Nadine Kam photos At So Good Jewelry, from left, are Alen Kaneshiro, Reid Higashi, Kris Muranaka, Christopher Otto, Kristin Imose and Jonah Nakaza-Koizumi. Kris and Kristin wear jewelry off the racks.
So Good Jewelry celebrated its one-year anniversary June 27 with a friends and family party at its Waikiki Trade Center location. Guests were greeted with champagne and strawberries, and all the girls received Alen Kaneshiro and Christopher Otto’s version of the lei, clear necklaces to match what they were wearing! I went home with a lovely clear heart on a long gold-tone chain.
Their costume jewelry, in every style imaginable, is affordably priced and makes sense for those who want to accessorize without paying the high price of gold, and these days, even silver.
They’ve done well in Waikiki, where the concept also makes sense for visitors who can’t bring all the right jewelry with them. They can easily pick up something at the store if it helps them feel more complete.
Happy 1st b-day!
Check it out at 2255 Kuhio Ave., ground floor. Call 926-9588.
Maggie Li and Julie Ann Aragaki try on matching rhinestone headbands. Both wear the necklaces given to them at the door.
The headbands are not only for women, Jerrell Kaeo tries one as a hatband.
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…)
Just did a story on M.A.C and they have struck again with a new limited-edition Heatherette collection with pink-cased lipstick and lipglass, plus two eyeshadow trios—one with peach and turquoise colors plus a darker liner color, and one in shades of pink and purple. You can finish with any of M.A.C’s glitter or pigments for a look that says “Superstar” and living up to Richie’s and Traver’s rep as 24-hour party people.
Alliway photo
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something to do this Good Friday, you might head over to Ward Warehouse to check out Alliway’s 3-2-1 Easter sale. That is, 30 percent off Alliway jewelry, 20 percent off handbags, 10 percent off other merchandise. The sale is on through tomorrow.
Alliway, along with Ginger 13, are among the local designers selected to be showcased in the second-floor jewelry section at Nordstrom. Congratulations Alli and Cindy!
Nadine Kam photos Jane Lyman blows out the candles on her birthday cake.
While working out details of a fashion show that may take place later this year, Kensei Takeda, along with Dale Young, decided to treat birthday girl Jane Lyman to an intimate, private fashion show for 14 women on March 16, four days after Jane’s 86th birthday.
The “Art of Jewelry” fashion show featured models Tara Chanel, Tania de Jesus and Iwalani Ynigues wearing designer dresses that showcased Kensei’s handmade hats and jewelry. In between segments divided into “Modern,” “Ethnic” and “Classic” pieces, Cheryl Bartlett entertained the group with songs from “Phantom of the Opera” and Disney, as well as one of her own compositions.
Models Tania de Jesus, Tara Chanel and Iwalani Ynigues, plus hosts Kensei Takeda and Dale Young, and singer Cheryl Bartlett are photographed with the birthday girl, Jane Lyman.
Kensei, a hair stylist who works with royals when they’re in town, is a Renaissance man who’s also known for making fabulous meals, though this time, he was too busy for that. So, guests enjoyed pupu from Jon Matsubara of Stage restaurant, along with champagne, cake and ice cream too—what more could a girl want?
Those ogling Sports Illustrated’s latest swimsuit issue are probably eyeing more than the suits, but are probably not paying much attention to the jewelry or the sites, including the beach at Sheraton Maui.
Designers tapped for the photo shoot were Michael Spirito for Exhibitionist and Lana Fertelmeister of Lana Jewelry.
Lana Jewelry The gold and diamond Affinity Ring is $630.
Lana is in town for personal appearances at Neiman Marcus 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23, showing layered necklaces, stacked bangles and other beach-to-dinner party bling.
This is the second year Lana’s designs are being featured in the magazine. My interviews with the designer appeared at:
Now’s the time to pick up tickets for the unveiling of Ala Moana Center’s new 100,000 square-foot, two-level retail wing during a Preview Shopping Night and Fund-raiser taking place 7 to 9 p.m. March 6.
Only 500 will be admitted to the shopping event that includes sampling of desserts from Café Laufer, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Roy’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Pineapple Room, cocktails as well as entertainment. Guests will also receive a commemorative Shop a Le‘a mini tote.
Tickets are $40, available at the Customer Service Center. All proceeds will benefit Hawaii Habitat for Humanity.
Retailers participating in the event are Ann Taylor, Bare Escentuals, Blue Hawaii Lifestyle, Chico’s, Design Within Reach, J.Crew-on-the-Island, Janie & Jack, Le Grand Marqet, Lululemon Athletica, MAX & Co., Philip Rickard Factory Showroom, Sunglass Icon, Vera Bradley, White House/Black Market, Williams-Sonoma, and Wolford.
Dior hosted an informal party Dec. 27 to welcome the house’s 400-page 60th anniversary tome, “Dior,” which recounts the history of its creator Christian Dior, whose name became synonymous with the post-war New Look.
The book is beautiful to flip through, with page after page of photos capturing the ambience of 1950s Paris, the couturiers who succeeded him, and Dior models from past to present, immortalized in iconic photos by Irving Penn to Nick Knight. Printed on heavy coated stock, it requires some heavy lifting to bring home. The books are $150.
Nadine Kam photos Marisa Gey, front, and Branka Knezevic model current Dior designs.
The event also featured informal modeling of current Dior designs and was a little more sedate than usual because a lot of people are out of town or a bit worn by the holidays. Kristin Chan, just back from roughing it during trip to the Grand Canyon admitted, “I forgot how to dress.”
Me too. I wore a 3.1 Phillip Lim dress but forgot my Dior purse at home. Those sharp-eyed fashionphiles can recognize a brand a mile away. I thought my necklace was nondescript enough, but it caused some of the globe trotters to ask if it was from Rome. Pretty close. Picked it up in Kailua at Balcony Gallery, but it’s by artist Antonio Greco, who’s from Italy. The necklace features charms bearing scaled down images of his paintings, which I love for their exuberance.
Kristen Chan is flanked by models Marisa and Branka.
But it appeared she got her act together minutes before the event. While I’ve usually seen her wearing Gucci and Pucci, she’s an equal-opportunity shopper who turned up in a BCBG dress, with a fur from the Max Nugus boutique at the Kahala Hotel, Manolo Blahnik suede boots and Dior purse.
Pualana Lemelle of The Contemporary Museum showed up in a Rebecca Taylor dress with vintage faux fur, while Hiro Soma chose to dress in threads from Dior designer John Galliano’s own line. His jacket, T-shirt and underwear were Galliano’s, worn with Armani jeans.The glasses were Alexander McQueen’s and his belt and shoes are by Gucci.(more…)
Photos by Nadine Kam The scene at about 8:15 a.m. at the Sandal Tree Cheap Shoe Sale.
Whew! Finally at home at 2 p.m. after a morning of crowds and lines, starting with Sandal Tree’s 8 a.m. “Cheap Shoe Sale.”
It was all very leisurely for me because I can’t fit normal shoes, being a Cinderella size 3, so I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to buy anything. Very sad, but in a way a good thing, because if I spent on shoes what I spend on handbags, it would be disastrous.
It was even more leisurely because I forgot I had reset my alarm clock from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., so I was lying around thinking I had lots of time to get there.
Of course when I got there the rush was on, and yes, there was plenty of stock available, from sizes 5 to 11, with some casual children’s footwear and men’s shoes too. My guess is that there were more than 300 shoppers and plenty of shoes for all.
Nadine Kam video
Shoppers swarm at Sandal Tree, Central Union Church and LeSportsac, Ala Moana.
Comments overheard at the event:”I woke up so early, at 3 o’clock.”
“I wish there were more smaller sizes.”
“I got plenty of Christmas presents.”I saw a small-looking pair of bronze shoes in a box labeled “Mismatched,” but as I was about to reach for it a woman snapped, “That’s mine! I guess I better take off the sign.”
Shopping pros grab first, sort later.
The pros carried big shopping bags to stash their finds before sorting. Others carried armloads of sandals, valued from about $75 to $800 retail, all from a year old to current styles. Each pair went for $10.
No word as to whether there will be another sale like it next year. While it’s great for bargain hunters, the store’s aim, of course, is to bring in such tempting wares that shoppers will be willing to pay full price!
Nadine Kam photos Phuong Nguyen shows a ring of imperial jade and diamonds in a double flower design from Jade by Nikolai.
Here’s a welcome idea for all event planners: Jewelry designer Nikolai Tsang treated some of her best clients to a Spa Day Oct. 28 at the newly open Heaven on Earth at Koolani.
On view was a selection of jadeite, pearl and precious stone jewelry, as well as the spa itself, at about 20,000 square feet. It is so huge that while the party was going on in the salon area, most guests were unaware that one floor below, regular spa treatments were taking place without interruption. There’s enough space for a women’s lounge, men’s lounge, couple’s massage room and space for yoga, pilates and, of all things, pole-dancing classes.
Nikolai helps Mika Guillou try on one of her necklaces featuring a jadeite chrysanthemum pendant.(more…)
Nadine Kam photo From left are Sig Zane, Sig Zane Designs style director Atsuko Kimoto and production manager Margaret Stanley, and Dr. Taupouri Tangaro.
Sig Zane celebrated his 22nd anniversary with the presentation of his 2008 Wailani Collection at the Outrigger Reef Hotel Friday night.
The celebration had models strolling among guests in an open-air setting overlooking the ocean, in an encore of a show presented earlier on the Big Island, combining Zane’s designs with Tiffany jewelry and hula-inspired hairscapes created by Taupouri Tangaro.
The hair was so elaborate, I asked Tangaro how long he had been working with hair, assuming lengthy training.
“Just since Sig asked me,” said the Hawaiian cultural expert, an assistant professor at Hawaii Community College’s Hawaii Life Styles Program. (more…)
Neiman Marcus photo Diamond in the Rough necklace of uncut stones, $65,000.
The 81st edition Neiman Marcus Christmas Book debuted this week, so I’m sitting here making my list of what I’d like to see under my tree this year.
I don’t ask for much, so Santa, I’m going with one thing only, the 4-foot-long Diamond in the Rough chain necklace of uncut stones (about 62 carats) set in 18K gold. It’s $65,000. (more…)
