of a segment shown by Kanna’s mother Mitsuko Yamauchi, founder of Okinawa’s Fashion Room Madonna. This one is modeled by former city prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Equivalent to the aloha shirt, these shirts are also worn by businessmen in Okinawa.

A videographer at work.

Kanna posed backstage with Brigitte and Nicole Fox, right.

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By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Fighting Eel models with designers Lan Chung and Rona Bennett at right.

The Outrigger Reef on the Beach launched its new wedding venues and packages with an intimate event that showcased selections from its banquet buffet, as well as cake, cupcake, bridal bouquet and other services.
Adding to the ambience of the evening event Oct. 15 was a bridal fashion show by Fighting Eel, whose casual, romantic creations fit in perfectly with the theme of a destination wedding in Hawaii.

You can find out more about the bridal collection in my story that appeared in the print edition of the paper in August: http://hsblinks.com/135 

Justine Miguel in traditional white.

The fashion show took place on the Voyager Deck overlooking the beach. Tables were set up as if for an intimate wedding reception — the deck accommodates up to 60 people — and the open-air setting made it a pleasant, relaxing way to end a hectic work day.

The models walked through a flower-draped trellis, after the buffet dinner of assorted salads, fresh fruit, kalua pig, broiled fish, teriyaki chicken, and more.

Then after the show, guests helped themselves to a candy bar dressed up with colorful jellybeans, lemon drops, chocolate covered pretzels, Hershey’s Kisses and candy-coated almonds as a take-home favor.

Those who just couldn’t leave were then invited to peek into their spacious Suite 123, with multi-configurations to suit bridal party room needs.

Outrigger Reef photos
The living room of the bridal suite. No worries, if you’re already married, they have vow renewal ceremonies as well, open to all at 8 a.m. Tuesdays to Fridays. The suite opens to a lanai with a view of Diamond Head.

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By Nadine Kam

Sommer Meyer’s Closet Fetish boxes are the pick of the day on stylist Rachel Zoe’s daily Zoe Report. That’s got to be great news for the local entrepreneur.

As the story goes on the Shoe Fetish Web site, Meyer came up with the stylish red boxes after amassing 250 pairs of shoes. Having odd-sized boxes can be messy looking, so just by coming up with a uniform design and a slot for placing a photo of the shoe for easy retrieval, she made every shoe diva’s life more pleasant with a closet organization system that makes a stack of boxes easy on the eye!

By Nadine Kam

Too little, too lame, too tired for Paris.

It was a sad day for fashion on Sept. 9, when it was announced that Lindsay Lohan had been named artistic advisor for the house of Ungaro. Conspicuosly timed to the start of New York Fashion Week, the news was not well received and generated a negative buzz among editors and those working in the field. For any designer who has studied and worked to get where they are, and those who have not yet made it, it was a slap in the face.

Granted, there have been celebs with their own vision and creative instincts, who have made their mark in fashion. Think Olsen twins and Gwen Stefani, for a start. There have also been numerous collaborations that have worked our well for brands and celebs, but this was different. It was throwing a plum job to a washed up actress with no discernable fashion point of view beyond Hollywood trashy. That might have even worked in a boom economy, but on the Paris runways last week the new collection came off ticky-tacky and frivolous for these sober times and lacked the artistry associated with designers who have already proven they belong in Paris.

A bright spot was offered up by the Sydney Morning Herald, suggesting that Lindsay’s “insult” to fashion could result in companies seeking less input from celebrities. But that’s wishful thinking. Celebrities still seem to have the power to move brands. But I hope the brand owners can simply be honest and call these moves collaborations and give credit to the real designers who too often go nameless.

Due to the Lindsay association, though, we’ll probably all remember designer Estrella Archs name and I’m already wondering what she’ll do for the next Ungaro collection, hopefully without Lindsay.

Check out more opinions here:

LA Times

The First Post

New York magazine

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In happier news, Hilary Duff’s Femme collaboration with DKNY Jeans reflects her style while being on trend and perfectly suited to its young demographic, with each piece wearable, easy to mix and match and integrate with pieces every girl has, and coming in at less than $100 per piece.

Check it out: www.dkny.com

By Nadine Kam

Note: This offer has been extended through Oct. 18. (Added 10/17)

G.L.A.M. Hawaii photos
Love ring, $25.

G.L.A.M. Hawaii has started a Secret VIP Sale offering 40 percent off purchases today. Visit glamhawaii.com to place your order and punch in the word “secret” during checkout to get the discount.

The sale event introduces the brand’s fall line, Dojin: Way of Love collection.

G.L.A.M. Hawaii jewelry is made in Hawaii and the women behind the brand offer the timely reminder that Christmas is around the corner. This is one way to shop at a discount, without the fuss of parking and shoving your way past other frantic shoppers. Unless, of course, you enjoy shopping as contact sport.

14K gold-filled Om bak or Buddha necklace ($55), features an aquamarine for healing or clarity.

By Nadine Kam

It’s been rather hot and sticky lately, not ideal for clothes shopping, but for those who believe every holiday just means more time to shop, Split Obsession is offering a discount of 10 to 30 percent off regular-priced clothing and accessories, and 70 percent off the sales rack at both Ala Moana Center and Koko Marina locations through Monday.

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If you’re on the other side of the island, Waikele Premium Outlets has extended its hours over the Columbus Day holiday weekend. Shop to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12.

Some sample promotions:

A|X Armani Exchange: Earlybirds can take an additional 20 percent off all merchandise from 8 to 10 a.m. through

Michael Kors: Enjoy additional savings of 25 percent off select apparel, outerwear, handbags and more. (Restrictions.)

Nine West: Take 30 percent off selects styles of boots. (Not included in Buy One Get One 50 percent off promotion.)

Perfumania: Take extra 20 percent off on select items storewide, including Burberry men and women’s fragrances; take an extra 25 percent off Cerruti fragrances.

Tommy Bahama: Get 50 percent off, excluding fragrance, CD and clearance items.

Tommy Hilfiger: Save 40 percent off original company store prices on select outerwear through Oct. 13.

True Religion: Shop for $99.99 denim and down jackets, and $79.99 down vests while supplies last.

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And, for those whose sense of style extends to their desk and writing instruments, Bittner is hosting a Cross trunk show from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at its Waikiki store.

Among designs to shown are the Cross Affinity Collection, Cross Sentiment Shoppers and the Cross Townsend Obama pen engraved with President Barack Obama’s signature on the barrel, and adorned with the Presidential Coat of Arms.

The official Presidential Townsend Rolling Ball Pens will be used to sign a series of inaugural documents, as well as The Obama Transition team commissioned Cross to create a customized pen for the president and newly named Nobel Peace Prize winner’s official use.

Shoppers that day will receive a leather pen case with purchase, and guests will be eligible to win a Cross pen.

The boutique is at 2170 Kalia Road at the corner of Kalia Road and Beach Walk. Call 924-8828.
Validated parking is offered at Embassy Suites.