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

Video stills by Nadine Kam
Calli Wagner on the Acid Dolls runway.

I’m getting ready for New York Fashion Week in a few more weeks, but in the meantime, Acid Dolls got off to a head start, with the debut of its Spring-Summer 2010 Collection Thursday night at the Honolulu Design Center.

Crystal Pancipanci’s stint in New York allowed her to bring some of the big city’s energy to the show, which opened with a performance by NY hip-rock artist Mitsue with Executive Platinum Music Producer Boola.

Otherwise, I’ve been waiting five years to see designer Cindy King’s post-UH work. She could have delivered a clothing collection sooner, but the perfectionist wanted nothing less than presenting a total look, so took extra time to simultaneously develop shoe and jewelry collections as well. Talk about workaholic.

And Pancipanci has been with her every step of the way as partner-stylist, while running her own fashion production company, Panci Style.

It was a great show, and there were plenty of dresses for girls who embrace the kawaii ideal, as well as cascades of ruffles for those who prefer a more romantic look, plus more sculpted, architectural pieces for the edgy woman. It was a fitting introduction to King’s versatility and talent, and having started, we can be sure we won’t have to wait another five years to see another collection from Acid Dolls.

Mitsue’s performance segued into the fashion show.

Krista Alvarez in a dress that would fit in at New York Fashion Week.

Justine Miguel in the show’s finale dress.

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By Nadine Kam

On the eve of the broadcast of the new “Project Runway” on Lifetime, show host Heidi Klum, her husband Seal and their children enjoyed some time at Windward Mall yesterday afternoon.

According to mall reps, Seal hung out in the play area with the kids while Heidi did some shopping. They were photographed leaving the mall, with a Thinker Toys shopping bag.

Follow the link to the Popsugar story.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Makana, in a vintage kapa print-inspired jacket and milo grounding stick, took part in a pre-concert press conference with Royal Hawaiian general manager Kelly Hoen and Monarch Room maitre d’ Coronado Aquino.

The very talented, and I must add, stylish, Makana opened the Royal Hawaiian Monarch Room’s “Curators of Hawaiian Music Series” July 9, marking the return of Hawaiian music to the historic showroom after a 15-year absence.

He follows in some mighty huge footsteps as the Monarch Room has played host, since the 1970s, to performers like Ed Kenney, Marlene Sai, Emma Veary, John Rowles, Cecilio & Kapono, the Beamer Brothers and Andy Bumatai.

For the occasion, maitre d’ Coronado Aquino busted out photos of himself with the performers, and, shades of Dorian Gray, he looks just about the same now as he did 20 years ago when he posed with the Beamers!

Makana put on a wonderful show that showcased his slack-key and fusion skills, singing Hawaiian, contemporary and even a Portuguese tune, with a dash of flamenco. So amazing to watch, with a little slack-key lesson thrown in for good measure. He reeled me in showing how easy it is to get the bass notes going. Just when you start thinking, “Yeah, I can do that,” he throws in a gotcha! A rapid-fire string of arpeggios impossible to follow unless you happen to be equally brilliant. I did try that at home later. Of course in the space of his 20 notes, maybe I could fit in three. That’s why he’s on stage and I sit at a desk. Fans can also follow him at Twitter, @makanamusic

More than a fan of his music, I’m also a fan of his style. In my mind, wardrobe is a big part of the performance arts and he’s always turned out well, on the street and on stage. He’s part of a new vanguard of young performers, such as Raiatea Helm and Jordan Segundo who recognize presentation as part of the job.

Makana will be performing two hourlong concerts — 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. — each Thursday through Aug. 27, when Maunalua takes over the showroom September and October, followed by the return of Cecilio & Kapono in November and December.

Tickets for the cocktail shows are $49 ($39 kamaaina) per person with a two-drink minimum. Three-course dinner packages at Azure at the Royal Hawaiian, Beach House at the Moana Surfrider and Twist at Hanohano in the Sheraton Waikiki, are also available at $99 ($89 for kamaaina) for adults and $69 ($59 kamaaina) for kids 4 to 12. Two-drink minimum applies and is not included in the price. Call 931-4600 or visit www.royal-hawaiian.com for all the details.

BTW, I liked James H. Collins’ Associated Press photo of Makana in the NYC subway.

Kimi Matar, center, showed up with soap opera star Robert Parks-Valleta and actress Hannah Cornett, in town to prepare some of the groundwork for Robert’s Tag the World Celebrity Triathlon coming up Aug. 23.

There were dozens of celebrities in the house to support Makana, including Jimmy Borges, left, and Kimo Kahoano, pictured with, from left, Vicky Borges, Kehaulani Kam and Leilani Kupahu-Marino.

Betsey Johnson boutique manager Marilee Mattson was also there with her husband Alan Mattson, president and COO of Castle Resorts & Hotels.

Coronado Aquino with Cecilio & Kapono, before they cut their hair, and below, with Keola and Kapono Beamer.

By Nadine Kam

Fox photos
Adam Lambert, left, meets his unlikely match, Kris Allen, in a few hours on “American Idol.”

“American Idol” is not just a contest of vocal ability, but also of musical style which this season went hand in hand with dress style as well.

Adam Lambert was a shoo-in from the beginning, winning over screaming adolescents and the judges, which made me think Simon really should retire after this season. After a couple of weeks, I expected the other judges to continue gushing over Adam, while waiting for Simon to provide the voice of reason. I expected him to tell song butcher Adam — like every other contestant who did the same — not to mistake screaming for singing, but he didn’t. It seemed that he had caved to the inevitable, that Adam was going to make it to the finals, no matter how hard he taunted those with pitch-perfect hearing with his over-the-top wailing.

His style — a caricature combo of punk, Goth, glam, rock and Hot Topic chic — likely speaks to those who either missed the ’80s, or want to relive the ’80s.

On the other hand, you have the very laidback troubadour Kris Allen, so low-key in denim and T-shirts, that most viewers regarded him as an invisible man all season.

I thought he was good, but others like Matt Giraud had better stage savvy, and Allison Iraheta, had stronger vocals. It wasn’t until he sang “Falling Slowly” that I really started hoping he made it into the finals. Listen up here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0LISmz8WVc

It was a longshot, but he’s actually there! Fans on YouTube are banking on Danny Gokey fans being so anti-Adam that they’ll give Kris their vote, which got my hopes up again, but they could drop out of voting altogether. Then, you have to remember the battle of the Davids last year. It looked like David Archuleta was the shoo-in there.

So we’ll see, but there could not be two more polar opposites left standing in the end.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
This is where I ended up Friday night, admiring the photographs of Harold Julian at Honolulu Design Center, the setting for the launch of the GroundUP Agency’s Model Division. Also exhibiting photos were Willy Branland, Aaron Yoshino, John Hook and Aaron Rideout.

Friday was the live equivalent of a variety show, that started at the Halekulani, followed by Dave & Buster’s, then the Honolulu Design Center.

The ballroom of Halekulani was packed with guests celebrating the 25th anniversary since the hotel’s 1984 renovation and reopening. (Halekulani’s legacy actually dates to 1917, when the hotel comprised a few modest bungalows on Gray’s Beach.) Coincidentally, Halekulani Corp. announced a new partnership alliance with Japan’s luxury Imperial Hotel group, adding another reason to celebrate, with Imperial president Tetsuya Kobayashi also in town for the occasion.

The room was so full that it was hard to back up for photos. One person back for the event, from Las Vegas, was the hotel’s former head of public relations, Joyce Matsumoto, who said she would not have missed it for the world. Nobu had not opened when she left, so she planted herself in front of the chef’s station to enjoy his sushi. Guests also raved about the shrimp ravioli with mushroom sauce and the foie gras paté at other stations.

Matt Catingub and his musical friends entertained guests at Halekulani’s 25th anniversary celebration May 8.

Amity Street introduced their CD with a performance in the Dave & Buster’s Showroom. From left are Jason Everett, Eli Oguma, Jhon Lynch and John Gonzalez Del Solar.

After Halekulani, I made a stop to check out Amity Street in Dave & Buster’s Showroom. I heard them playing live on KTUH one night and was compelled to check out the band in person. You can hear them on their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/amitystreet or check out my video here to listen to them perform “Chameleon.”

Then it was on to Honolulu Design Center where GroundUP artists were busy with a couple of live paintings in the Cupola Theatre.

The event was held to launch the GroundUP Agency’s new model division, bringing a fashion element to the agency’s growing arts and entertainment empire. Models stepped onto the runway in basic white tank tops, jeans, black attire and bikinis to demonstrate their walk for event planners, stylists, photographers and young designers in the crowd.

GroundUP crew members take a break from their work to strike a pose with Boss Noa Laporga (front, second from right).

The event introduced models from the GroundUP Agency’s new model division.

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By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Oh Susanna! Before we headed to the concert, we had dinner at Sergio’s at the Hilton, where the bartender professed his love for the Bangle and wished he were going to the concert too. Twenty years after their biggest hits, she still looks great and is a 16-year-old kind of thin. Debbi Peterson is in command on drums.

As we go bravely into 2009, those of us at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa could forget our worries while enjoying a return to ’80s party spirit with The Bangles.

I missed them the first time they were here, so wanted to catch up on what I missed. I always did like their harmonies, even though I was never much into the idea of the all-girl band. I’m from the post-feminist school that questions the idea of the girl ghetto. My music role models were the Wilson sisters of Heart and Chrissie Hynde, women who could play as hard as the boys and kick their behinds — with stiletto boots — if need be.

As a result, I’ve played in bands pop, rock, grunge, and most recently, a punk power trio, always with guys but missing out on the beauty of feminine voices in harmony. Definitely a different energy, but no less fun than boy rage and perky, bubbly girl music might be just what we need to buoy spirits now.

For some, the new year began with a meet-and-greet with the band. From left, Dan Yashima, Cora Spearman, Vicki Peterson, Susanna Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, Sean Morris and Lena Strong pose for photographers. When it was my turn, I said I was standing next to Susanna coz she’s the shortest, and Debbi said, “Yeah, she’s your size without her heels. Sorry I’m so tall.”

As a result, I’ve played in bands pop, rock, grunge, and most recently, a punk power trio, always with guys but missing out on the beauty of feminine voices in harmony. Definitely a different energy, but no less fun than boy rage, and perky, bubbly girl music might be just what we need to buoy spirits now.

The Bangles ran through songs from 1984 to ‘88, like “In Your Room,” “Manic Monday,” “Hazy Shade of Winter” and “Hero Takes a Fall.” Susanna Hoffs still has one of the most distinctive voices around. Others may be similarly recognizable, but I can’t think of anyone with her tweetybird lilt. Her voice got more raspy as the evening wore on.

Sorry the sound is so tinny on my videos. It was actually really great live, but I brought in the smallest video camera possible. All I can say is, crank up the volume to 11. Louder has always worked for me.

Nadine Kam video
The Bangles perform “Walk Like an Egyptian,” a medley with The Who’s “Magic Bus.” Hope you have a high-speed connection.

I’d guess some would probably want to see the Susanna videos for “Manic Monday” and “Eternal Flame,” but the fans kind of ruined it for me, crazy dancing and all. I don’t want to embarrass them. Not to mention the person I dubbed “Pom Pom Girl” because she kept waving her noisemakers in front of the camera in a most irritating, unrhythmic way. Please, before you go out, remind your friends that there are no longer any private moments. Every moment is a click away from eternal life online.

When the clock struck midnight, there was time for toasts and their rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” before the song everyone was waiting to hear, “Walk Like an Egyptian.” As they were getting ready to perform one more song, I asked a friend what was left, and he said he didn’t know. We couldn’t think of anything we hadn’t heard. Of course it was one of the biggies, “Eternal Flame.” Duh.

Nadine Kam video
You can see by the dearth of crazy dancing that “Watching the Sky” isn’t one of the most popular Bangles tune, but it was one of my favorites off “Everything.” I like a touch of dissonance. My other favorite song off that disc is the lush and beautiful “Something to Believe In.”

By Nadine Kam

If you have a handful of photos, no video editing skills whatsoever and about an hour, Animoto.com can create an instant video clip for you. Tried the service yesterday as soon as I read about it in the Sunday NY Times. Sounded like something fun and easy.

I uploaded 30 photos of a trip I took to Vancouver, B.C., Canada in 2006, which took some time because I had to downsize them to upload quickly. As it happens, instead of shuffling them around, Animoto simply uses them in the order that you enter the photos. After you upload them, you can shuffle them around yourself.

Being something of a control freak, it was difficult for me to accept what they do, and I wanted it to end on a particular photo. You never know exactly how many photos are going to be used, but for a 30-second free video clip, it’s about 6 or 8. (Thirty seconds is really short, but afterward, you have to start paying somehow.) I ended up mashing it up about 10 times, and I don’t 100 percent love the final result, but it’s certainly easier than doing all that work of setting your photos to music (you choose from a handful of their clips), provided you even have all the video-editing tools available to these guys.

Afterward, it’s easy to post to YouTube or FaceBook, which are linked to Animoto.

Try it now that you have a day off to play. Use my referral code — ejqnplmd — to get $5 off an all-access pass and help me get free access :)!

By Nadine Kam

U.K.’s Daily Mail is reporting that Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld wants Frances Bean Cobain to appear in his next ad campaign.

Given that Cobain pulled more of her mom Courtney Love’s genes, she’s an unlikely choice, though anything the girl ends up doing is bound to make news.

I really loved, loved her dad Kurt Cobain, what he stood for and his music. After he died I went to Seattle to be at Ground Zero, found his house, shot video, all the usual stalkerazzi stuff. I somehow hoped Frances would grow up to be a rock star and pick up where Kurt left off. I miss all the music he didn’t get to make.

You can check out the Daily Mail’s story here:

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles

/showbiz/showbiznews.html?

in_article_id=562309&in_page_id=1773

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Bianca Bennett models a raglan-sleeve dress designed by UH senior Courtnee Lee outside of Michael Hoyt’s Norae Shanty. Sitting outside is Jeff Nisbet.

Was on the University of Hawaii campus yesterday to do a story on the senior fashion show, “Absolute Fashion: All Bottled Up,” taking place April 27 at the Sheraton Waikiki. Tickets are $40 for the 11:30 luncheon fashion show, and those unable to attend can get a sneak preview at noon April 19 at Kahala Mall.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m easily distracted, so I couldn’t help but take a timout and step into Norae Shanty, located right between the APDM department at Miller Hall and the Art Building, where photos were being taken of the fashion.The shanty is the work of visiting Minnesota-based, Asian-American artist Michael Hoyt, who creates work to “build bridges within and beyond community.”

Inside, he was there with a laptap programmed with karaoke music in his version of the Korean norae bang. The bangs are isolated retreats that provide a more intimate experience than larger karaoke bars, which can possess a more competitive and embarrassing spirit, according to Hoyt.

The shanty was built here with materials donated by www.reusehawaii.org.

Inside, Brian Laura, Jeff Nisbet, Young-Joo (June) Lee, Kelli Mercado and Sarah Breiby were singing up a storm, and I have to say, not all that well. (You can see for yourself in the accompanying video.) But it truly was a welcoming, inhibition-lowering experience. They tried to scare me by forcing me to sing and blocking the entrance out, but they didn’t know that I spent about 5 years singing in bands, so it’s no big deal to me. I have to say, most people pick the deadliest songs in karaoke. Like, they wanted me to sing “Losing My Religion,” one of the longest, dullest songs in the world in karaoke time. I considered doing Incubus’ “Drive,” but went with the short, sweet “Closer to Free” by the Bodeans, something they could join in on with relatively little pain.

Nadine Kam video

I asked Hoyt, who’s set up Norae Shantys in Minnesota and Chicago, if he ever gets tired listening to the bad karaoke, and he said, “Not at all. I love it; it’s crazy!”

I arrived on campus at about 2:15 p.m. and Mercado was already in the shanty. When I asked her when I was about to leave if she had to be in class, she said, “I came here after my class ended at 1:30 and I’m still here!” It was 4:30 p.m. and by then she and Breiby were dancing around outside the shanty. “I’m not even drunk and I’m having fun!” Breiby said.

The Norae Shanty made its debut April 4 at First Friday, and will also be open 1 to 2 p.m. April 17, and 5 to 8 p.m. April 18. There is a possibility of extending hours by calling 956-5253.

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