By Nadine Kam

Photos and video by Nadine Kam
Aatila Tanaka models jewelry by Kensei in “The Art of Jewelry.”

Belle Époque glamour, elegance and opulence were the order of the day Oct. 5 when Kensei Takeda presented “The Art of Jewelry Fashion Experience” Sunday at the Halekulani as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Models wore cascades of gemstones, beads, as well as feathered and veiled hats and hair pieces also created by Kensei, a hair stylist by day, accessory designer and collector of all things beautiful in his spare time. His perfectionist’s eye was evident in sumptuous styling, with, for a change, clothes as accessories to his dramatic jewelry creations.

The presentation took months of planning, and I was treated to a sneak preview in March when Kensei and show producer Dale Young hosted a lunch and mini show for Jane Lyman on her 86th birthday. Sitting at Jane’s table was one of her friends, Gladys Goka, from the days of Bon Ton, a downtown clothing store where much of Honolulu shopped in the 1930s.

MAC Cosmetics makeup artists Vanessa Buyson, Robin Gallo and April Moon created the looks on the models, and pianist Ginny Tiu performed during the lunch. Cheryl Bartlett and Cathy Foy-Mahi performed during intermissions between the show’s three segments.As a finale, Kensei held a drawing for two of his necklaces. One was won by Pia Solywoda, who claimed to be so certain of her win, she showed up with no necklace and wore black and white that so perfectly matched the onyx and silver necklace she won, Kensei immediately put it around her neck.

Kensei greeted well-wishers after the show, including Leilani Keough, who’s wearing a dress by Jeanie Chun, who was also in the audience. Chun is in the process of moving her business.

Cathy Roberts is adorned in turquoise from earrings to an updated version of the concha belt.

Among those enjoying the show were, from left, Lance Ishibashi, Catherine Fong and Stacey Gross. Catherine and Stacey, who’s also a jewelry designer, wore hats from Catherine’s Manoa vintage boutique Catherine’s Closet. Meanwhile Lance, formerly of Phil’s Gold & Diamonds, is looking forward to opening his own jewelry store just before the holidays. Details to come.

After the show, models Tessa Yu, Cathy and Aatila wait for their cars at the valet station in their civilian clothes, a little different from Kensei’s vision.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 2:27 pm and is filed under hats, beauty, Accessories, inspiration, Beautiful objects, Jewels, 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.