This is a detail of a hand-carved, vintage African elephant ivory and sterling silver mermaid brooch, circa 1950’s, created for Ming’s by Hawaii artist Isami Doi. The mermaid is holding a pearl against a sterling seaweed background. Below, a Ming’s peony brooch.
I haven’t gone to the Hawaii All-Collectors Show for a while, mainly because it’s a dangerous place for me to be. I like vintage things a lot because I absorb from them the essence of another time and place.
That makes it seem like this time and place isn’t good enough, but I don’t think that’s the case. I just naturally gravitate to what’s different, which is also what propels me to simultaneously seek out the next new thing, the next trend. It’s like restless hunter-gatherer energy. I don’t understand people who can be still and content.
This time I might have to go to the show because Linda Lee will be there to conduct her free Ming’s jewelry identification and appraisals session. I wrote a story about her a while back, and ever since, a lot of people nationwide have been interested in getting in touch with her. So many people have pieces of Ming’s jewelry that have been passed on to them and they just want to know more about the individual pieces, as well as the company and its founder Wook Moon. Linda will be available during show hours in the display area. Here’s are links to a couple of my stories about Ming’s (sorry I can’t link you, the Wordpress feature is still not working):
Show hours will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 18; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 19. General admission is $4, with $2 entry for children 7 to 11. If you MUST be first in line, you can enter early on Friday for $15 admission. You can download a $1 off coupon at www.ukulele.com/collect.html
Other highlights:
>> Hawaiiana dealer Don Medcalf, of Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin, will be giving free informal verbal appraisals of early Hawaiiana from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday in booths 321 and 322.
Robyn Buntin wares
>> Robyn Buntin of Honolulu reports its storage warehouse is overflowing with decorative objects, books, magazines, knick-knacks, furniture, and other collectibles and will be offering up bargains during the event.
>> Oahu Anime Explorer & United Anime will have members on hand to display some of their favorite cosplay costumes, anime models, posters, and other collectible items in booths 205 and 206.
Tarina Tarantino photos
Labbit earrings will be about $120 when they arrive later this month.
Tarina Tarantino’s latest jewelry collaboration is with Kid Robot. Didn’t think Dunnys, Munnys and Smokin’ Labbits could get any cuter.
The L.A. designer can do no wrong, having had successful collaborations with Hello Kitty, and even managing to make Barbie cool. I may have to switch out my Hello Kitty Pinkhead heart toggle necklace for one of the new Kid Robot designs!
The collection is scheduled to debut July 30 at kidrobot.com, at Tarina Tarantino locations and in Hawaii at Chic Icon, 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy., and Queens at 831 Queen St. I might also check out Hawaiian South Shore on Ward Avenue, which always carries a good selection of Tarantino pieces. Prices will be between $65 and $975.
This amazing pearl and ribbon Munny necklace will be about $975. I wore a black Munny charm on my Tiffany bracelet — until I lost both after a back massage at the Iolani Fair. I had taken it out and stuffed it in my pocket, but I guess it fell out.
eLuxury.com photo I now have the adult version of this 3.1 Phillip Lim children’s clipped feather swing skirt. (It’s not actually feathers, but fabric.)
It was with great sadness that I discovered a 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt for $250 on eLuxury, after I had paid more than $300 on sale. I was relieved to find it was a children’s skirt I was looking at, though if I had known there was a children’s size available, I definitely would have tried to squeeze into the 9/10 or so.
Maybe the sales gods just haven’t been with me, because I had eyed a black See by Chloe top at Nordstrom when it opened. It was more than $400, and now, it was gone. All the See by Chloe and Phillip Lim stuff were gone. I was kind of mad that my boyfriend had told me earlier not to get it, not because of the price, but because it had a rather large bow in front and he hates extraneous, fussy, frilly things — which I guess makes me wonder why he likes me.
It’s not like he runs my wardrobe or anything, but if he speaks I must listen because when it comes to clothes, he’s generally right. A guy with a good eye can be your best shopping ally because he’s less likely to indulge your fantasy life and dress the real, often dumpier you.
It’s a fact that in a dressing room I’m another person, so I come out with some choices that are good for someone else, and pretty bad for me. It helps that I’ve sought the opinion of one of our photographers here, Craig Kojima, who was pretty brutal. So now when I try things on, I always hear his voice saying, “That does nothing for you.”
If you’re about to make a mistake, just say those words and see if they’re true or false. Something worth buying will make your body look better than it really is. The no’s will be obvious. Something marginal will be just OK, neither excellent or bad on you. It’s the marginal things that pose the greatest problem, because they could be easily be yesses. But if you can say, “It does nothing for me,” and walk away, you could end up saving a lot of money, though it still doesn’t stop me from falling in love with individual pieces, rather than the way they look on me.
I wish I could be one of those with classic, appropriate adult style day in and day out, but I have a feeling I’d be bored.
Paco Rabanne’s chainlink armored mini dress, circa 1967, is among the pieces up for grabs via eBay Live June 10. Bidding for this piece will start at about $6,000.
Those who appreciate vintage fashion might enjoy taking a look at the garb up for grabs via eBay Live’s “Passion for Fashion and Fine Textiles,” an auction taking place June 10.
Found it by accident while doing one of my standard searches for Ossie Clark and Lanvin and hit the Mother Lode of European fashion, 1920s through 1980s. What a pleasant surprise. Usually, I feel lucky if I see one beautiful, collectible piece.
I have a love of vintage clothing that dates to my teen years. It was the most tangible way for a girl from Waipahu — pre-Internet — to feel connected to the larger world, past and present. After running my own vintage/consignment boutique here and scoring my own vintage Pucci and Lanvin dresses, I became particularly enamored of the work of European designers done in the 1930s through ’40s, and 1960s through ’70s.
I read that ’40s and ’70s inspired H&M’s Fall 208 collection, described as “sharp, androgynous, elegant.”
You can own Jerry Hall’s Antony Price white lace wedding dress dating to her 1990 marriage to Mick Jagger. Bust 34, waist 26 inches. Who knew she was so tiny? She looks like a big girl standing next to Mick.
Ossie Clark snakeskin coat, circa 1967-68. Bidding starts at about $700. Fits a 34-inch bust. People were tiny back then, before they started pumping up at gyms and supersizing meals.
The auction also features tapestries and garments from the 1700s, and it appears that Jerry Hall is emptying her closet of clothing circa her life with Mick Jagger, including her wedding dress, which is starting at about $300.
Even if you can’t or don’t want to buy anything, it’s fun to look at the pieces and certainly would be beneficial for any alleged student of fashion to see. (more…)
One of my favorite outfits in the “Sex and the City” movie was Carrie’s floral coat that looked like this, though with a stronger line and touch of chartreuse and purple. I liked this outfit, too, which she wore to go apartment hunting with Big.
Went to see “Sex and the City” Sunday morning and again last night to help Crystal Pancipanci and her fashionable friends celebrate her SATC victory.
The woman is on a roll having also won a Theory-sponsored drawing for a Theory bag last week. This time around, she won a pair of exclusive crystal-studded — how appropriate is that? — Manolo Blahniks valued at nearly $800.
I showed up late to the Skyy Vodka “Sex And The City ” private screening and cocktail party so didn’t get a pink feather boa like the other girls, but I did get to see her sparkling sandals before the lights went out. I wanted to take a photo but had left my camera on my desk at work, so borrowed Julie Ann Aragaki’s crystal-studded iPhone. Standing between those two I might have been blinded if the lights weren’t going down!
There was some drama queen action in the crowd after a group of friends didn’t appreciate comments made by a woman, and cast a drink at her. I was in between the two rows and hoped no more drinks were coming flew through the air while I tried to watch the previews. After much posturing, various parties left or moved seats after threats of removal by security.
I was going to write something after seeing it the first time, but felt emotionally drained by the experience. That was surprising considering I had a “Yeah, yeah, been there” attitude about the whole thing. I was never a rabid SATC fan and just from watching previews of the movie I had the whole story arc plotted out, so there were no surprises for me, but I thought the heartbreak scenes were realistic and painful to watch.
Carrie in Vivienne Westwood. The bridesmaids wore Zac Posen.
Of course the clothes were pure eye candy. I tried to count up the 81 outfits Carrie allegedly wore in the film (the story takes place over 6 months, which means she could wear each outfit two times, or double that if you count nights), but only counted 65. I didn’t count times when she just threw a fur or coat over something, and I may have missed a couple of wedding gowns, just because I was enthralled. I think I forgot to breathe between the Christian Lacroix and the Lanvin.
My favorite outfits were a trapeze floral coat Carrie wore with trousers and a blue jacket while shopping for furniture with Charlotte, and a blue tunic she wore with over-the-knee socks while strolling in a park with Miranda. Dunno who made those, but you can bet every piece of clothing in the movie cost plenty. I imagine it only bothers fashion followers that a real-life Carrie — a freelance writer not backed by a trust fund or sugar daddy — would never be able to afford such a wardrobe. And it was rather unrealistic that Carrie wore a string of pearls to bed several times, though of course, they weren’t going for an Academy Award here. Just a good-lookin’ reunion.
The only thing missing was subtitles for the fashion. Only the wedding gowns were accompanied by a recitation of the designer’s names: Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Lacroix, Lanvin, Dior and Vivienne Westwood.
Nadine Kam photos
I don’t know the cost of the earrings, but this Tiffany diamond necklace is priced at $38,000, and looks much better in reality than in my photo.
After taking in part of the University of Hawaii fashion last Sunday, spent all afternoon and half the evening on a photo shoot for HI Luxury magazine, which is labor intensive, even with a crew of six working to the fullest. Directing a cast of three models to convey a story is as involved as making a short film, though with a lot less equipment and fewer cords to trip over. Lugging clothes around is also a muscle-building, back-breaking exercise, so it was nice this past Sunday to simply spend a leisurely afternoon at the Halekulani with the Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders.
The event was presented in support of the Red Cross, while honoring Tiffany Circle founding members Carolyn A. Berry, Joey Harris, Kitty Lagareta, Kimi Matar, Camille McCormack, Jean E. Rolles, Madison Shimada and Barbara Wong.
Honoree Carolyn A. Berry stands between Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO for the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, and Dr. Lawrence Tseu.
Berry showed up dressed for the occasion in Tiffany blue, though she said she didn’t plan it that way. It’s such an iconic color that I can’t fathom not thinking “Tiffany” when I see it. I don’t know how such a coincidence could happen, but there was an even bigger coincidence when most of those seated at honorary chairman Dr. Lawrence Tseu’s table, all showed up in white. His guests included Al and Charlyn Masini, Leilani Keough, Mrs. Hawaii 2007 Nadine Wise, and Mona Wood. Tseu had only asked them to wear hats, but as it turned out, only the host and Max Sword turned out in darker colors.
The Masinis dressed in white at Tseu’s table, as did Leilani Keough, right.
Everyone else must have felt the psychic fashion vibe. Funny. I had felt it too that morning while getting dressed, probably because it’s getting closer to summer. I was drawn to a white top sewn from vintage cotton and lace and put it on. But the only thing I had to match it was a pair of white eyelet pants and wasn’t in the mood for that, so I switched to a purple Gaultier sundress.
Models in Angel Sanchez dresses and Tiffany jewelry made their way from table to table to tempt attendees with diamonds, allowing them to try pieces on if they so desired.
I was wondering why I’d never seen the style of Celeste Hong, left, and Melissa Lum Quilica on the streets of Honolulu before Sunday. I was so excited, but unfortunately, they have to go home to L.A.!
I had to take a photo of Melissa Lum Quilica and Celeste Hong as soon as I saw them. Celeste was wearing a vintage dress of silk sari fabric and vintage gold metallic belt, while Melissa wore a dress by Renee Bardot that she bought because it reminded her of Narciso Rodriquez’s clever, minimalist designs. An interior designer, Melissa had dyed her satin wedding shoes in a tea-like color, so they matched the “bib” of the dress.
Yay! I’m always so happy when I meet people who share an enthusiasm for fashion. Melissa said I should see Celeste’s closet and if I could have invited myself over, I would have. Unfortunately, they live in L.A.! (more…)
Prada is auctioning designer prototypes from its spring 2008 collection at Prada.com.
Among the first items up for grabs were a delicious plum buckskin bag, rose boot and plum buckskin boot. Currently up for grabs is a quartet of skirts for those willing to pay for truly exclusive items. Prices are running $1,500 in euros, with six days remaining.
Went to the Design Within Reach grand opening party at Ala Moana Center April 10, where the top question was: “What’s your favorite piece?”
Oh, how to choose when every piece of furniture is so beautifully minimalist, elegant in addition to being comfortable. And, with a roomful of people, it’s kind of hard to look at everything, though the chandelier of Murano glass ($3,200, above) definitely caught my eye. Love the color and ornate silhouette, even if it’s not quite a match for my 1920s Liliha cottage!
Lesli-Ann Yano brings Miuccia Prada’s latest collection to life. She’s with Steve Simeone, left, and Prada’s Joseph Incao. I have last spring’s sunny yellow version of the purse Yano is carrying and we both love the style because of its retro mini suitcase vibe.
Lesli-Ann Yano also caught my eye when she walked into the room in head-to-toe Prada. Lucky girl is associate buyer for Prada Hawaii so it’s her job to wear the line. She also has to go to Milan twice a year. Tough job Lesli-Ann!
Kihan, from Chop Salon, cut her hair and shared a tip for getting those choppy bangs. His choice of fancy tool was a child’s blunt scissors. Gotta try that, my bangs grow so fast.
Afterward it was on to Doraku Sushi for the opening of Kevin Aoki’s latest baby, a kick-off event for “Destination: Groove Dance Hawaii.” I guess I stayed at DWR too long because when I got to the Royal Hawaiian Center restaurant, John Berger was leaving and said the party was over. It seemed too early so I kept going and found there was still food, desserts—damn I got distracted and never got the vanilla ice-cream topped brownie—drinks, and of course, lots of dancing. It got pretty steamy in there!
Guests left with a gift bag that included a freshwater pearl necklace from Anna Meng’s Meng Dynasty. Very nice and looks so great on black.
Carlos Chang and Elyse Hironaka were among the dancers on the floor. Carlos has his own dance event planned for summer. Dancers are often forced into the role of designer for lack of readymade costumes, so Hironaka designed her own Bedazzled dress.
Christine Yasunaga was the evening’s gracious hostess, and was lucky enough to win a piece of art donated by Gary Hostallero, who achieved fame painting images of samurai, but has since moved on to fashiony images of tattooed women. I missed the fashion show by Anne Namba, but Gary said he and the local designer are collaborating on a project that will incorporate some of his images. Look forward to seeing it.
Dance instructor Carlos Chang gave Vivan Stackpole an impromptu dance lesson, telling her which way to turn and spin, making it look as if they’d danced together before.
Nadine Kam photos
A detail of an Eli Baxter installation.
From time to time the way other people dress can inspire me to bust out my camera. So it was when I spent Friday afternoon at The Contemporary Museum during a walk-through of the TCM Biennial of Hawaii artists featuring site-specific installations of Eli Baxter, Vincent Goudreau, Javier Martinez, Yida Wang, Cade Roster, Wayne Zebzda and Meidor Hu.
I enjoyed walking around Wang’s exploration of breast cancer with an installation of hanging Latex breasts, Cade Roster’s series of manga-inspired Plush Gaiden, and Eli Baxter’s sculptures of recycled, polished bicycle tires, inner tubes and molded wax, somehow reminiscent of Alexander McQueen fashion designs.
While there, I ran into TCM’s PR officer Pualana Lemelle and took a photo of her in the museum shop next to the Art-O-Mat, which dispenses miniature pieces of art, whether jewelry, collage or a small sculpture for, last time I checked, $5.
Pualana Lemelle wears an Express wrap dress and gold Western boots from Catherine’s Closet in Manoa.
That reminded me I had a couple of photos of Neiman Marcus’ Contemporary Sportswear/Theory Specialist Alen Ajed. I’m in that department a lot, most of the time just looking, and he’s typically wearing designer, top to bottom, though in his own colorful style. I like that he’s not afraid to wear color and have fun with clothes.
Alen Ajed at the recent Hip Event wearing an Etro shirt with a watercolor-wash print, D&G jacket, Cicinnelli pink pant, Prada belt and Paul Smith tie. His favorite part of the ensemble are his Paul Smith floral design shoes.
On another occasion, I took Alen’s photo (below) with Donna Walden, who also caught my eye because she was wearing this season’s flora-, insect- and fantasy-inspired Prada shoe. Shoes that beautiful have to be uncomfortable, I thought, but Donna said they’re really comfortable.
Alen wears an Etro jacket over a heart-print Prada shirt with a Gianni Versace tie. I cut off the toe of Donna’s shoe, so below are details from Prada’s ad campaign.
When I highlight some of these pieces, I get emails or on Twitter, tweets along the lines of, “What is that supposed to mean?”
Well, to most people, nothing. I don’t want people to walk around looking like fashion clones or slaves. These are just the things I find particularly beautiful and enjoy seeing because they bring an element of beauty into daily existence. It serves the same function as a flower arrangement in an office or lobby, or, if so inclined, a Precious Moments figurine on your desktop. I don’t intend to encourage people to go out and consume, but I am inviting people to train their eyes to see more and to see the ordinary elevated through art.
Was walking through the new Waikiki over the weekend. With so many new luxe boutiques opening at Royal Hawaiian Center, it’s beginning to look like Ala Moana Jr.
It was fun checking out Kate Spade, White House/Black Market and handbags at Furla. I was disturbed to find employees using a dressing room as a nap room at Juicy Couture. Wanted to try on but was somewhat grossed out. If they want to sleep they should go to the 3rd floor where nothing seems to be happening right now.
After running away from there I was strolling past Prada when I remembered I wanted to check out the purses they’ve been featuring in their advertisements. There’s already a waiting list for an $1,805 Cervo Lux Faeries print bag by L.A. artist James Jean. The print is beautiful, full of flesh-eating flowers and insects. It reminds me of “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
You can catch an animated film, “Trembled Blossoms,” based on Jean’s work at www.prada.com.
What I can’t believe is all the art sites talking about the artist as being a sell-out for allowing Prada to use his work. Isn’t the aim of art to communicate with as many people as possible?
The criticism just sounds like sour grapes from artists who I’m certain would not be ashamed to put a price on their own work if there were any interest in what they’re doing.
Reminds me of the “New Media Douchebags” video by Kelstew2 sent by one of my Pownce/Twitter pals:
Some others have focused on the wastefulness of luxury. The extravagance of what these companies create does make them an easy target but I think the bigger problem is the cheap goods market that over 60 years has turned clothing into disposable items. With fine goods, you have to think long about whether or not to buy. But how many times have you gone to a sale, spotted a top or jacket you like, not love, and told yourself, “I have dozens of these, but why not, it’s so cheap!”I know I’ve been carried away at H&M, picking up five things at once, that haven’t lasted more than two months, fading or getting pill-y. Clothes like that get trashed, fast, whereas Pradas tend to stay in closets a long time.
And let’s face it, for most people, luxury exists as an ideal of the ultimate beauty man can create. We don’t have to own it to enjoy looking at the pictures and being inspired, or not.
