Furniture, fashion and a few dance moves
By Nadine Kam
Nadine Kam photos
Went to the Design Within Reach grand opening party at Ala Moana Center April 10, where the top question was: “What’s your favorite piece?”
Oh, how to choose when every piece of furniture is so beautifully minimalist, elegant in addition to being comfortable. And, with a roomful of people, it’s kind of hard to look at everything, though the chandelier of Murano glass ($3,200, above) definitely caught my eye. Love the color and ornate silhouette, even if it’s not quite a match for my 1920s Liliha cottage!
Lesli-Ann Yano brings Miuccia Prada’s latest collection to life. She’s with Steve Simeone, left, and Prada’s Joseph Incao. I have last spring’s sunny yellow version of the purse Yano is carrying and we both love the style because of its retro mini suitcase vibe.
Lesli-Ann Yano also caught my eye when she walked into the room in head-to-toe Prada. Lucky girl is associate buyer for Prada Hawaii so it’s her job to wear the line. She also has to go to Milan twice a year. Tough job Lesli-Ann!
Kihan, from Chop Salon, cut her hair and shared a tip for getting those choppy bangs. His choice of fancy tool was a child’s blunt scissors. Gotta try that, my bangs grow so fast.
Afterward it was on to Doraku Sushi for the opening of Kevin Aoki’s latest baby, a kick-off event for “Destination: Groove Dance Hawaii.” I guess I stayed at DWR too long because when I got to the Royal Hawaiian Center restaurant, John Berger was leaving and said the party was over. It seemed too early so I kept going and found there was still food, desserts—damn I got distracted and never got the vanilla ice-cream topped brownie—drinks, and of course, lots of dancing. It got pretty steamy in there!
Guests left with a gift bag that included a freshwater pearl necklace from Anna Meng’s Meng Dynasty. Very nice and looks so great on black.
Carlos Chang and Elyse Hironaka were among the dancers on the floor. Carlos has his own dance event planned for summer. Dancers are often forced into the role of designer for lack of readymade costumes, so Hironaka designed her own Bedazzled dress.
Christine Yasunaga was the evening’s gracious hostess, and was lucky enough to win a piece of art donated by Gary Hostallero, who achieved fame painting images of samurai, but has since moved on to fashiony images of tattooed women. I missed the fashion show by Anne Namba, but Gary said he and the local designer are collaborating on a project that will incorporate some of his images. Look forward to seeing it.
Dance instructor Carlos Chang gave Vivan Stackpole an impromptu dance lesson, telling her which way to turn and spin, making it look as if they’d danced together before.
