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

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

Anteprima/Wirebag
The “Fiori Kitty” square-shape bag is $343. A version in black is $312.

Anteprima Wirebags last Hellow Kitty collection proved to be so popular that the company is back with round two. The new Antemprima x Hello Kitty collection is back and available in limited quantities at the Ala Moana and Royal Hawaiian Center stores.

The new collection of wirebags are priced from $312 to $581, with mini pouches priced from $228 to $252, and six styles of purse charms ranging from $44 to $144.

The charm of these purses is that they are waterproof so can go straight from beach to a dressy evening out for that prized mix of the practical and stylish.

The basket shape “Fiori Kitty” is a Hawaii exclusive. This one is $470. A silver-pink version is $521.

This charm comes in purple, orange, pink, mustard, green.

By Nadine Kam

Polyvore.com collage built around 3.1 Philip Lim’s draped neck T-shirt. Click on the box to be directed toward the items.

Let’s say you’ve had to slash your spending to pay off past bills. There is a way to shop around without spending, and get almost as much satisfaction.

I’ve been watching Polyvore.com for a while, but was too busy to try it out. Well, a run through Neiman Marcus last week gave me incentive to try it out.

During the Last Call presale I noticed a Marni flower necklace I had admired since spring was still available. I actually wanted the pink, but that was gone, so I had to settle for the blue — it’s more versatile after all — at a third off its original $695 price tag. Yay!

But it’s always one of those restrictive deals. That meant I would have to postpone any current season buys, so bye-bye 3.1 Phillip Lim black-and-gray striped T-shirt. I notice a lot of designers have been addressing the economy by offering more affordable creations, affordable for Philip being $195.

Polyvore.com allows you to put your artistry at work, creating collages of things you want but can’t afford. It’s also a fun way of putting your styling skills to work on paper, in building fantasy collections. It’s the contemporary equivalent of playing with collage or paper dolls and will help build your artistic skills as well.

My boyfriend took a look at my first collage, and when I told him, I can’t afford any of this, he said, “That’s good,” because it was a little to rock ‘n’ roll costumey for his taste. Not that I’d wear it public, but it’s fun to imagine. I think any collage I put together will always have high heels, for instance, but I avoid them in real life. Too painful. I long ago crossed over the threshold from where people believe you must suffer for fashion. I like being comfortable.

I built my second collection around the Philip Lim shirt. Polyvore allows you to pull images off shopping Web sites across the Internet. They also provide a few essentials in various categores: bags, shirts, dresses, jeans, accessories, etc., for those who don’t have time to go searching all over. The idea being, if you like something you see, clicking on the object will take you to the home site where you can make your purchase.

Unfortunately, the T-shirt was the least expensive item in my collection, so I can only gaze at the Lanvin purse and Fendi platform shoes. But at least I can see how they might go together.

By Nadine Kam

Paula Abdul is the latest of celebrities who have turned their material goods over to eBay for fund-raising. In this case, she’s teamed up with Auction Cause for an auction with 10 percent of proceeds helping the American Humane Association’s Pets and Women’s Shelters (PAWS) program. Benefits will also be going to Petco and the Guide Dogs of America.

The “American Idol” judge is the national spokesperson for the program, which works with domestic violence shelters to allow women to bring their pets with them.

eBay
Paula Abdul’s eBay auction includes this Viveinne Westwood black bustier with a bid of $52 as of 5 p.m., with 23 hours left for bidding.

A quick look at some of the pieces reveals that stylewise, she’s informed by the ’80s, with a love of prints, leggings and corsets. She’s also all over the map with a mix of flowy boho, trendy and structured designer pieces. The melange has the range of a Century 21 store. She also favors browns and muddy hues, and well, you know what she wears on the show and on the red carpet, some pieces available here in petite XS and size 2.

Designer items include pants, jackets, suits and dresses from the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Pucci, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Zac Posen, St John, and more. Pieces are starting at 99 cents, and don’t seem to be bid up very high, typically at $26 to $56 with 23 hours left to go.

Each item won will come with a thank you letter hand signed by Paula. Listings will be added through summer, til her closet is empty. Check out www.ebay.com/paulaabdul

I probably won’t be bidding on anything, but it’s kind of fun to be a closet voyeur.

Dolce & Gabbana black lace, pink slip dress, at $81 with eight days left to go and reserve not met.

Matthew Williamson silk-wool jacket bid up to $31.01 at 5:26 p.m. July 8.

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
At Kawaii Kon Saturday, Monchalee Steiger is Kanu Unchou.

If I return to Kawaii Kon next year, I gotta get myself a costume. Walking among those dressed as their favorite characters, it felt strange to be walking around in mainstream clothes. No. 1 rule of fashion after all, is to dress to the occasion, or bring it, in your own unique way of course.

I cover so many fashion stories, but it’s hard to parachute into the anime/manga/cosplay/Lolita worlds because they have a language and depth all their own, which can’t be learned in a couple of days. I tried to get it right.

Bryce Saito, left, is Suzaku from “Code Geass.”

Look around and you’ll always find drama at Kawaii Kon.

Christian Martin in character as M. Bison, from “Street Fighter.”

Yes there are human beings in there. Won Park, left, and Danielle Tubania are Transformers.

Capturing the moment.

(more…)

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos

I lost one of my rubber slippers when it fell out of my car at the Hilton Saturday, so I had to look for a new pair on Easter Sunday.

While wandering through Ala Moana Center, I passed the timely Fifi Lapin artist-in-residence display at LeSportsac. So cute! Find out more about the artist and view more of Fifi’s fashion images at http://fifi-lapin.blogspot.com

Of course the job of a window display is to stop people in their tracks and make them walk in the door, where one of the front displays was a Hawaii and Guam exclusive bag bearing images of manapua, coconuts, Spam musubi and other images of island culture. Check it out:

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photo
Kawaii Kon’s Lolita fashion show is over, but you can catch two more days of Lolita style, anime dressup and cosplay this weekend at Hawai’i Convention Center.

I’ll be posting more from Kawaii Kon later, but just wanted to let any Lolitas out there know that some of the designs featured in today’s Lolita Fashion Show will be offered for purchase tomorrow during the event at Hawai’i Convention Center. Who could resist a yummy cupcake purse or cake hat like the one in the photo? Lauren Lee will also be there taking orders for her custom dresses.

You can also check out Lolita accessories at “Ever After Creations,” table 45 near the photo booth at Artist’s Alley.

You can find more information about the event at www.kawaii-kon.org

Also going on:

Alliway’s Spring 2009 Nest collection is being offered at 25 percent off through Saturday. Everything else in the store is 15 percent off. The boutique is at Ward Warehouse. Call 589-1141.

Enjoy discounts Easter Sunday at Valerie Joseph, Ala Moana Center.

Stuart Weitzman fans have the opportunity to preview the Fall 2009 shoe and handbag collections and place orders for the styles. Check it out from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Ala Moana Center boutique. Call 941-4371 for more information.

By Nadine Kam

Associated Press photos
Lining up for the runway.

Mattel’s Barbie turns 50 on March 9 and the fashion world celebrated early with a Valentine Feb. 14, a fashion show during New York Fashion Week, in which 50 designers showed designs made for the cultural icon.

There’s been a lot of flap over the years about the problem with Barbie and girls’ body image. Last night, “Nightline” tried to reignite the controversy, but I think that’s an old argument. Outside of the handful of women who plump themselves up with collagen and Botox, while vacuuming out fat, most girls today are too busy and too smart to aspire to becoming a real-life Barbie, instead opting to be the best they can be.

Besides, when I was a kid, I didn’t exactly relate to Barbie’s body. She was old. She looked like she was 25. The idea of boobs was not something I could identify with positively or negatively. All I knew was that they were troublesome to work around when making clothes (I also had yet to discover the magic of darts).

Barbie probably fueled many fashion ambitions, giving creative kids everywhere their first manikin and inspiration. Even so, they probably never mastered the boob thing either because most male designers seem to design for flat-chested women.

ThreeAsFour design for Barbie.

Kenneth Cole’s Barbie and Ken.

Loved Rachel Roy’s pairing of Barbie’s original swimsuit with a contemporary trench.