By Nadine Kam

Associated Press photos

Shoes have risen to extraordinary heights in every way — size, design, price —over the past few seasons, but these pointe-shoe styles shown by Alexander McQueen during his Paris show earlier today are downright scary. It makes every painful stiletto up to this point seem wearable.

Would you wear it?

On the Alexander McQueen runway.

By Nadine Kam

The Hope Diamond will be placed in a new setting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its donation to the Smithsonian Institution, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite setting. The designs, from left are Journey of Hope, Embracing Hope and Renewed Hope.

The world’s most famous diamond, the Hope Diamond, will get a makeover, a special re-design to honor the 50th Anniversary of its donation to the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, a gift to the American people by legendary jeweler Harry Winston.

The Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian Channel will celebrate the diamond’s legacy by inviting the American public to vote on a new design for the 45.52-carat blue diamond.

Voting started online today, continuing through Sept. 7 at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/hope.html. The House of Harry Winston has designed three possible settings, each symbolizing modern Hope in America. The winning setting will be revealed in Washington, D.C., in the fall. Then the Hope Diamond will go on display in its new setting, coinciding with the world premiere of the Smithsonian Channel’s “Mystery of the Hope Diamond” in March, 2010.

The diamond will return to its original setting by 2010’s year end. I imagine there’s demand for all those white diamonds.

For those who don’t know the diamond’s history, the Hope is the largest deep blue diamond in the world, and is associated with a curse, that all who owned or touched it, including Marie Antoinette — who probably never wore it because it was reserved for use by Louis XVI — met with tragedy. The diamond takes its name from an 1839 catalog of Henry Philip Hope’s gem collection.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
It rained confetti and streamers yesterday at a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Ala Moana Center’s opening. The Brothers Cazimero did the honor of singing Happy Birthday and a cake was wheeled on stage, and the streamers fell after representatives from 11 original remaining stores in the center blew out candles on the cake.

Ala Moana Center marked its 50th anniversary yesterday with ceremonies at CenterStage and a private reception to mark the opening of the celebratory exhibition, “Fifty Years of Fashion in Hawai’i.”

Anyone who doesn’t believe fashion can exist in Hawaii need only walk through the doors to step into a colorful past when Hawaii was on top of the resortwear world. The Golden Era for Hawaii’s manufacturers was from the mid-1930s through 1970s, when the rest of the world caught up to what we were doing and took casual and resort style corporate and global, making competition tougher.

The exhibition is a good reminder of what came before and what to strive for. It features more than 50 garments from the historic Costume Collection at University of Hawaii-Manoa, presented by Hawaii Fashion Incubator (Hifi).

Some of the creations are so stunning, they begged to be touched. Signs tell visitors not to touch the fragile pieces, of course, but shopaholics are so accustomed to browsing racks that one fashionista confessed, “Oops, I touched one of them!”

The opening-night fashion crowd were wowed by this gown.

HiFi co-founder Melissa May White was there and asked which was my favorite piece, which was hard to determine. They were all so wonderful in their own way. But we all agreed that this gown was one of the most fabulous in the exhibition, looking totally 2009 red-carpet ready. I also liked a blue 1950s swimsuit with pockets, picture further down this post, as well as a casual 1980s dress by Geoffrey Beene, also pictured later. I almost missed the Beene dress because it looks so contemporary, but I liked that look of ease and comfort suggested in use of lightweight, body-skimming nylon knit.

Some of the center’s luxury retailers also got involved, contributing pieces for the exhibition, including classic Gucci purses, a Dior saddlebag design, and Louis Vuitton’s Hawaii Regional VP Dale Ruff was there for a peek at a window showcasing satin sandals with orchid detail, created by Marc Jacobs exclusively for the Hawaii market in 2007.

Pieces by Alfred Shaheen in front of a colorful newspaper advertisement from McInerny. The white room, formerly home to a Japan-based jewelry boutique, was perfect for the display and I thought if would be a great idea if the center could make room for a permanent museum for a rotating display of garments from the UH collection. Fifty is not nearly enough to include a true picture of who’s who in Hawaii fashion. I may be wrong, but I didn’t see anything from Crazy Shirts, for example, which probably had the biggest impact on the way we dress today—not just in Hawaii.

The school’s 20,000-plus piece collection is certainly the most extensive archive of Polynesian-Hawaiian style, and Melissa mentioned that having a permanent home would encourage more people to donate pieces if they know they will be cared for, displayed and enjoyed.

A museum might also be able to charge a small admission that could be divided by the center and the school, toward better maintenance and cataloging.

From the center’s stance, General Growth is not doing so hot these days, so they need the site to pay for itself and there is already a tenant coming into the space, but the idea has been noted, and a person with the center said it might be possible to stage an annual exhibition, should a space come available.

For now, it’s a very nice addition and you can see the exhibition through Aug. 31 on the third level of the Nordstrom Wing, in a storefront between Express and Nordstrom.

Love these vintage swimsuits, especially the one on the left, which has pockets!

HiFi co-founder Melissa May White, who helped make the exhibition possible, stands at one of the displays. To the right of her is a 1950s piece by Ethel Shiraki de Saussure, who I wrote about in the Star-Bulletin here. You’ll see a photo of the designer wearing one of the tiny brocade dresses in the exhibition.

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By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Nadine Benton, Western Field Sales Manager for Piaget with company president Larry Boland, show their Piagets. He’s wearing the new Piaget Polo FortyFive, the company’s first combining titanium and stainless steel. Between them, Justine Miguel models jewelry from Piaget’s Paris-New York collection, and Piaget’s Miss Protocale Classic watch, at $146,000. Her necklace is $350,000.
Today’s the last day to catch a showing of Piaget’s Red Carpet Collection of diamond jewelry and watches at Neiman Marcus.

It may be one of your only opportunities to try on a diamond watch valued at the cost of a small condo, like I did when a piece from the Limelight Creative Design collection was draped over my wrist. It was heavy. I guesstimate that it probably weighs more than a pound, but it had a smooth finish top and bottom, designed to avoid catching on fine clothing. The amount of sparkle was amazing, real fire power with flickers of brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, blues and greens. At $220,000, I had to give it back.

I tend to be more funky than glam anyway, so the Eiffel Tower peridot ring from the Paris-New York collection is more likely something I’d wear … if I had $37,500 to spare.

Of course there were plenty of time pieces for men. This Altiplano Double Jeu piece with alligator strap has two faces, one on top of the other in two separate cases connected by a hinge. Even with the double cases, it remains relatively thin.

Here’s a larger view of the pieces on Justine, who wears a Teri Jon gown. The Miss Protocale Classic watch also comes with a black patent band that can be switched out. Both black and diamond bands can be worn as bracelets when not used with the watch face. Sharene Boulos plays harp in the background.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Hula figurines graced one of the windows at the new Kate Spade store on the mall level of Ala Moana Center, across from Bebe. The opposite window was full of yellow cabs representing the company’s origin. Kate Spade’s natural-colored Hula Ida bag looks like the skirts on the dancers. An orange version of the bag is pictured further below.

I don’t know about men, but women as consumers are pretty easy to figure out. We’re attracted to color. I could be wrong, but I think Apple was one of the first companies outside of fashion to recognize this and deliver color in objects not traditionally known for color. Before the Apple revolution, computers were gray or beige.

Kate Spade’s opening at Ala Moana Center this morning was marked by color, such that I didn’t know what to do. Talk to people or shop? It was pretty much like being in a candy store, with so many delectable looking baubles in shiny, happy yellows, oranges, magentas, pinks and blues.

The store was to look like the Waikiki store, but I was told plans changed four days ago, and the effect now is much for playful, appointed in living room furnishings and decor that add casual warmth to the room.

Although it would have been nice to think the summer collection was inspired by Hawaii, it was actually inspired by cities of Mexico and the Southwest. But the warm colors and casual, sophisticated style travel well. To capture that sentiment, the store is offering a limited-edition exclusive tot, “Hawaii Paradise Found,” for $155. It lists the distance from Hawaii to such major cities as Tokyo, L.A., and Sydney.

“Hawaii Paradise Found” exclusive bag.

A shopper wearing a preppy argyle design watch browses a tabletop covered with small wares and Kate Spade’s Hula Ida bag.

Maiko Nakano settles into a sunny yellow sofa at the front of the store which will allow tired shoppers to rest for a while, while continuing to check out small leather goods and jewelry.

Manikins show Kate Spade summer dresses and accessories.

I love the shop’s many retro living room details. Like the Waikiki store, it’s full of shelf-top sculptures, like the owl at left, and hardcover books. I bought the metallic blue version of the gold purse.

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By Nadine Kam

“Valentino: The Last Emperor” photos
Valentino is surrounded by models in his signature red, and his pugs.

We are doubly blessed this month to be able to see the film, “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” playing at Kahala Theatres, followed by a trip to the Chanel Waikiki boutique to get a taste of the rarified world of haute couture, as depicted in the movie, on vivid display.

Chanel will be bringing in its Métiers d’Art Collection 2009, “Paris Moscow,” for a special exhibition May 9 through June 6. (Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld makes an appearance in the “Valentino” film, toward its end.) I’ll have more information about the show, as well as images from the collection in Thursday’s paper, but for now, Valentino.

Anyone with the slightest interest in fashion MUST see this film, by Matt Tyrnauer. I saw it on Friday night, during a benefit screening presented by the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, also held in advance of the organization’s 20th annual Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, running May 21 to 24.

The film is funny and sad, with all the elements of great drama, including a quixotic protaganist, villains in the form of business execs and financiers, and tragedy in light of market forces and changing of the guard, leading to the end of the era in which Valentino thrived.

Beyond surface beauty, there are dozens of hands involved in constructing these garments by hand, with skills above and beyond what most people will ever be exposed to, because what most of us see is the ready-to-wear. By film’s end, one reviewer still couldn’t separate haute couture from L.L. Bean. That’s so sad. (more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Shari Saiki and Bryan Kitashima in the midst of their photogenic home furnishings store, Mesh.

Shari Saiki and Bryan Kitashima hosted a TEN/3 anniversary party March 27, the dual numbers marking the respective 10th year for the Shari Saiki Design Studio and third year of their home-oriented retail shop, Mesh.

The event, held at Mesh at Dole Cannery, was a way to thank clients, customers and friends, who seemed to make themselves at home, sinking into comfy sofas amidst beautiful lamps and decor.

The party flowed from the shop into outdoor corridors where wine was served under hanging lanterns reminiscent of bird cages, and there was plenty of pupu, including samosas deemed too spicy by Kim Gennaula and Guy Hagi’s daughter Alia. At this point, she’s evidently more into fashion than food (see photo).

HIFF Special Events Coordinator Sean Shodahl with Wei Fang.

It’s a good selling point when guests feel as comfortable with the furnishings as being at home. From left, Scott and Sylvia Farley, and Michelle and Dave Gordon.

Kim Gennaula with her photogenic progeny Luke and Alia Hagi.

Candace Kelly, left, with Ken and Debbie Sorenson and their daughter Tai.

From left, home stager Karla Timon, Fran Terry and Tonya Lee.

Sonny Silva and David Chiorini, part of the Hot Club of Hulaville, performed as a duo. Give a listen to the full band here. Somehow we got on the subject of celebs they resemble and Chiorini was sad to admit he hears Joe Jonas and Joey Lawrence a lot.

By Nadine Kam

Amy Davis illustration
Peyton wears c.neeon dress, retro ’90s leather boots by Loius Vuitton, and silk skull scarf by Lucien Pellat-Finet, only because she has “waaaay too many by Mr. McQueen.”

Sometime Honolulu resident, artist and crazy rock ‘n’ roll chick Amy Davis sends word that she just started a new blog for Paper magazine, called Couture Voyeur. Voyeur is such a good word for the legion with a passion for fashion, but not the means.

It’s similar to her past Paper column, Style Fiends, but instead of “various hipsters styled out in très très delish avant fashion,” this time, she’s just reimagining one, Peyton, from week to week.

It’s a visual mashup of all the fashion, accessory and cosmetic finds that fill her eyes and head, emerging through her always fabulous illustrations. That’s one way to “wear” the best of the best when you don’t have the moolah for all. I told her I gotta get me some illustration skillz.

I look forward to viewing more of her finds.

Here are more views of c.neeon for spring/summer 2009:

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Nalani Ravelo, left, and Kate Schuette model prom dresses at Neiman Marcus.

Prom season is around the corner and Neiman Marcus is hosting a prom event today, along with their Beauty Event, continuing into March. I ran into Kate Schuette and Nalani Ravelo on the store floor yesterday when they were doing informal modeling pf prom dresses, including the ones pictured, by Sue Wong, at $390 for the gray, and $350 for the pink. Prom dresses weren’t as pretty when I was in school, or maybe they were but no one was carrying them.

With all of the spring colors available, it will be a pretty season. I’m just wondering how the economy will affect proms. In the past, retailers have told me parents spare no expenses on their children at prom time. We’ll see if that holds up this year as well.

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If you have time tomorrow, check out jewelry made by Rona Marie and friends at the Kim Chee & Jewelry Sale at 928 Wailupe Place, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1.

I see more people opting to buy jewelry over clothing now. I guess the rationale is clothing wears out, but jewelry doesn’t, and even if you tire of a piece as is, stones and metal retain their value and can be reworked into updated styles.

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Lastly, here’s a random sighting on the street yesterday. If you have to wear a helmet, it might as well be a reflection of you:

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Party on the lawn at the Bayer Estate, oceanside in Aina Haina.

Nikolai Tsang of Jade by Nikolai celebrated the 13th out of 15 days in the Chinese New Year Saturday with a dinner party and shopping event on the beautiful lawn of the Bayer Estate in Aina Haina.

Longtime clientele had an opportunity to see pieces that may not otherwise be shown here after Nikolai cancelled a trip to Dubai due to new international trade regulations that would have made it impossible to reintroduce her unsold jade pieces back into this country.

She always throws a great party, and this was the first I’ve attended that’s been outdoors. The lawn was dressed in auspicious reds and golds, with red lanterns circling the dinner area.

Adding more sparkle to the event was Kristin Wood, known for eyelash extensions, and now, touches of Thai Silk tied to individual strands of hair for a Mylar-like shine. I had a few strands of blue and dark purple which I thought would somehow work with my dark hair with red stripes from Christmas.

Jewelry designer and host Nikolai Tsang (right), in an Anne Namba creation, greets Susan Todani. Both wear Nikolai’s jewelry.

The event helped to invite happiness and good fortune for the Year of the Ox, which is not generally deemed to be an auspicious one. Check out this Wall Street Journal story. We all need as much help as we can get, and feng shui master and teacher Clarence Lau was there to offer some clothing advice.

He said I had too much water in my Chinese horoscope sign — particular to a person’s birth year and time — which means that I’m quick to learn but also too interested in too many things, so I lack focus. Well, that’s true so I really have the job I’m adapted to, which allows me to parachute into many places with quick deadlines that come up before I have time to lose interest in a subject. His recommendation, for a start, is to wear more reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, colors to counter watery blues. And he told me no blacks and whites, when probably 80 percent of my closet is black. And this was after I had bought a black jade piece from Nikolai.

Guests study pieces of jade, gold and semi-precious stone jewelry. The butterfly is one of Nikolai’s favorite motifs.

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