By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The brightly colored windows at the Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana Center pays tribute to the late designer Stephen Sprouse.

Someone asked me last week what’s coming for spring and I said “bright colors.”

She seemed puzzled by the response, saying, “Really? I thought in times of recession people wear black.”

Well, given that my last three purchases had been a black skirt, a black jacket and a black bracelet, I had to reconsider. Sure, retailers are showing lots of brights, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people are in the mood to buy them.

My mood has been black so maybe that’s been reflected in my color, or non-color choice. The other thing I wanted to buy was a dark navy T-shirt with black sequin bow at J. Crew on the Island, but when I went back after two weeks, they had sold out of them. I was too busy to try it on when I saw them, but they had so many at full price I felt certain they’d still be there. I didn’t think people were paying $80+ for T-shirts anymore.

But there’s only so much dark colors a person can take. It makes me somewhat depressed to go into stores now and see racks still filled with fall stock in their somber colors. There’s a dearth of new stock, but if people are not seeing anything new, they’re probably less inclined to buy.

The design on the Louis Vuitton window echoes the design on its latest collection of handbags.

I applaud Louis Vuitton, who’s showing neon brights and graffiti scrawl in an eye-catching window display, a tribute to 1980s pop designer Stephen Sprouse, who died in 2004.

The lettering was done by Stephen Sprouse as part of a collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Vuitton about eight years ago.

I was just talking with someone about the art of the window display, and it’s refreshing to see this splash of art and theater in the mall. It made me stop to look.

The Gap necklace set against my Roberta Oaks skirt.

I’m not quite ready for Day Glo, but eased into color with a purchase of a costume necklace at The Gap. I was wearing a purple T-shirt and my Roberta Oaks patchwork scarf skirt that day, so it just matched. It was one of those iffy things I don’t really need, so my b.f. asked that question we ask now with every purchase: “Are you going to get $14 worth of pleasure out of that?” So, that was a pretty easy decision.

The Gap is embracing color this spring, recently partnering with Pantone to create a line of limited-edition T-Shirts in the season’s hottest colors. They just opened a T-shirt shop in The Gap’s rotating concept venue adjacent to its flagship store at 54th and 5th aves. in New York. It features The Gap’s upcoming spring tee collection in true Pantone colors, including a limited-edition tee in Mimosa, Pantone’s color of the year for 2009. The display will be up through Feb. 8.

Lisa Herbert, executive vice president of Pantone’s fashion, home and consumer division said Mimosa was selected because the sunny yellow “best expresses hope and reassurance.”

The Gap/Pantone collaboration features Pantone’s 2009 color if the year Mimosa.

By Nadine Kam

Touchstone Pictures
Isla Fisher, as shopaholic Rebecca Bloomwood, attempts to take charge of her closet. Click on the photo for the trailer.

I got a chance to interview Patricia Field yesterday in advance of the opening of “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” though we won’t be running the story until closer to the film’s opening in February.

Who can wait that long?

What was most interesting to me was that the boutique-owning stylist for “Sex and the City” and now, “Ugly Betty,” says she’s NOT a shopaholic. I mean, you’d assume a person who shops for a living might be, right? But the -holic part would suggest a form of mental illness, and she’s firmly in control of her finances and material desires.

While she loves clothing and accessories across the board, high and low, new and worn, she’s very practical about it all, saying that she probably owns less clothing than her fans would imagine, to the point where she says she basically wears the same thing over and over, changing things up with accessories. But that’s where her styling skills come into play and not everyone is so blessed.

Even so, her advice for shopaholics who want to gain control over their spending habits is to stop buying clothes because a T-shirt is a T-shirt is a T-shirt, and focus on learning how to accessorize those basic pieces to update your wardrobe for the most impact and least expenditure.

The film’s timing is good, balancing lots of eye candy with the idea that there is a bigger price to pay for overshopping than what’s on the price tag.

I sent a post off to Twitter about the interview, and fans of Field were quick to respond, including someone I know locally who asked, “OMG, did you die?”

Well, yeah. That happens sometimes when you get a chance to speak with some of the people you idolize. In fact, I’m just lucky she had a good sense of time because she wanted to give me the full 20 minutes allotted to individual journalists across the country in her marathon day of phone calls. Otherwise, I was like, “Hi, uh, um, OK, bye,” which doesn’t happen too often.

The other memorable time I was on nervous mode was talking with the film director Ang Lee, post “Brokeback Mountain” and in advance of “Lust, Caution.” When the man has time to speak, you have to take the call, and unfortunately, it happened on a day I had a five-hour photo shoot for HI Luxury magazine. The session was scheduled to end about 3 p.m., the same time he wanted to call after getting off a plane from LA to New York. With any luck, my shoot would end early and his plane would be delayed to give me time to return about $50,000 worth of clothing to boutiques and get back to my desk.

Didn’t happen. His agent called just as I left the Halekulani and I had to explain I was in my car and could we reschedule in about a half hour. They granted an extra 15 minutes, the point being that once the director arrived home, that was his sanctuary away from work. That gave me enough time to make it to Ala Moana Center and park. But while waiting in the car, I got impatient, and figured I could make a run with the bags to the shops. I had just dropped off the last bags when he called, and there I was with cell phone, trying to balance my notepad on a planter outside Dior, trying to sound intelligent and stress-free.

I don’t think I fooled him, but he is the nicest man.

By Nadine Kam

Swann Galleries
Visionaire issues are “albums of inspiration” reflecting a collaboration of artists, designers, writers and photographers. Each issued is unique, built around a theme. At front is a deluxe monogrammed portfolio by Louis Vuitton, created to house a particular issue.

For those interested in collecting a piece of fashion history, New York’s Swann Auction Galleries is hosting a Photographic Literature and Photographs Sale on Dec. 11, spotlighting issues 1 to 50 of Visionaire (Lot 267), a collection of the extraordinary art and fashion publication — artworks themselves — worth an estimated $25,000 to 35,000.

Visionaire features artist collaborations and elaborate packaging for each of its uniquely themed issues. Each issue is conceived as “an album of inspiration,” incorporating the work of renowned artists, designers and photographers, crafted specifically for the publication. Among the designers and brands who have participated in the creation of the publications are Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and François Berthoud, along with photographers such as Mario Testino, Mary Ellen Mark, Bruce Weber, Nan Goldin, Nobuyoshi Araki, and James Nachtwey.

The issues have typically employed multiple materials, including a luxurious Hermés leather travel pouch containing postcards from around the world, a Tiffany’s box (the post-9/11 “Love” issue) with an Elsa Peretti heart, a Levi’s One-Pocket Sack Coat, Diana Vreeland’s newly disclosed memos, the first battery-operated publication, and an inkless issue. The issues were created between 1991 and 2007.

The auction will also include such imagery as Herb Ritts silver print “Madonna, Hollywood (1986),” edition notations 8/25, in pencil, estimated to sell for $4,000 to 6,000. (Lot 388)

Other works up for grabs:

Weegee’s “Woman in Ruffled Bikini / Acrobat,” two silver prints from the late 1950s to early ’60s, estimated to sell for $2,000 to $3,000. (Lot 359)

Édouard Boubat’s “Paris” (Lovers), silver print with the photographer’s signature, dated 1960; printed in the 1980s, estimated to be worth $2,500 to 3,500. (Lot 364)

Brush up on more photo history at www.swanngalleries.com

By Nadine Kam

Courtesy Loree Rodkin
First Lady Michelle Obama rocks Loree Rodkin earrings at the election night victory rally in Chicago.

Well, the McCain camp got one thing right when, pre-election, they compared Barack Obama to Paris Hilton. It’s the rare political figure who becomes a fashion icon and there has been much talk about his suits (custom-tailored from Chicago clothier Hart Schaffner Marx), as well as his wife Michelle’s (J.Crew and Chicago designer Maria Pinto).

Much was made of Michelle’s black widow dress on election night. Wearing a sweater over it was unfortunate and I thought a suit would have been more appropriate, but her jewelry, by L.A.-based designer Loree Rodkin, sparkled. The white gold and diamond triple dangles with oval, marquee and pear shapes retails for $10,275. You can check out the Ala Moana Center store for more of Rodkin’s fine jewelry and costume designs at a fraction of that price.

Just like Paris, Nicole and the Olsens, we’ll likely to keep getting wardrobe and accessory updates along with the Obamas’ political report cards over the next four years. That has to be good for retailers, who can now lay claim to demographic that usually puts substance before style. To me, the two go hand in hand. It’s possible to have substance, which I read as intelligence and influence, without style, but it’s rarer to find style without intelligence to back it.

By Nadine Kam

Mainichi photo
Considering the state of the union, we may all be longing for childhood naivete and the comfort of Teddy bears, Ugly dolls other cuddly toys, soon.

There’s a small contingency of Gothic Lolita fans in Hawaii, who may not care about the shows in New York, Milan or Paris, but may want to see the latest from the Marui Individual Fashion Expo IV that took place Tuesday in Tokyo.

For more photos and details, you might want to check out patrickmacias.blogs.com

Meanwhile, fashion historian Valerie Steele says a Goth revival is hitting the mainstream with this week’s opening of the “Dark Glamour” exhibition at New York’s Fashion Institution of Technology, the start of HBO’s new vampire series “True Blood,” and the film version of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” vampire novels slated to arrive at theaters in November.

Wearing black will be easy. Sort of fits the somber mood that has gripped the nation this year. Anyone who has watched their stock portfolios steadily decline is probably already walking around in a zombie-like haze.

One of the things said about Japan’s fondness for things kawaii, is that it emerged in the 1970s as a response to teens’ feelings of powerlessness against rigid social hierarchies. They reacted by retreating into passivism and infantilism. Many believe it is a delayed reaction to the nation’s loss during World War II, from which they certainly recovered financially and materialistically, but psychologically, the mistrust of institutions and sense of nihilism that grew out of the experience isn’t something easily dismissed. It just makes me wonder what lasting damage is taking place within our own country at the moment.

By Nadine Kam

Click on the photo of Leanne Marshall’s fashion show for a Newsday report on the “Project Runway” shows, with videos.

Timing was bad for this year’s “Project Runway,” with the New York shows now over and the series not even close to wrapping up, such that a record six designers were able to show at Bryant Park.

The season has been lackluster, likely due to stunt casting rather than casting for talent. Leanne Marshall is the favorite to win and I was rooting for her from the start, even though it was a shaky one for her. I liked that she’s from Portland, Ore., an under-the-radar sort of city. Whenever I go there, people always ask, “Why? What’s there?”

A lot. Farmer’s markets, great outdoors, restaurants that keep improving, fun and quirky boutiques, great furniture shops, etc. I love the city’s sort of Wild West pioneering, throw-out-the-rules style and indie spirit. It makes for some innovative, forward designs. (Strangely enough, I was just informed by someone I just met that I seem rather schizophrenic. On the one hand, I love Portland’s scruffy, scrappy, boot-strapping indie vibe, but I also love the other extreme of New York polish and well-edited aesthetic, and Leanne’s designs seem to reconcile the two aspects.)

A Seaplane fashion show.

I’ve been buying work by Portland designers for about 12 years, mostly through the local designer Mother Ship Seaplane. Sadly, I’ve also watched their prices climb — after a move from Belmont, where I bought a house, to the luxe NW 23rd Street — from about $40 for a handmade, original designer piece, to more than $250. Well-deserved, but …well, you know. It’s the difference between coming home with five pieces and one.

If you’re not shopping young designer there, there are also spectacular vintage and second-hand shops all over town where I could always find great pieces like 1950s-60s nylon blouses for $8 to $12, and 1950s dresses and a black velvet cape-y jacket with ruffled collar for $25. I haven’t been back there for two years though, so I’m pretty sure prices have shot up since the city continues its trend of being Californiafied. I hope it stops soon, though it has brought better restaurants to the city.

Another look at designs you might find at Seaplane.

By Nadine Kam

Michael Phelps’ Olympic accomplishment was phenomenal and the press follow-ups begin, but this S.I. poster makes me wonder, what were they thinking?

At first glance, the arrangement of the gold medals looks like a belly dancer’s halter top. I mean, I’m all for men being in touch with their feminine side, but this seems disrespectful to me because any visual designer would have known what the impact would be.

By Nadine Kam

Yahoo photo

Ahh, one of the great mysteries of the Olympics has been solved by opening the Yahoo home page this morning.

I guess a lot of people had the same question I had when looking at Kerri Walsh, which is, what is that black stuff she’s wearing on her shoulder? Many thought it was a tattoo, but it was raised and looked velvety to me. Turns out to be medical tape.

A lot of feature stories are born this way, out of those hundreds of trivial things that make you go huh? in the course of a day.

Check out the feature here.

By Nadine Kam

I get a lot of very formal invitations in the mail, so what does it take to stand out? The 30th anniversary at Betsey Johnson postcard caught my eye because of its girly, hand-done touch, although I was a bit confused at first because I actually know someone named Betsy and immediately thought, “Oh, Betsy’s having a birthday party at Betsey Johnson,” which is just the sort of thing she’d do.

Turns out, it was 1978 when Betsey Johnson and her business partner and CEO Chantal Bacon officially launched the Betsey Johnson brand on her birthday, Aug. 10 (making her a feisty, dynamic Leo—which even explains her red mane!), and the Ala Moana Center boutique will be marking the occasion with a party from 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow, Aug. 7. RSVP to attend at 949-3500.

The Betsey Johnson 30th anniversary exclusive sunglasses with faux pearls is $95.

Betsey is offering several birthday exclusives as well, including jewelry, T-shirts, a skull cardigan, and handbag. The items will be available from the time the boutique opens tomorrow. Only a limited number of pieces will be available. Prices range from a $18 thong to $225 for a satin and tulle stiletto shoe with faux pearls, rhinestones, heart-shaped clasp and glitter sole as befitting the designer known for equal parts edginess and girlishness. Looking forward to the next 30!

By Nadine Kam

One more contest: Head to Bar 35 July 26 for the “Harajuku Lovers Live” hair and makeup competition. Ulupono salon, W-Salon, and Sanctuary Salon will be in the house with a photographer on site taking pics of all the excitement.

Hawaii Red magazine, at www.hawaiiredmagazine.com, will feature the contest winner in an upcoming issue, promising virtual immortality, second best to instant fame and notoriety.

For those who crave neither, the opportunity to gawk is also a wonderful thing. Starts at 9 p.m.

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Speaking of Harajuku Lovers, check out these cute totes/back-to-school book bags from the line: Juku in Navy, $58; Candy in Green, $95; Bishoujo in Red, $58.