By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Hayden Panettiere flashes a shaka sign at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel grand opening gala Saturday night.

Guests had a date with history when The Royal Hawaiian Hotel celebrated its grand reopening with a fundraising gala Saturday night for The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific Foundation in partnership with Louis Vuitton Hawai‘i.

Recalling the days of the Pink Palace’s original opening on Feb. 1, 1927, there was a King’s Guard posted at the driveway gate, along with conch shell blowers and female greeters whose topless figures were draped with veils of long hair and lei. Inside, a poi pounder was also at work performing a demonstration on the Ocean Lawn.

Royal guests in 1928.

Echoing the hotel’s Hollywood connection as the location for films from the 1930s through the present, as well as resting spot for vacationing celebrities, the guest list included “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere, actor Justin Long and Heather Graham. Much is being said about Hayden telling one reporter, “Don’t touch me,” but it can be justified. Put yourself in her shoes. People have boundaries and when you’re always surrounded by crowds and paparazzi, it must get old. I remember feeling that way when I was singing and guys would grab my arm coming off stage and talk/yell in my ear. Even if it was to say the show was great, I wanted to say, “Don’t touch me, boy.” At the time I just said, “Thanks.” Most people are well-intentioned and don’t know they might have been hurting my ear or arm or spitting beer.

I missed Heather’s red-carpet appearance while talking story outside, where it was pretty quiet so I had no idea about the commotion just beyond the entry. Madness. Oh well. I saw her later having dinner in the new Azure restaurant, but it’s just wrong to bother people when they’re eating, so I think everyone gave the celebs their space.

Celebrity event planner David Beahm was called in for his expertise for the $350 to $1,250 per person event. It was sad that it was raining that night, so many of the guests stuck to walkways and roofed areas rather than allow their heels to sink into the lawn. Pink and white hotel umbrellas were offered to guests who did want to make forays out to the food tents, where there were shrimp and crab cocktails, poke, crabcakes and grilled shortribs.At different times during the evening, there was music by Ginai, Bill Tapia and Makana, dressed fabulously as usual. Sorry, I don’t have a photo. I was biting into a piece of hamachi sushi when I ran into him and could not be deterred.Fireworks started about 9 p.m., and those in the Monarch Room were entertained by Grammy-nominated trumpeter Chris Botti, whose short set ranged from the romantic to jazzy, funk-driven rock.It was a party worthy of the grand dame of Waikiki.

Mac guy and actor Justin Long posed for a photo on the red carpet with Jasmine Trias. Don’t start any rumors about Drew Barrymore’s ex.

Pink is the new fabulous and the color of the evening for many of the guests. I was going to wear pink, but I only had sheer, pale pinks which I didn’t feel would hold up to rain, so I opted for black with a touch of magenta lace at the waist and shoulders. I felt that satin might hold up to the rain, and a lot of guests did opt for the shiny fabric:

At the Escada table, from left, Hawaii store manager Mariese Montano-Smith, Audra Stevenson and Lisa Higaki looked pretty in pink.

Pink hair and rosy cheeks worked, too.

Tai Busk chose a dramatic, unapologetic pink.

I didn’t notice the pink dragonfly attached to Aureana Tseu’s dress until late in the evening. She was talking story with Zeina Jafar.

Philpotts and Associates were involved in the hotel’s interior design. Representing the company, at center, with their paper umbrellas, were Marion Philpotts-Miller and Jon Staub. They’re surrounded by men with pink roses, from left, Terry Hubbard, Mike Cordeiro, Roycen Dehmer and Alvin Chung. (more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
“Lost’s” Michael Emerson on the red carpet.

OK, OK, so it’s been a while. Can’t a person just recover from Sunday’s Oscar Night America festivities at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel?

The event was once again presented by the Hawaii International Film Festival, against the colorful backdrop of the Pink Palace and blue skies. Guests walking the red carpet were also invited to pose for that postcard photo against Diamond Head, with some group so big, they blocked the landmark.

Photographer Jeannemarie Viggiano at work. You can visit jeannemariephoto.com or hiff.org for more photos from the event.

Some guests tried to sidestep the red carpet to avoid getting their pictures taken, but I could see how the red really highlights the person and makes what they wear pop. See how washed out it can look; otherwise, the gold would have looked terrific against red, like in the bottom photo. So if you ever have occasion to walk a red carpet, plan accordingly.

The difficult part of covering the local event means I missed seeing the actual Hollywood red carpet. Only a snippet is shown just before the Oscar ceremonies begin airing. I still haven’t caught up via TV or Internet, so when people talk about Sarah Jessica Parker’s dress or Miley Cyrus’s dress, I can’t offer an opinion. From what I saw from the awards ceremony, I liked Penelope Cruz’s dress, I thought Jennifer Aniston really needs to call a stylist, and Reese Witherspoon’s gown looked as if she had a date with Brian Boitano. The sequins and frills were a little costume-y and over-the-top, so I don’t know what happened. She’s dressed so impeccably for all her red carpet events of the past few years.

The Oscar program was great, and it was a nice touch to honor all the nominees, instead of showing yet another film clip that’s been shown dozens of times during award season. I had a couple of teary moments when Heath Ledger’s family went up to the stage, and when Anne Hathaway and Kate Winslet were being honored. They are such wonderful actresses. I see in Anne the same honesty and earnest quality that Heath brought to his roles, that made him so special, even when he appeared in lightweight fluff. It still makes me sad to think that at 28, he would have had such a brilliant career ahead of him.

Someone actually asked me if, when cameras focused on sadness in the eyes of the audience, if it was real emotion or if they were acting for the cameras. Good question. I only know I could never date an actor because it’s hard enough to gauge what’s in the heart of a normal, lousy actor sort of person.

Filmmaker Brett Wagner, left, with Christina Simpkins and Chris Lee.

Jay Chen, left, was chairman of the event and greeted guests early in the evening.

HIFF executive director Chuck Boller was the center of attention all evening. I had to drag him away for a shot, and even then, people were calling at him from behind me.

The silent auction featured a signed script, props and photos from the TV series, “House,” and some of the gear used in the George Clooney film, “Leatherheads.” (more…)

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.

(more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The mood was relaxed and the setting perfect at the Inaugural Gala at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Hawaii residents didn’t have to be in D.C. to dress up to party with Barack.

I started the evening at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, where the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Inaugural Gala shared its big day with the grand reopening of the hotel after more than six months of renovations. The Pink Palace was dressed in its distinctive color, and the party — on the lawn and in the Monarch Room — was a great way to reintroduce the luxury property. I kept overhearing guests saying they hadn’t been there in years and suggesting booking mini vacations on the property.

Madeleine McKay, pictured with Michael Titterton, wears a bustled gown of her own design.

Makana Shook wears a fishtail holoku by Mamo Howell at the Pink Palace event.

One of the highlights was the toasts by Hawaii’s former governors, with a trio of “Banzai”s from George Ariyoshi, “Mabuhay” from Ben Cayetano, “Imua” from John Waihee, and “Cheers” from Judge Jim Burns, standing in for his late father, John A. Burns, who jokingly referred to the new administration as ushering in a new era of hope and openness, “even for the white guys.” The video of their toasts will be sent to the new president.

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Honolulu Rainbow Inaugural Ball director Marshall Tokunaga, center, at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel with HGLCF founder and president Jack Law, left, and HGLCF executive director Jeff Davis. Lucky we have a president, not a monarch, so Obama need not be threatened by Marshall’s crown.

It’s with the same spirit of hope, change and inclusiveness that members of the HGLCF held its own Honolulu Rainbow Obama Inauguration Ball at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. There, revelers were dressed to reflect aspects of the new administration: bold, colorful, and most of all, chop suey, with a mix of suits, tuxedos, ball gowns, Hawaiian attire, lei, even a tiara or two.

Jack Law with Kawai Aipia, left, and Shade Vaughn, who posed for pictures with guests as Barack and Michelle Obama at the HGLCF event. (more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The moon shined over Saturday night’s Starlight Ball and one of its go-go dancers in the Henry R. Luce Pavilion.

Stars were hidden by a layer of clouds during the 2009 Starlight Ball Saturday, but the full moon was out and the afternoon’s rains stopped just in time for the party to begin at 7 p.m. There was only one moment where guests had to run for cover of the Honolulu Academy of Arts covered courtyards.

The theme of the Prada-sponsored Art After Dark event was “When Cool Was King,” paying tribute to Vegas and the Rat Pack era. Outside, showgirls greeted guests and inside, guests were invited to bid on silent auction items to benefit the academy-affiliated Art to Go, an after-school community arts program geared toward Hawaii’s underserved youth.

One thing less to bid on: Lesli-Ann Yano was already wearing her Prada Tessuto stones necklace.

At the head of the auction item list were Prada’s new Paillettes evening bag, Tessuto bag, Tessuto stones necklace with Swarovski crystals and Tessuto stones earrings.

I took as many pictures as I could between snacking on ravioli from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, scallops from RumFire Waikiki, duck from Twist at Hanohano, and ahi and purple sweet potato from E&O Trading Co. Those flush enough to dine under the tents were treated to dinner by Chef Mavro. Unfortunately, I had eaten a giant cookie before arriving was barely able to check out Hokulani Bake Shop’s cupcake bar, which allowed guests to choose their cupcake, frosting and sugar sprinkles, an edible form of art-making.

It was all rather sedate and dignified until dinner was over and the dancing began. That’s when the jackets started coming off and rather than the sounds of the Rat Pack, the music was all fun ’80s like Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” B52’s “Love Shack” and Klymaxx’s “Meeting in the Ladies Room.”

Someone decided the sculpture in the Luce Pavilion should be dressed for the occasion.

Taking a break from dancing were, from left, Prada Hawaii Corp. area manager Joseph Incao, Joanna Bielawski, Hisako Tominaga, David Andreoli and Emilio Nazario.

Elvis and the showgirls were there to pose for pictures with guests. (more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Anteprima tree trimmed with the company’s shimmery wire handbags.

Anteprima hosted a party Saturday night to benefit Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children while marking the company’s second anniversary in the islands and showcasing some of its designs straight from Italy.

It would be great if the boutiques carried the designs in Honolulu, but this marked the only time — for now — that we could inspect the garments up close. They are very fine, with some that look like draped threads. There was one dress with scalloped, shirred detail at the rear, such that a woman would have to have those buns of steel and a whole lot of self-confidence to walk into a room, and even more importantly, walk out, leaving little to the imagination.

Keao Crabbe, left, and Kelsey Campbell, model Anteprima dresses and purses.

The event took place on the fourth floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, where the boutique has a home on the ground floor in the passageway leading to the Sheraton Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The Anteprima Plastiq boutique is small, so I was confused as to how this large party would take place there. I thought it would spill over to the courtyard, but fortunately, employees were able to direct me upstairs where one of the first things I saw was the shimmering gold Christmas tree comprising dozens of Anteprima’s signature knit PVC wire handbags.

The stage for the Anteprima show on the video, as well as some of the camera angles, reminded me of introductory scenes from Second Life. Click on the image to view the entire video.

Viewers watched a video of Anteprima’s Spring-Summer 2009 presentation before seeing six of the designs modeled by local beauty queens. At one point in the video, a model tripped, causing the audience to gasp as if it were live. There’s a lot of editing in the video, so I’m just wondering why they left that in there unless they wanted that dramatic moment.

Anteprima photo
How do they hold these threads together? The company also showed many skirts made like this top.

Guests feasted on sushi from Suntory, dim sum from Beijing (the restaurant, not the city), desserts by Satura Cakes, as well as fun food for keiki from Senor Frog, tho’ I missed that part. It’s not often a grownup party makes a place for little ones, but considering the beneficiary of the event, it was fitting to have balloons, clowns and face painting. For grownups, there was music by Pili’oha.

Kim Gennaula, who only recently left KGMB, is already doing her part as director of philanthropy for the Kapiolani Health Foundation, tasked with raising funds for the center. The foundation also gained a natural emcee in Gennaula, partnered at the podium by husband Guy Hagi. In the end, Virgo USA, Inc., dba Anteprima Foundation, presented its check for $10,000 made out to the center.

Six designs made it to Hawaii. It looks like the models are wearing pink stockings, but that’s due to the slide projection over their bodies.

Anteprima/Virgo USA, Inc., chairman and CEO Tak Munemura, left, with Maki Munemura. (more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Iona Dance Theatre’s Lotus floated at the surface of Parc Blue, which led to curiosity about “Atlantika” for those who missed its debut. If you missed the “Atlantika” debut, check out my video from October.

It snowed in Vegas, and it snowed in Waikiki last Friday — specifically on the rooftop at the Parc Hotel — where guests were invited to enjoy “A Waikiki Winter at the Parc,” a celebration marking the unveiling of unveil the hotel’s new roof-top pool, Parc Blue.

A snow machine sent soft snowflakes into the air at the deck’s entrance, such that I caught one right in the eye upon entering. This being a winter sunshine state, others dressed in black didn’t know what that “that white stuff” was and tried to steer clear of getting any on their fine threads and hair. It was a little annoying at first, but the combination of clear skies and cool snow wafting about proved magical by evening’s end, as close to a white Christmas as we’d get short of heading to Mauna Kea when conditions are right.

Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corp., center, welcomed guests, from left, Eric Kaneda, actor Daniel Dae Kim, Juli Henning, Sean Nakama and Wendy Kaneda.

The Lotus from Iona Dance Theatre’s “Atlantika” floated on the pool’s surface, while the Sea Anemone and Octopussy worked their way through the crowd, posing for photos, while guests nibbled on pupu served up by Roy’s, Nobu and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

groundUP Pirates, from left, are Ckaweeks, Dodge Distad, ringleader Noa Laporga and Kristof Menor.

At the far end of the pool, the groundUP Pirates — a collective of independent artists numbering about 100, who bring their collaborative expression to events around the world — were busily creating a painting for the water-themed occasion. There’s been a lot of interest in their finished work since the party, but no word yet as to whether it will be made available for sale. Find out more about the artists at groundupmovement.com when the site is out of maintenance mode.

Condos have rules against hanging laundry from lanais, but what’s to stop hotel guests from putting their laundry out there?

Guests had a 360-degree view from the rooftop, and the hotel projected holiday greetings onto some of the blank walls surrounding the property. But, they couldn’t do anything about the sight of pants hanging from another building’s balcony. The juxtaposition was amusing. Maybe I was the only person who thought so. Another juxtiposition, the Lotus in the pool, and the Lotus downstairs at the valet’s. Book the hotel’s Room and Vroom package and you get to zoom about town in a Lotus Elise or Exige. Check out the details here.

Hotel guests who can’t drive away with the Lotus do the next best thing. (more…)

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

Nadine Kam photos
The Island Living table was marked by natural wood, seashells and Hawaii flora combined with Hosta stainless steel, Atticus ceramic ware, Tadeusz Wrzesniak cut-swirl goblets and Krosno amber balloon stemware from Neiman Marcus.

C.S. Wo and Neiman Marcus have teamed up once again to share ideas for dressing the holiday table during “At Home for the Holidays,” with five tables on display through Sunday.

Click on the photo of Kellie and Bradley Wo to see video of the holiday displays.

The showcase opened with a morning celebration on Nov. 23, with guests treated to music by the Holiday String Quartet, Kellie and Bradley Wo, Christmas caroling with Diamond Head Theatre’s Shooting Stars and dessert tables, including a chocolate fountain, provided by Diamond Head Market & Grill and chef Kelvin Ro.

Early duing the event, there was a long line for a dip in the chocolate fountain. Party-goers could feel righteous, choosing lots of fresh fruit, including pineapple, cantaloupe and strawberries to go with their chocolate.

Gold dot china by Dibbern was the inspiration for a table with the Midas touch.

Wendell Wo, right, greeted guests Michael and Kristen Chan.

Bob Wo, left, with newlyweds Candes Gentry and Milan Drager, Joey Caldarone and Neiman Marcus’ Doug Jago.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
New Vuitton tote in logo neoprene.

After a peek into Express Friday night, it was on to Louis Vuitton with its invitation to experience a “Winter Holiday in Paris” while introducing some of its Resort collection, including quilted handbags and a particularly eye-catching hot pink neoprene handbag.

The invitation welcomed guests to experience a winter holiday in Paris, and the little girl at right was enamored by Pierre Grill’s music evoking the city.

Some joked that it may be the next beach bag, neoprene being so surf, sun and sand resilient and all, but, somehow I don’t think anyone will be plopping this baby down at the beach.

We also saw some of the clothing collection, also in sweet pinks and sky blues.

Louis Vuitton photo

What I’m really waiting to see next year are the new LV diamonds, cut in the shapes of their logo flowers. Definitely for the person who has everything, but I am just amazed they were able to achieve this feat.

Among the guests were, from left, Julie Ann and Keith Aragaki, and Lesli-Ann Yano.

Also there were, from left, Joni Caminos, Kama Kinimaka and Lucilia Lu.