By Nadine Kam

Too little, too lame, too tired for Paris.

It was a sad day for fashion on Sept. 9, when it was announced that Lindsay Lohan had been named artistic advisor for the house of Ungaro. Conspicuosly timed to the start of New York Fashion Week, the news was not well received and generated a negative buzz among editors and those working in the field. For any designer who has studied and worked to get where they are, and those who have not yet made it, it was a slap in the face.

Granted, there have been celebs with their own vision and creative instincts, who have made their mark in fashion. Think Olsen twins and Gwen Stefani, for a start. There have also been numerous collaborations that have worked our well for brands and celebs, but this was different. It was throwing a plum job to a washed up actress with no discernable fashion point of view beyond Hollywood trashy. That might have even worked in a boom economy, but on the Paris runways last week the new collection came off ticky-tacky and frivolous for these sober times and lacked the artistry associated with designers who have already proven they belong in Paris.

A bright spot was offered up by the Sydney Morning Herald, suggesting that Lindsay’s “insult” to fashion could result in companies seeking less input from celebrities. But that’s wishful thinking. Celebrities still seem to have the power to move brands. But I hope the brand owners can simply be honest and call these moves collaborations and give credit to the real designers who too often go nameless.

Due to the Lindsay association, though, we’ll probably all remember designer Estrella Archs name and I’m already wondering what she’ll do for the next Ungaro collection, hopefully without Lindsay.

Check out more opinions here:

LA Times

The First Post

New York magazine

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In happier news, Hilary Duff’s Femme collaboration with DKNY Jeans reflects her style while being on trend and perfectly suited to its young demographic, with each piece wearable, easy to mix and match and integrate with pieces every girl has, and coming in at less than $100 per piece.

Check it out: www.dkny.com

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photo
A model and photographer from the Open Air 8X10 Fashion Show bring pedestrians into the fashion picture.

I received an email from the Extremely Hungary organization that jogged another N.Y. memory. The pro-Hungarian group hosted a fashion/art project on 6th Avenue, between 42nd and 43rd streets, bringing the fashion shoot to the street by photographing passersby with models dressed in creations by Hungarian designers in an event called the “Open Air 8X10 Fashion Show.” You can see some of the resulting images by visiting their Flickr stream.

Open Air photos

I’m afraid I got caught up in the moment and was one of those who posed for them, but had the sense of mind not to sign the release form that would have allowed the photo to be unleashed who knows where around the world. I did give them my email address to receive the photo, but didn’t think they’d be organized enough to figure out which email went with which photo.

It was a fun idea that brought a lot of people not normally interested in fashion into the picture.

Nadine Kam photos
Polaroid images of some of those who stopped to pose on the street.

Here’s a DIY idea for updating your old shoes. One of the models was wearing a pair of black slingback wedges dressed up with various pieces of colored leather and fabric.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller will sign autographs for fans from 4 to 6 p.m. today.

I was at the opening at the Victoria’s Secret store this morning at 8 a.m. for its blessing because it’s my job to be there. What I don’t understand is why, by the time the store actually opened at 9:30 a.m., there were more than 600 people in line waiting to get in. Do they think they’re going to run out of bras? Is it a point of pride to be the very first customer? It’s not like a pop-up shop that’s going to go away overnight. Victoria’s Secret is really here to stay after we’ve patiently and agonizingly waited our turn while they opened more than 1,000 other stores around the world.

The line started at 6:30 a.m. and that’s got to make the company happy. Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller was there for photographs and interviews, and the City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell was there to welcome the store, and, filling in for our traveling mayor, to place a lei around Miller’s neck with requisite kiss. The opening, he said, is “very good news for Hawaii,” as a bright spot in our economy with such a major retailer demonstrating their confidence and commitment to the state.

If you read the story in the print edition today, you can learn about the opportunity to become the next VS Angel by entering online at VSAllAccess.com and CBS.com.

Star-Bulletin business reporter Nina Wu, in black, interviews the first people in line to get into Victoria’s Secret. The line went around the corner, between Sears and Longs, to the parking lot, and alongside Sears past Jamba Juice. As person after person entered the store, I wondered how many it could contain. (It swallowed up the former Island Snow, TheGap and Disney spaces.) They stopped the line at 500, then started admitting a few people at a time as shoppers exited.

The job is more demanding than you’d imagine, and the Angels have to have more going for them than a super body and pretty face as they also serve as ambassadors and spokesmodels for the brand. You can begin to imagine what that takes when you realize such media dynamos as Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum have served as Angels.

Kelly Boy De Lima, of Kapena, was the second person to make a purchase. Guys are quick, no-nonsense shoppers and he picked up a gift card for his daughter’s 18th birthday.

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By Nadine Kam

Courtesy photo
Betsey Johnson signs her T-shirt at the Sharpie Bar inside the tents at Bryant Park on Sept. 14.

One of the perks at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week was the appearance of Betsey Johnson 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Sharpie Bar inside the tents, along with a giveaway of T-shirts she designed, to be colored in with various hues of Sharpie markers, also given away by the handfuls for the DIY projects.

I missed her appearance because all my IMG updates were going into my Star-Bulletin spam filter, and I didn’t check it until the day after her appearance. (The other giveaway I missed was for YSL tote bags.) The T-shirt giveaways were continuing through Wednesday though, so I was able to pick up a T-shirt and skinny white tie. Betsey and Sharpie were also giving away headbands and white sunglasses to personalize with the markers.

During her appearance, Betsey — a breast cancer survivor — customized one of her T-shirts to benefit City of Hope Breast Cancer Research Center.

The event gave me a feeling of déjà vu because when she was here after the opening of the Ala Moana store I had brought along a plain white tee for her to sign, which she happily filled with lips and kisses in the form of x’s and o’s. Plain white made sense to me because her designs are usually so full of splashy colors and patterns that a signature would get lost. Boutique manager Marilee Mattson always reminds me that set off an avalanche of signings that night.

Here’s a Sharpie video of Betsey at the Sharpie Bar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoE1ZEagR1s

By Nadine Kam

Note to new readers: If you found me through InsideTheTents.com, my New York Fashion Week coverage starts Sept. 10. Until then, I am in sunny Honolulu.

Nancy Arcayna photo
Tag the World founder Robert Parks-Valleta and actress Hannah Cornett pose for a photo at the start of Sunday’s event. She’s wearing Escada.

Robert Parks-Valletta, known for his roles on “Young and the Restless” and “Days of Our Lives,” has a new role as the founder of the Tag the World Charity that supports cancer research, child and animal welfare, global green efforts and water initiatives in Africa.

Some of the funds are raised through the sales of sterling silver “tag” necklaces designed by Michael Barin, each representing support for one of the five causes. The tags are $80 and you can find out more at www.tagtheworld.com

On Aug. 23, he brought his fund-raising effort to Hawaii with a triathlon earlier in the day and evening party on the lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with some of young Hollywood in attendance, so young that the kind of guests who could afford to pay $175 for tickets would not have recognized them if not for the purple orchid leis around their necks.

Dinner was supposed to be served in the Monarch Room, but people preferred to be outdoors on the lawn and in the open air, catching the last light of the day. There was a relaxed vibe to the party and the food was great, which no doubt fueled Robert’s determination to bring the event back annually.

I couldn’t stay long because I had a friend’s B-day party to get to, but long enough to snap some photos:

Nadine Kam photos
It was great to catch up with Maui designer Maggie Coulombe and stylist Arid Chappell, doing a little island hopping before heading to New York, where they’ll be setting up a showroom during Fashion Week. I’ll be sure to stop by. I already had plans to pair one of her cocoon wraps with 3.1 Phillip Lim. Also ran into makeup artist Jessica Hoffman, who’ll also be at NYFW.

Sean Faris is working on several films, including “Ghost Machine,” in which he has the lead role. Definitely someone to watch. He’s with Breanne Racano, who’s been in “CSI: NY.”

Jeremy Jackson, left, and Elijah Sanchez.

“True Blood” star Mehcad Brooks posed for a photo with Patricia Ramos. He’s in G-Star.

Models Brigitte Patton, left, and Giselle Pineda.

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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

A couple of respected names in Hawaii beauty and fashion continue to be hailed in the bigger pond of national media as well:

J Salon has been named as one of ELLE’s Top 100 Salons in America and will be featured in the magazine’s August 2009 issue. J Salon is the only Hawaii salon to make the list, placing Joe Randazzo’s company in league with such renowned salons as Oribe Salon in Miami, Butterfly Studio in New York City, Warren Tricomi in Los Angeles and Maxine in Chicago.

If your hair is in need, book your appointment at 550-4441. The salon is at 1240 Ala Moana Blvd. Find out more at www.jsalon.com.

Where Eva Longoria goes, the paparazzi follow, and last week she just so happened to be wearing a Fighting Eel dress when she headed to Katsuya restaurant in L.A. Photographs of the actress in FE’s fall Tube Iris duly appeared on InStyle.com and People.com, with InStyle calling attention to pairing of the Fighting Eel dress with Louboutin heels, calling it the “Look of the Day” for July 23.

I’ve been living in Fighting Eel over the long hot summer, and plan to pack a bunch of their dresses for NY Fashion Week. I like that they manage to be comfortable, but dressy when occasions demand it, and also manage to pack down to next to nothing. There’s nothing beautiful about sweating and struggling with a suitcase so even before the airlines started charging for extra luggage, I only traveled with one carry-on. Yeah, I pick up stuff on the road, but always ship things home rather than lug them around.

By Nadine Kam

Michelle Ramos photos
From left, Lindsey Kemp, Samantha Silverberg and Christine Pagano dressed for Hippie Holiday tonight.

Revisit the summer of love during the first Hippie Holiday event taking place in the Honolulu Arts District from 5 to 10 p.m. today.

I was trekking through Chinatown today after lunch and ran into Lindsey Kemp (@lindseak), who, with Samantha Silverberg and Christine Pagano, was getting a headstart on the gallery stroll featuring 1960’s-inspired art and music, highlighted by the screening of “Playing for Change” — Mark Johnson’s film that starts with street musician Roger Ridley playing for change in Santa Monica — at 8 pm. at NextDoor on Hotel Street. For all the info, check out John Berger’s story in today’s HiLife.

Also spotted this flower-powered Karmann Ghia parked on Pauahi Street:

Bring the love to the Honolulu arts district tonight.

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Meanwhile, Bare Escentuals is sharing the love with 20 percent off today through June 25, online at BareEscentuals.com (use promo code “SHARE”) or print out the coupon at http://tinyurl.com/mdma7w and redeem at the Ala Moana Center boutique in the Nordstrom wing.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Angry Little Girl Kim graces the entry of the Split Obsession boutique.

Caught up with artist/actress Lela Lee Sunday at Split Obsession, where she was showing her canvases depicting her Angry Little Girls characters and signing autographs for fans.

Boutique owners Erica Apana and Bruce Chin were kept busy all afternoon, she at the register ringing up sales of Lela’s totebags, accessories and books, and he taking photos of visitors for the shop blog.

Wish they had some of her T-shirts there, but that’ll have to be next time. She says she wants to come back every year and is entertaining thoughts of moving here.

Steve Czerniak of Alliway was there, and we both agreed that if she does move here, she’ll have plenty of fodder for her work. A lot of people are angry here and it manifests in passive/aggressive behaviors, I told her, like pedestrians walking extra slowly to block cars’ progress, or drivers speeding up when you’re crossing the Longs’ parking lot.

My interview with Lela is here. Lela’s Web site is http://www.angrylittlegirls.com/

Split Obsession has been great at bringing in cool artists, from Buff Monster to SKAFFS’ Luke Feldman to Bigfoot, as well as hosting local talent. Keep ‘em coming!

I picked up this sassy tote bag (and some equally sassy Allison Izu shorts as well) that Lela’s signing in the photo. Maybe you can read it. It may not be nice for me to use the last word in the panel, and she has a censored version of the panel as well. I thought it suited my bag fetish, but in reality, when people say, “Wow, cute bag,” I’m so happy I say, “Thank you!”

Steve Czerniak took a break from duties at his and wife Allison’s Alliway boutique to say hello and show his support for Erica, Bruce and Lela. He picked up Lee’s book “Angry Little Girls in Love,” and her “Angry Little Asian Girl” DVD, the work that started her on her path to fame. He’s certain it’ll be a collector’s item.

Steve also offered Lela the pack of gum from Alliway, which fit the Angry Girl spirit. It reads “Don’t Waste My Daytime Minutes.”

Lela with her son Spencer. It would be great if the lesson learned from her book is to be a man who doesn’t make women angry.

Joleen Oshiro with Lela and her Angry Girl tote with heart-shaped pocket.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The Broadway Babies special guests, from left, Brian Caplan, Marc Dalio, Jay Pierce, and Christina Caplan, front, were welcomed by show organizer Kristian Lei, Eric Chandler, Takeo and singer Anita Hall.

Designers Takeo and Eric Chandler and Kristian Lei’s Broadway Babies hosted a fundraiser at the designers’ 2Couture studio May 30. The event brought together local performers, as well as visiting guest stars Brian and Christina Caplan, Marc Dalio and Jay Pierce for a night of food, wine and song.

The event offered a preview of costumes and music the Broadway Fashion Rock Revue taking place 7:30 p.m. June 4 to 6 at the Leeward Community College Theatre. The events will raise funds to construct a school for the developmentally disabled, a project Kristian undertook with inspiration from her brother Joshua Earl T. Hegwood, who, on party day had won three medals at the Special Olympics.

Here are videos of the Broadway Babies performing “Season of Love” from “Rent,” and Kristian singing “A New Life” from “Jekyll and Hyde.” If you want to catch the shows, tickets are $26, $36, $46 and $56 general, and $15 for ages 12 and younger. Call the box office at 953-5788 or visit www.honolulubroadwaybabies.com

Party guests were able to examine some of the show’s costumes.

Kristian Lei with Aureana Tseu, who’ll be performing a hula with her mom Iwalani Tseu.

Pamela Young will be dancing in this costume.

Iwalani Tseu accessorized with an abalone shell. It can’t be pinned so it’s held in place with combs inside the shell.

Don Brown, left, with Edgy Lee and Johann Bouit.