(from FrolicHawaii.com 12/10/15 – Amanda Stevens)

I had never been more aware of the word “so” than at Wednesday’s Kaypee Soh spring 2016 runway presentation at YWCA Laniakea, with so many attendees using the word with puns intended. “Soh amazing, Soh chic, Soh talented.” You get the idea.

Although Soh is well known for his bold, vibrant and luxurious home decor, he began last year designing apparel, which is what was featured at Wednesday’s show.

Throughout the year, I’ve followed his progress and seen his sketches morph from concept to construction, and now to the runway. Soh’s collection has strong references to the 1960s and early ’70s, with a twist on the urban Pacific vibe unique to Hawaii. He also shared how rainbows and nature influence his prints and silhouettes. “There was one particular rainbow that was truly special, he said. “I noticed how the colors in the rainbow appeared to be reflecting off the water and the plants around me. It was something I hadn’t seen or noticed before. I tried to create this same feeling by using varying tones of color on color in this line.”

 

The show’s standouts were his printed denim and chambray, along with chiffon with layers of color on color to create a weightless draping flowing effect, a lot like a rainbow. The looks in his Over the Rainbow spring 2016 collection included women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, plus leather handbags, tees, and men’s aloha shirts, shorts and pants.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite red carpet and runway moments:

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