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

Above, Justine Miguel shows the animal print trend. She was a standout in our photo shoot for the University of Hawaii senior fashion show earlier this year.

Here’s a brief video to go along with the Neiman Marcus Fall Fashion Preview that appeared in Thursday’s paper. You can check out the copy here:

Shown during the presentation were designs by Donna Karan, See by Chloe, Robert Rodriguez, up-and-coming Leifsdottir, Stella McCartney, and Elizabeth and James.

I thought the models’ makeup was really beautiful, so chic and glamorous. Women who complained before about fashion being oriented only toward the young will appreciate the new sophistication on the horizon.

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

Nadine Kam photos
Models in Mamo Howell designs were featured during the Hawai’i Food & Wine Paradise Hana Hou brunch at Halekulani. Fighting Eel also presented a fashion show during one of the foodie events at Ko Olina.

I try not to let my other food life cross over to this blog, but it couldn’t be helped when D. Keola Lloyd, chairman of the Hawai’i Food & Wine Paradise decided to add a fashion element to the annual foodie showcase.

The luxury destination event took place May 21 to 24, and was sponsored by American Express Publishing, which puts out such familiar magazine titles as Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures and Executive Travel.

For such a group, the menu had to be superb and Halekulani Vikram Garg did a great job on the five-course brunch that started with:

Lomi lomi salmon with Hau’ula tomato, sea asparagus, Maui onion and kukui nut.

Seared abalone with Waialua asparagus, shaved hearts of palm and calamansi chili vinaigrette.

Onaga and Kahalu’u pork with raw papaya relish and chimichurri sauce.

Loco Moco featuring grass-fed veal loin, braised short rib, egg, Hamakua mushrooms and rice. My vegetarian tablemates had lovely veggie risotto with Hamakua mushrooms for this course.

And North Shore chocolate sorbet in coconut foam with candy sculpture.

As one of the newest chefs to our islands, Garg brings to a clarity to his dishes that I haven’t seen in a long time locally. It demonstrates (on his part) and allows for full appreciation (on diners’ part) of local ingredients. I think that’s gotten lost over the past decade as newer chefs hoping to emulate the HRC originals have tended to throw every ingredient available to them into dishes, resulting more often than not in muddled messes.

I would like to erase the past decade in food and press restart. In a way, that’s already happening because of the economy. New startups seem to be coming from a smaller, humbler place with more focus on good food than themes or empire building. That’s a good place to start.

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
Bessie Fujioka, Junior League of Honolulu president Chris Lau and Debbie Lau got into a tug of war with this Cole Haan purse. Janice Choate-Zavakos joined the fray seconds later.

People can go crazy when there’s a sale. The situation was a little more civil when the polite women of The Junior League of Honolulu hosted the 5th annual Sacs in the City fundraiser April 4, but you could feel anxiety in the air when it was near closing time for the silent auctions.

Dior
Marion Cotillard with a Lady Dior in Dior’s ad campaign.

“It’s gonna get bloody for the Dior,” said Emmy Kasten, who outbid me on said Lady Dior. I made the starting bid for The Lady Dior, at $680 for a purse that retails at $1,950. The one shown was black, which would not have tempted me, but the offer was to choose your own color. The Dior has been on my want list for at least two years.

Emmy was also bidding on a Gucci tote and had Noreen Kam (no relation) guard the bidding sheet while she waited near the Dior, though she called it quits after bidding went over $1,000.

Sacs is all about love of the handbag. There were dozens of luxury and casual purses, totes and clutches up for bid during the silent auction, most starting at a third to a quarter of retail price. Funds raised will benefit the JLH community projects: My Story to help adolescent girls, Kids in the Kitchen to promote nutrition, the HerStory women’s issues conference, and Impact Honolulu short-term projects geared toward children and families.

Balenciaga

I had scooped up my grail bag at Neiman a couple of weeks ago, a Balenciaga City bag like the one above, except in the Mandarin orange color, so even though purses are my weak spot—to me they’re like portable, practical works of art—I felt pretty certain I wouldn’t be tempted to bid on anything. The first thing I spied upon entering the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom was a Cartier evening bag I had admired in the store, at $1,680, offered at a starting bid of $585. Hmmm. At the time I had decided I’d rather save for the Love bangle. That was before the stock market crash when I actually had some spare change. So I kept moving.

A little while later, I ran into Denise Nakano, who was already carrying a very nice Miu Miu, yet pleaded, “Don’t outbid me.”

“I don’t even know what you’re bidding on,” I said. I couldn’t make any promises until I knew what we were talking about, and it just so happened hers was the only bid, thus far, on the Cartier. She must be psychic.

I don’t know if she won, but it did pick up more bids later. It’s tough to compete with the purchasing power of Junior League members and some of the dynastic names in the crowd, like Wo and Watamull.

The Cartier.

Manuheali’i models on the runway during the fashion show segment.

Here’s some video:

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By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The owners, from left, Ed Robles, Daniel Dae Kam, Pablo Buckingham and DK Kodama.

The Counter celebrated its grand opening with a party Saturday night that included the red-carpet (that was actually blue) arrivals of “Lost” castmates of Daniel Dae Kim, a co-owner in the endeavor with DK Kodama, Ed Robles and Pablo Buckingham, all there to make sure guests had their fill of mini Counter burgers plus sushi and more grinds from DK’s other restaurant, Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar.

Currently the most buzzed-about restaurant in town, The Counter has been open a month and is already the top-performing franchise in the country. Popularity still has its drawbacks as I keep hearing about hourlong waits, but, like I said in my review, the solution is to go at off-peak hours, like 3 p.m., making it one of those rare places where people are willing to make accomodations rather than be accommodated. When does that ever happen?

From left, Beth Shady, Jorge Garcia, Hannah Cornett and pro surfer turned actress Keala Kennelly.

The space is rather small for a party of the magnitude of Saturday’s event, so people flowed in and out for air. It was probably just as much fun outside with the paparazzi as inside, because the celebs were in a good mood and willing to do just about anything for the cameras, whether stuff their faces or ham it up with mock interviews.

Oh, and the burgers were truly yummy!

I left before Josh Holloway got there, but you can see photos of him at photographer Jeannemarie Viggiano’s Web site blog. She’s in many of the photos, and yours truly is in one of them. (more…)

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

Angry Woebot’s Aaron Martin was putting the finishing touches on his mural at The Contemporary Museum’s Contemporary Cafe yesterday, a work created over three days (slow for him but necessary for the performance aspect).

In case you couldn’t get there during the lunch hours he was working, I shot some video in which he talks a little about his method.

More of his work is also on view at Nuuanu Gallery, 1161 Nuuanu Gallery, through Feb. 7. You can read about the details here.

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.”