By Nadine Kam

You may not be able to slip your toes into $2 million heels, but you can imagine it a little better when ogling a pair of $2 million tanzanite-and-diamond evening sandals on view at The Wedding Ring Shop from May 3 to 5.

More than 185 carats of tanzanites and 28 carats of diamonds went into the sandal, which made its debut at the New York Public Library in January 2007 as the winner in the “Fashion Accessories” category of the Tanzanite Foundation’s “Celebration of Life Jewelry Design Awards” for 2006. Take a look at other winning designs here.

The design is a partnership between award-winning fine jewelry designer Eddie LeVian and Stuart Weitzman, shoe designer and founder of Stuart Weitzman, Inc.
The Wedding Ring shop is at 1181 Kapiolani Boulevard. Call 945-7766.

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If you’re looking for something to do right now, check out the Rock Shop @ The Loft, 115 N. Hotel. The First Friday event continues to 8 p.m., offering wares by Anné, Meesha, Shop Blaine Ashley, Sola B, Dork and Cloth.

Also this weekend, just about every store will be offering sales in anticipation of Mother’s Day. May 10 is the big day so better get busy.

Celine: Drop by the Ala Moana boutique at 2 p.m. May 2 for a peek at its new soft, summer Pillow bag.

Cottage by the Sea: Hosts a summer trunk show featuring Velvet clothing (15 to 50 percent off) and Gabbybella jewelry (15 percent off), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2 and 3. Also, enter to win a $200 shopping spree all weekend long, with no purchase necessary. The boutique is at Ward Warehouse. Call 591-9811.

The Place: Hosts a Mother’s Day trunk show of handmade jewelry by Ann Sandhu, and handpainted silks by Keiki Fujita, as well as 15 percent off the shop’s entire stock from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2. Place, A Design Atelier by Philpotts, is at 40 S. School St. Call 275-3075.

Shasa Emporium: In Thursday’s print ed. I mentioned the Jewelry by Cari Mother’s Day trunk show going on from noon to 4 p.m. May 2, with 20 percent off the designer’s sterling silver and 14K gold jewelry. But while you’re there, you can also check out new arrivals, including ki-ele jewelry by Marylea Conrad. You’ll get a free shell ring with every $30 purchase while supplies last. Also, buy $50 of Moopiland stuff through May 3 and you’ll get a free mousepad. The boutique is at Kahala Mall. Call 735-5122.

Split Obsession: Buy two T-shirts and get one free from 10 to 7 p.m. May 2, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 3. The offer is valid for men’s, women’s and children’s tees. The free T-shirt must be of equal or lesser value than purchased shirts, and all sales are final. (Promotion excludes some brands, including Moopiland, Super Good and Martin Hsu.) The shop is in the Koko Marina Shopping Center.

Macy’s Ala Moana: Remind mom to Fi(GH)t for the Cure with a complimentary fitting in a Wacoal or b.tempt’d bra. For every woman who participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b.tempt’d bra purchased between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. May 2.

And don’t forget to check out these new limited-edition tees by Anna Sui and Koi Suwannagate. Sales of the $60 shirts will benefit OCA’s scholarship programs serving Asian Pacific Americans. The collaboration was done in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
From left, Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawaii state chapter, welcomed actress Nancy Kwan, Al Masini and Norbert Meisel to the organization’s annual luncheon fundraiser.

There was no fashion show this time around during the Red Cross annual luncheon fundraiser that took place Saturday afternoon at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, but red was the color of the day.

Guests who made the blood/red connection (I didn’t, DOH!) donned the color while bidding on hotel stays, wine, dinner parties, restaurant gift certificates, and more, while helping to contribute to Red Cross coffers.

Over a fabulous lunch of summery gazpacho and grilled salmon with ‘Nalo greens, Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawaii state chapter, reminded guests of the value of their contributions. The Red Cross is a non-government emergency-response organization that comes to the aid of disaster victims, helping to provide food, clothing, shelter, counseling and financial assistance.

I think most people would be surprised by the number of disasters that take place here almost daily, which makes fundraising important. Recent house fires come to mind, and those involve only a handful of people. I try not to think about all the bad things that can happen on an island, especially now that Superferry is not an evacuation option.

I bid on, but didn’t get this ring.

The fun and not-so-fun part of it was the silent auction. After being 0-6 at two events by now, I think I’m just really bad at it. I like online auctions much more because it’s impersonal. You can snipe and no one’s there to give you stink eye.

Red being the color of the day, I bid on the ruby cabochon ring above, appraised at $3,000 and I believe it was from Gump’s. (Yes, it’s a purple ruby.) It looked a little old-fashioned and stodgy sitting there, but Dale Young had a ring with the same stone and encouraged me to try it on. It fit and looked great, so I bid the minimum $400. But what I really wanted was the vintage aquamarine and diamond watch below. I placed the minimum $300 and figured odds were good that I’d get it. I didn’t think anyone else would fit it because the band was about 5-3/4 inches. It was made for me. It was … destiny.

Unfortunately, someone else did place a bid, and through much of lunch, she was just standing there guarding her bid. I was sitting next to a developer and businessman, so I asked him what I should do. Well, that was easy for him.

“Swoop in and take the pen,” he said.

The watch that got away.

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By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Allison Izu makes a statement with denim. Keep your eyes on the jeans.

There’s power in ideas, and when Allison Izu and Emi Hart got together to talk about the dearth of highly visible opportunities for Hawaii’s young designers, a local, ready-to-wear Fashion Week was born. The 10-day event encompassed five nights of fashion shows at Pearl Ultra Lounge, plus a market day that allowed participating designers to sell their apparel and accessories.

Over the week, models for Recycled Sweetheart, Fighting Eel, Indah walked the bar at Pearl. At the event’s finale Saturday night, the lineup featured Allisonizu petite denim, Roberta Oaks dresses and Maggie Coulombe’s sensual, fluid styles.

After putting topless models on the Urban Pacific showcase a year-and-a-half ago, Allison had been wondering how she was going to top that. She sent out models with teasing placards reading “Censored.” Taking pictures from floor level, I was wondering what was going to show up in my photos. When I looked away from the viewfinder, I saw that they were actually covered up with stick-on bras beneath those signs.

Front and back views of one of Roberta Oaks newest dresses.

Maui designer Maggie Coulombe creates clothing for women with Amazon personalities.

Allison Izu, left, and Emi Hart brainstormed and came up with the idea for the local, ready-to-wear Fashion Week.

All the way from Maui, from left, Roxy Chasle, Arid Chappell, Patty Markison, designer Maggie Coulombe, Judi Ellman and photographer MayBelle Santos.

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By Nadine Kam

www.glamhawaii.com
G.L.A.M.’s Baby Love necklaces for mother and baby.

Cottage-by-the-Sea, at Ward Warehouse is hosting a model search and trunk show featuring the G.L.A.M. Hawaii jewelry design team of Genevive Marquez, Lisa Kehmeier, Amanda Dela Cruz and Michelle Cendana, who, after launching just a year ago, have already been featured in Audrey, Uproar and marthastewart.com, and worn by “The Hill’s” actress Lauren Conrad and celeb DJ and tokidoki model DJ Mia.

They will be introducing their spring line, “Splendor in the Grass,” nature-inspired pieces handmade with sterling silver or 14K gold wiring adorned with semi-precious gems, available exclusively in Hawaii at Cottage-by-the-Sea, or online at www.glamhawaii.com.

During the trunk show, which continues through Sunday, March 29, three winners will be chosen in drawings to receive a piece from the new collection, and shoppers will get a 15 percent discount on G.L.A.M. jewelry.

While there, the G.L.A.M. team will be on the lookout for two women to be Glam Gals to serve as models on their Web site and upcoming catalog, winning prizes and a yearlong modeling contract with the team.

By Nadine Kam

Looking ahead to the weekend:

Free People photos

Cottage by the Sea will be hosting a Free People Spring Fashion Fair, March 7 and 8, with $10 off all pieces of Free People clothing all weekend. On view will be new styles for spring and summer 2009, and Cottage by the Sea will be giving out a free drink koozy with the purchase of two clothing pieces. Other in-store deals include 10 to 50 percent discounts on select clothing pieces by Velvet, Testament, Language, and other lines.

Cross-over maternity/nursing top from 1 in the Oven.

It’ll be a busy weekend for Jen Sarsuel, owner of Cottage by the Sea and The Growing Nest. She’s also teamed up with 1 in the Oven (a mainland maternity design line) to bring an exclusive line of affordable and fashionable nursing/maternity wear to Hawaii.

The 1 in the Oven line will debut at The Growing Nest at Ward Warehouse during the boutique’s Expecting Mom’s Month in March. This weekend, expecting moms can enjoy savings of 20 to 50 percent off all maternity and nursing wear. A portion of the sales on March 7 and 8 will benefit the non-profit organizations Hawaii’s Mother’s Milk and The Kapiolani Health Foundation.

Expecting moms can get free massages on the 7th and 8th and the first 50 women in the store will also receive free gift bags with Noodle & Boo body products for expecting moms and babies. Enjoy pupu as well.

This month, Jen is also launching her new line of baby/kids wear called Little Bird Designs. This line of onesies, blankets and personalized items will be the signature line for The Growing Nest. Everything will be made in Hawaii and will also be launched at 20 percent off during March.

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A Gregg Ruth white gold and diamond cuff.

The big event at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel this weekend will be its grand opening tomorrow night, but another opening will be taking place there.

In conjunction with its 50th anniversary year, Maui Divers Jewelry will unveil a new concept store — Maui Divers Jewelry Luxury Collection — on Saturday.

In addition to showcasing Maui Divers Jewelry’s collections of Tahitian Black Pearls, Chocolate Tahitian Pearls and Golden South Sea Pearls, the 1,000-square-foot flagship store will be Hawaii’s exclusive retailer of Gregg Ruth-designed diamond and precious colored stone jewelry, and designer Barbara Westwood’s one-of-a-kind jewelry designs. Prices will range from $250 to $50,000.

The store will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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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By admin

Nadine Kam photos
elle Couture Jewellery’s creative director Lance Ishibashi and KCC’s Carol Sakihara at the opening of her students’ exhibition Friday night.

By Nadine Kam

elle Couture Jewellery creative director Lance Ishibashi made room in the new 909 Kapiolani jewelry boutique to share the floor with some talented young designers from Kapiolani Community College over the weekend, with the opening of an exhibition that will be on view through Jan. 29.

Lisa Shiroma’s copper “Star” necklace with satin ribbon.

I enjoyed looking at the pieces and entertained the thought of owning some of them because they are so different from what’s in the marketplace, which tends to follow big trends. Unfortunately, only a handful are actually available for sale, at a maximum of about $330. Given the class project nature of the work, many of them have sentimental attachment to the pieces they created, and you can’t put a price on that.

I loved Mia Takara’s brushed silver “Bear Fuzz,” but unfortunately, she’s not parting with it. It started as a ring with claws that wrap around the finger, but she found it difficult to attach the two pieces.

The students have access to limited tools and materials, but the show just proves how these are not handicaps when imagination is at work.

Since my story ran in the paper Thursday, some generous souls in the community have already offered donations of jewelry findings to the KCC program headed by artist Carol Sakihara. I’m sure more assistance would be welcome.

Jeremiah Skurtu with an “Industrial” ring he created. It was so large, they had to develop a special casting method for it. Below, he also wore a skull ring he created while attending high school in Texas.

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By Nadine Kam

Super Good for You
Check out the Super Good T-shirts at Split Obsession. The girl loves mustaches. If you’re a fan of the 1970s style of facial hair, check out Diego Luna and James Franco (below), among others, in the movie “Milk,” this weekend.

If you’re doing some last-minute Christmas shopping this weekend, here are a few spots to keep in mind:

Split Obsession: Meet Candace Okamura, the creator of Super Good Clothing, between 2 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the boutique, where T-shirts, buttons, jewelry and charms will be awaiting holiday shoppers. There will be free gifts with purchase, and an opportunity to enter a drawing to win one of two new designs to be released in spring. While there, shop for Super Good, Flip the Bird, Paul Frank, Ames Bros., Poetree, and 2K by Gingham T-shirts with a “buy one, get the second half off” offer. The promotion ends Dec. 18.
Split Obsession is in the Koko Marina Shopping Center.

Soleil: Sadly, Summer Vaimaona will be closing her store at 909 Kapahulu on Dec. 31, but the good news for fans of the boutique’s street-meets-Polynesia style is that she’ll be launching an online shop on Jan. 1, 2008, continuing to feature the work of Pacific region designers for the island glam girl. Until then, a closeout sale begins on Dec. 15, with savings of 20 to 75 percent to the end of the month.

Anné Au’s Rock Shop: The shopping event returns, for those who want to avoid the craziness of the malls for a more intimate shopping experience, from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at thirtyninehotel. Vendors include Anné, APB, Gravis Skate, Electric Sunglasses, Kisa Kosmos, Isidra’s Custom Cuts, Meesha, Michele Leong, Organik, Soleil Boutique, Soozou, and Vestal. Admission’s free.

Shima hoop earrings, ring with druzy stone and 14K gold vermeil Shima Disc necklace, by Misa Jewelry’s Misa Hamamoto.
Riches Kahala: Will host a Misa Jewelry trunk show from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Punahou graduate Misa Hamamoto was working in investment banking before leaving to pursue her passion for jewelry, which she describes as “reflecting the island girl meeting the city girl or nature melding with modern, urban life.” Misa now lives in LA but will be at the event to assist shoppers in trying on and selecting ings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces inspired by nature and the ocean, reflecting her upbringing in Hawaii and Guam. She donates a percentage of all jewelry sales to benefit Hawaii charities specific to coral reef preservation. Check out her designs at misajewelry.com. For more information, contact Riches Kahala in Kahala Mall at 737-3303.

Alliway: Holiday weekend sale Dec. 13 and 14 with 15 percent off everything in the Ward Warehouse boutique. In addition, holiday shoppers will be able to take san additional 15 percent off “cheap thrills” and clearance items already marked down 40 percent or more. Holiday cookies and refreshments will be served all weekend to help keep your energy level up during the busy season. There will also be a Miemiko trunk show from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, featuring Miemiko Atelier’s letterpress papers and curiosities.

Alli’s affection for man’s best friend is well known, so she’s also asking caring souls to help dogs this holiday season by bringing in any of the following items from the Hawaii Dog Foundation wishlist in exchange for an Alliway coupon good until the end of the year. The alliway 3-2-1 coupon will be good for 30 percent off alliway jewelry 20 percent off all handbags and 10 percent off everything else in the store:
>> 5 lb bag or more of nutro dry dog food
>> Heartguard for 40 lb dog or more
>> 3 cans or more of nutro food
>> GREENIES brand dog treats
>> Flea or tick medication
>> Poopie bags
>> ID tags with HDF on one side and HDF phone number, 256-6927, on the other side.
>> Dog collars (sizes 14 to 28 inches)
>> Dog leashes
>> $10 cash
Call Alliway at 589-1141 for more information.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Georg Jensen general manager May Lew, left, with model Marisa Gey, welcomed musicians J.P. Lam and Adam Bastien. Marisa is wearing a $2,000 Georg Jensen sterling silver collar with crystal pendant, $485.

The Georg Jensen boutique at Halekulani celebrated the holiday season with a small gathering Thursday night, that included modeling of some of the store’s gorgeous sculptural sterling silver and diamond jewelry.

Michele Henry zeroed in on this Georg Jensen necklace after seeing it on someone else.

Tea at 1024’s Michele Henry was there, and I thought she was one of the models because she was dressed in black and wearing one of the boutique’s sterling and diamond collars. But no, she was just trying the piece on. I don’t know if she was going to throw any holiday hints her boyfriend’s way, but Thomas, consider yourself forewarned.

Ginny Tiu with her mother, Pat Tiu.

I just saw Ginny Tiu playing piano at Twist at Hanohano earlier this week, and here she was again, wearing a Georg Jensen necklace she picked up at auction during a benefit event. She’s gearing up for a hectic schedule of holiday performances and captured the spirit of Christmas in a bright, cheery red.

Stylist Blaine Ashley will be hosting her own holiday party on Dec. 12.

Also attending was stylist Blaine Ashley, fresh from the launch of her shopping Web site www.shopblaineashley.com. She was wearing one of the designs, by Poland’s Nanushka, from her online boutique, though that particular dress won’t be online until Dec. 11. She’ll be hosting a holiday party and fashion show at Pearl Ultralounge beginning 9 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Dillon Chang with Nana Harano in a bebe dress. If you haven’t noticed all the peek-a-boo cutouts and straps lately, it looks as if the back is the new erogenous zone.

By Nadine Kam

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week has been a short, quick one for us and because of the holiday, Thursday’s Style section had to go to press Tuesday morning. (Take a look for info on a couple of jewelry drawings!) As a result, we didn’t get to list some of the Black Friday promotions going on tomorrow. Here are a few that didn’t get into the paper:

View the new designs at Anteprima, Ala Moana Center.

Anteprima: From 6 to 10 a.m. at the Ala Moana Center boutique only, receive a limited edition Anteprima music CD with a purchase of $100 or more. Check out the brand’s 2009 spring/summer collection of wire handbags while you’re there. Call 983-3886.

Ginger13 Lucite and dragonfly necklace with Swarovski crystal now $15.

Bamboo Sky: Black Friday sale with Indah and up to 80 percent off of Ginger13 jewelry, with prices starting as low as $5. Ginger13 pieces will be presented in a pouch and gift boxed for easy gift-giving. Also shop online for Ginger13 jewelry at Ginger13.com.

The Butik: Doors open at 9 a.m. for a sale Friday in which everything in the store is 25 percent off, including new Fighting Eel. A sidewalk sale will have racks of items up to 75 percentoff. Open til 5 p.m. at 1067 Kapiolani Blvd. Call 593-4484.

Fighting Eel headquarters: Black Friday 25 percent off sale continues to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 524-1472, or shop online at Fightingeel.com/shop.

Mark your territory at The Kiss.

The Kiss: The line of jewelry for couples is popular in Japan, and the first Hawaii store will open its doors at 6 a.m. Friday for a sale of 20 percent off selected items. Shown are The Kiss Couples necklaces at $120 each. Call 951-5477.

Mellow’s: 18th annual holiday sale with 5 to 50 percent off Hawaiian, vintage and antique fine jewelry. In the Davies Pacific Center 841 Bishop St. Call 533-6333.

Neiman Marcus: Take as much as 65 percent off with Friday and Saturday discounts on top of the continuing Designer prices such as up to 40 percent off on designer sportswear, couture apparel, eveningwear, contemporary and career sportswear, dress collections and initmate apparel; 33 percent off selected designer shoes, handbags, coats and fashion accessories; up to 33 percent off men’s suits, sportswear, sport coats, trouserrs, formalwear, dress shirts, shoes, neckwear and accessories; and 25 percent off selected children’s apparel.

Sak’s Off Fifth: Talk about an extra early start. Shop from midnight tonight to noon Friday and receive 30 percent off your entire purchase. At Waikele Premium Outlets.

Shasa Emporium: Black Friday sale plus, a LynnJean Designs holiday trunk show on Saturday with 20 percent off jewelry from noon to 5 p.m. As for what’s on sale: 50 percent off Shasa private label and Glam clothing; 25 percent off other dresses and tops (excludes consignment items); 25 percent off the entire denim collection; 25 percent off handbags, totes, clutches and wllets (excludes Tylie Malibu and Harvey’s); 25 percent off selected jewelry collections; an additional 25 percent off existing markdowns for a total of up to 90 percent. Also, those who purchase more than $100 worth of merchandise will receive a coupon to use the month of December for discounts off your next purchase.

Split Obsession: The boutique at Koko Marina Shopping Center will be offering 25 percent off all inventory Friday, with favorite brands like Modern Amusement, Flip the Bird, Hype, Paul Frank, Kidrobot, Sweetees, 191 Unlimited, Superlucky Cat, and more. Call 395-3380.

A gift awaits the first 50 to spend $50 at Valerie Joseph.

Valerie Joseph: After Thanksgiving Crazy Sale runs from 6 to 10 a.m. Friday with door-buster discount up to 40 percent off all merchandise, sugar-free treats from Sweet Nothings, and a fluff martini girl makeup bag for the first 50 divas to make a $50 purchase. For those who can’t get out of bed that hour, there will be surprise giveaways and discounts all day, and those who donate two canned goods to benefit Hawaii Food Bank will receive an additional 10 percent off (applicable after door-buster hours).