By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
From left, going for the long look, were Spa Hawai’i Magazine & Directory editor Kapua Inglis, Modern Pacific Weddings and Events Regan Schultz, and SHMD creative director Tiare Friedman. Kapua and Tiare wear Maui designer Tamara Catz designs from Persimmon on the Big Island. Schultz is in Nicole Miller, which she carries at her 3620 Waialae Ave. showroom.

A little much-needed rain didn’t spoil the July 3 premiere party for Spa Hawai’i Magazine & Directory. It’s one of those great ideas, where, considering all the spas that have sprung up in the last decade, you go, why didn’t I think of that?

The party on the lawn of the fabulous Moana was presented by Regan Schultz’s Modern Pacific Events, an extension of her Modern Pacific Weddings for those who want a party without that nuptial component.

Roxanne Vogelgesang and Bo Alexander. Roxanne said she likes the long look, but says the extra fabric does make it harder to walk.

When I arrived, I couldn’t help but notice the fashion statement being made. If there was any doubt before that the maxi, or currently, patio dress is back, it seems that women are indeed willing to go long. I wanted to take photos of lots of them, but at about 7 p.m. it started to get dark really fast. When the rain started, the party simply scooted over a couple yards indoors and under cover of the lanai.

While there, spa specialists were also introduced to products and services offered by Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy, Malie Organics from Kauai, the online beauty and skincare company Artistry, and a sneak preview of soon-to-launch Pure & True Organic Beauty.

Ana Dubey from Hokulani Bake Shop got a hand massage from Malie Organics before the rain started up for a third time, and repaid the kindness by helping them pack up and move indoors. The woman can’t stop working. Her husband Tushar was also there to pitch in, and understanding what it’s like to be a small business trying to deal with Plans B and C single-handedly, said, “We’ve been there, so we know what it’s like.”

Bridal gowns from Modern Pacific Weddings were featured during one of three fashion shows.

The evening wrapped with prize drawings and fashion shows featuring jewelry and garments from Persimmon, Carats & Karats, Organik and Modern Pacific Weddings.

Organik fans have been clamoring for a yoga pant to wear with the company’s soft bamboo fiber T-shirts. It’s nice when customers can help out by spelling out exactly what they want, and wearing the clothes, a couple of the models were able to strike fine yoga poses on the runway.

Nicole Shimabukuro, a local girl who now lives in North Carolina, wore a maxi dress by Mossimo for Target she picked up about a month ago. She said she likes the look, which offers more formality for evenings. They’re big back home, she said.

None of this means the short skirt is going bye bye. I for one, as a shorty without those legs that go on and on, and who knows what it’s like to step all over hems, prefer the short dress. But in fashion, never say never. Here, Amy Perry, left, and Holly Hino show lengths I’m comfortable wearing.

Also opting for the short look was stylist Chloe Brown, in a simple T with skirt by Betsey Johnson.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am and is filed under Bridal, People, media, Parties, Fashion shows. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.