Starlight Ball under the moonlight
By Nadine Kam
Nadine Kam photos
The moon shined over Saturday night’s Starlight Ball and one of its go-go dancers in the Henry R. Luce Pavilion.
Stars were hidden by a layer of clouds during the 2009 Starlight Ball Saturday, but the full moon was out and the afternoon’s rains stopped just in time for the party to begin at 7 p.m. There was only one moment where guests had to run for cover of the Honolulu Academy of Arts covered courtyards.
The theme of the Prada-sponsored Art After Dark event was “When Cool Was King,” paying tribute to Vegas and the Rat Pack era. Outside, showgirls greeted guests and inside, guests were invited to bid on silent auction items to benefit the academy-affiliated Art to Go, an after-school community arts program geared toward Hawaii’s underserved youth.
One thing less to bid on: Lesli-Ann Yano was already wearing her Prada Tessuto stones necklace.
At the head of the auction item list were Prada’s new Paillettes evening bag, Tessuto bag, Tessuto stones necklace with Swarovski crystals and Tessuto stones earrings.
I took as many pictures as I could between snacking on ravioli from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, scallops from RumFire Waikiki, duck from Twist at Hanohano, and ahi and purple sweet potato from E&O Trading Co. Those flush enough to dine under the tents were treated to dinner by Chef Mavro. Unfortunately, I had eaten a giant cookie before arriving was barely able to check out Hokulani Bake Shop’s cupcake bar, which allowed guests to choose their cupcake, frosting and sugar sprinkles, an edible form of art-making.
It was all rather sedate and dignified until dinner was over and the dancing began. That’s when the jackets started coming off and rather than the sounds of the Rat Pack, the music was all fun ’80s like Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” B52’s “Love Shack” and Klymaxx’s “Meeting in the Ladies Room.”
Someone decided the sculpture in the Luce Pavilion should be dressed for the occasion.
Taking a break from dancing were, from left, Prada Hawaii Corp. area manager Joseph Incao, Joanna Bielawski, Hisako Tominaga, David Andreoli and Emilio Nazario.
Elvis and the showgirls were there to pose for pictures with guests.
Silent auction chair Alyssa Fung with her husband David.
Among items auctioned were Elvis and Rat Pack paintings by Robert Emerald Shappy.
From left, Lesli-Ann Yano, Chanel Wong in a Prada dress and CHOP Salon owner Kihan.
Aña Velazquez and Honolulu Academy of Arts communications director Lesa Griffith.
Shaymus Alwin and Shanel Almonte.
Ryan and Jenny Engle.
Claude Phillips and Jinjoo Kim.
Dancers overlooking the Pavilion dance floor.
From left, Cathi Goldsmith, Cy Hirota, Ryan Yanagihara and Kristi Inkinen.
Cosmin Chivu, left, and Richard Kuwada.
Joanne Pating, left, and Mary Machalski.
On exiting the party, people weren’t quite ready to leave, still posing for photos against a backdrop of playing card suits.
