(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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(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/24/15 – Amanda Stevens)

No such thing as a sophomore curse here: HONOLULU Fashion Week’s second year was a success.

Backstage energy was intense at this past weekend’s shows, and this fashion geek got to see it all. Working behind the scenes under the direction of Lynne O’Neill, Fashion Week’s executive producer, I got to “send” models out on to the runway.

Here are my top 5 moments from HONOLULU Fashion Week. Most of them happened backstage, out of sight of the audience:

No. 5 – Shooting the breeze with “Project Runway” season 13 winner Sean Kelly, only to find out Kini Zamora took him to Side Street Inn and he loved the pork chops and fried rice. Kelly came to support Zamora’s show on Friday night.

No. 4 – Face to face with New York-based designer Todd Snyder. He launched his new collection at Bloomingdale’s. Another local food fan: Snyder says he’s been to Hawaii eight times and really likes poke.

No. 3 – A trifecta of New York agents possibly discovered the next Heidi Klum at the Model Search. This 5’11” beauty is just 12 years old.

No. 2 – The Beautiful Survivors runway show. There was a bit of nerves backstage, but when beautifully spirited cancer survivors like Kassian hit the runway, their personalities shined! Literally not a dry eye in the house.

No. 1 – Watching and learning from Lynne O’Neill in action. This local girl-turned-New York fashion industry guru gave the models expert direction on how to stay in the light and walk through the music, not to the music.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/23/15 – Amanda Stevens)

The headliner of HONOLULU Fashion Week was without a doubt Saturday night’s Runway to Runway fashion show. With Hawaiian Airlines as the presenting sponsor, the runway show featured national and international designers from major destinations on the airlines’ route; Hawaii’s Kaypee Soh, Tokyo’s AULA, New York’s Todd Snyder, Ellery from Sydney and Lie Sangbong of Seoul.

Here’s a look at their collections:

Runway to Runway – Photos by Levi Viloria

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(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/23/15 – Amanda Stevens)

Sunday night at the Hawaii Convention Center saw two new royals crowned on the local pageantry circuit. Chelsea Hardin, Miss East Oahu, is the new Miss Hawaii USA, while Joahnnalee Ucol of Maui captured the Miss Hawaii Teen USA title. They’ll represent Hawaii in the national Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions in 2016.

I had a chance to sit down for a quick Q&A with Hardin, 24, a development and curriculum trainer at Hawaii Speed and Quickness. Hardin graduated from Iolani and was a standout volleyball player at Cal Poly. She won the interview and swimsuit competitions, and also won the evening gown competition wearing a Kini Zamora design.

I know you’re an athlete, and competition is a part of your essence, but how long have you aspired to be Miss Hawaii USA?
I was approached by a friend in August, so it really hasn’t been that long, but I knew that it would be a good way to push myself to do more. I am no stranger to competition. It is all about the mindset, setting your goals and working hard to get there. My family and friends are there for me for all of my competitions, from volleyball games to pageants, and I want to bring them on this journey. The main reason why I chose to do this is to make a larger impact in the community.

Tell me more about your passion for the community.
Homelessness is a huge issue in Hawaii, especially on Oahu. Just about everywhere you look you see it. I want to bring more attention to how we can help those in need and help the community to be more proactive about the issues, more compassionate. It’s about helping those in our community, our backyard so to speak, first.

What was the most surprising aspect of pageants that you discovered?
These young women work hard! It is as hard, if not harder than athletic competition. There are so many parts of it all and you have such a short window of time to accomplish so many goals. But what was really surprising was the genuine camaraderie of it all. I can really say that I am so proud of all of my fellow 2016 contestants.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/22/15 – Amanda Stevens)

On Saturday, HONOLULU Fashion Week featured two runway shows that captured Hawaii’s unique style. The afternoon show at Hawaii Convention Center showcased the contemporary aloha wear of Manuheali`i. In the evening, for the first of two shows, local designers presented the active lifestyle of the islands in the show, “Get Out!” (We’ll be posting Monday about the third show — the Runway to Runway Fashion Show featuring designs by New York’s Todd Snyder, ELLERY from Sydney, Lie Sangbong of Seoul, Tokyo’s AULA and Hawaii’s Kaypee Soh.)

If you take a good look at the styling of each ensemble, you’ll notice what takes each outfit to the next level. Therese Wahl styled the Manuheali`i runway presentation, adding elements ranging from an Audrey Hepburn “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” elegance to her signature, unapologetic bohemian vibe.

For the Get Out! show, Hilo-born stylist Don Sumada — part of the New York-team who flew in to work the three-day event — paired unexpected elements such as a Posh Pua one-piece swimsuit with a leather fringe poncho. Amazing!

Here’s a look at the two shows:

Manuhealii Runway Show – Photos by Levi Viloria

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Get Out! Runway Show – Photos by Levi Viloria

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Photo by Bobby Coello

(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/21/15 – Amanda Stevens)

HONOLULU Fashion Week’s runway lit up in a big way Friday night. Led by renown fashion show producer/director Lynne O’Neill —the team transformed the Hawaii Convention Center into a New York Fashion Week-caliber venue and production. Fern Mallis, who created 7th on Sixth (also known as New York Fashion Week) in 1993, was a special guest at the opening of the program, along with Hawaii’s own Harold Koda, who served as the curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for 14 years.

The first show — the Live Aloha fashion show — lined up more than a dozen Hawaii-based designers, showcasing everything from swimwear to elegant evening wear. Prolific stylist Don Sumada, who was born in Hilo and now lives in New York, used his keen eye and expertise to bring the local designers’ fashion to life.

For the second show, and his second year showing at HONOLULU Fashion Week, Kini Zamora brought bold designs and spice to the runway. This year, the local designer’s styles ranged from men’s sportswear to high-glam, gold brocade evening gowns worthy of the red carpet.

HONOLULU Fashion Week presented by Hawaiian Airlines continues Saturday and Sunday at Hawaii Convention Center. See the schedule.

Live Aloha Fashion Show – Photos by Yi Lin Hu

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 Kini Zamora Fashion Show – Photos by Yi Lin Hu

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(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/19/15 – Amanda Stevens)

You’ve heard of dinner theater, well, last night Manaola showcased two collections during a VIP dinner and fashion experience at Honolulu Design Center. The first collection featuring contemporary aloha wear incorporated Manaola’s signature ‘ohe kāpala’ hand-stamped, wood technique with patterns inspired by nature.

The second collection turned on the edge, and incorporated bold silhouettes, with a strong emphasis on sheer fabrics and leather, mixed with a luxurious look and feel.

At the end of the evening, Manaola apparel and accessories were offered at a pop-up, where there was a long line of people waiting to get in.

Photos by Amanda Stevens

(from FrolicHawaii.com 11/4/15 – Amanda Stevens)

In4mation grand-opened a 1,138-square-foot store at Ala Moana Center Tuesday night with a live art presentation by Aaron “Angry Woebots” Martin. The 5-foot panda statue, Angry Woebots’ first 3D piece of this size, will be part of the store’s decor.

Like In4mation’s three other Hawaii stores, this one has women’s apparel, accessories, men’s wear and shoes from Stussy, Undefeated, Benny Gold, Huf, Lightsleepers and more. A wooden tree shelf in the front features local brands; currently it’s all about Moon Collective. The store is on the street level by the AT&T store.

In4mation was founded by Jun Jo, Ryan Arakaki, Keith Kanagusuku and Todd Shimabuku. “We’ve wanted to open a location here from the very beginning,” Kanagusuku said, “and after 13 years in the making it’s here, and we have a chance to showcase local brands to a wide international audience.”

(from FrolicHawaii.com 10/27/15 – Olena Heu and Amanda Stevens)

Has Halloween snuck up on you? Are you still costume-less and afraid you won’t have time to come up with a plan to dress to impress? Don’t fret: Frolic style expert Amanda Stevens and adventure seeker Olena Heu have paired up to bring you some affordable last-minute ideas.

There are plenty of places around town selling costumes, accessories, consignment items and home decor to spruce up your Halloween vibes. And don’t forget your closet: You can spruce up things you already have to achieve the look you want.

The cool thing about shopping at Goodwill and Savers is you’re finding great deals on second-hand items, and these stores give back to the community in a big way. Goodwill helps people with job training and employment, while Savers purchases donations from local non-profit partners.

 

 

 

If you’re stumped for ideas, Goodwill has a great look book, available at its stores and online.

So, how to create a well-designed Halloween costume by using a single item as an inspiration and starting point? Here are Amanda’s and Olena’s real-life demos. Neither ensemble cost more than $40 total or took much time to create.

 

Amanda’s look

 

Movie iconica has been my Halloween inspiration for decades, from Pebbles to Cat Woman to Charlie’s Angels. This time, Olena would be my stylist helping me build my whole look at the Beretania Goodwill store. When we came upon this epic mid-length black bob wig, we both knew it would be the anchor piece for my new look.

At first we were thinking Mavis from Hotel Transylvania 2, but we couldn’t get the bangs right. Then we thought Cleopatra, but it was too played out. Then Olena said, “Mia from ‘Pulp Fiction’!” Next thing you knew, we found a crisp white boyfriend button-up shirt, and instead of Mia’s black flare pants, we opted for black tights, a black skirt and red shoes, to update the look.

Olena suggested that I add a dark red lip, false eyelashes and a black bralett to the ensemble for dramatic effect. I love the look because it’s easy and not at all cumbersome, and Uma Thurman’s character is a pop culture icon. Now I just have to find my John Travolta, nail the dance moves and I’m all set.

Olena’s look

I usually dress as a fairy or something pretty, so I thought this Halloween it might be cool to be something darker. The Goodwill look book had a photo of a sexy witch that I liked. With the help of Kelly Cho from Goodwill Hawaii we started with some black dresses. There were several that I liked, but the fit wasn’t right. I found one that I loved, but it looked more professional than witchy. Then Kelly found a perfect lacy tank dress that screamed “Where’s my broom?”

We found a witch’s hat that was layered with bright green and black and from that I was inspired to be Elphaba, the witch from Wicked, one of my favorite musicals of all time! Kelly found some green leggings and paired those with black fishnet stockings and that was it! Perfection!

Amanda helped me accessorize with black funky heels, bright green 80s sunglasses, lace gloves, a lacy scarf, feather and silver earrings and the outfit evolved into an 80s punk Elphaba witch. So cute! Head to toe, the look cost $40. Here’s a breakdown of the items:

Here are more recommendations on where to find your Halloween look for less:

FloraDec
373 N Nimitz Hwy
537-6194

Goodwill Hawaii – locations in Waipahu, Wahiawa, Pearl City, Kapolei, Beretania, Kaimuki, Kailua, just to name a few. http://www.higoodwill.org

Party City
888 N Nimitz Hwy
599-7591

Dillingham Plaza
1505 Dillingham Blvd
842-0061
and
94-300 Farrington Hwy
671-0071

Spirit Halloween
Kamakee and Auahi (old Nordstrom Rack)
593-7324

(from FrolicHawaii.com 10/22/15 – Amanda Stevens)

Earlier this month, University of Hawaii’s baseball players, their coach Mike Trapasso, UH Athletic Director David Matlin, a group of young business leaders and other Hawaii executives came together to paint and make improvements to Les Murakami Stadium on two consecutive Saturdays.

The effort, spearheaded by the Hawaii Asia Pacific Association (HAPA) Young Leaders, involved participants from many of Hawaii’s top corporations, with the goal of giving the beloved stadium a much-needed makeover.

Before the renovations began, UH Stadium Manager Glenn Nakaya walked me through the inner sanctum of the stadium to places rarely seen by the public. Parts of the stadium hadn’t been repainted for 30 years and weren’t weathering the years well.

HAPA’s Young Leaders assumed the kuleana to help, and led by HAPA’s Jared Watamull, organized an epic work project to paint areas both inside and outside the stadium. Volunteers and donations extended to many of Hawaii’s top companies and groups, including Bank of Hawaii, Hawaiian Telcom, First Hawaiian Bank, DTRIC Insurance, Central Pacific Bank, First Insurance Company, Grove Farm, Accuity, Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union, HTH Corporation, HSCPA Young CPAs, Pomaikai Ballrooms.

“This was done out of love, to help the UH System and keep the program going and strong,” Nakaya says.

The crew painted various areas of the stadium, including the entry area on the ground floor, locker rooms, hallways, break rooms, two dugouts, three hospitality boxes on the concourse level, concession stands, Grand Slam Club Room and the huge wooden fence surrounding the field.

The result: A fantastic, refreshed look for the stadium.

“It’s humbling to see so many people use their Saturday mornings to help UH baseball, Trapasso said. “Our players, particularly the first-year guys, get to see firsthand how important UH is to our community, … and the passion our supporters have for this program.”

Trapasso had special thanks to Grove Farm CEO Warren Haruki and HAPA for organizing the event. “It’s one thing to be supportive, but another thing entirely to roll up your sleeves and spend a couple Saturday mornings sweating right beside the players.”

Said Kyle Mitchell, pitcher on the UH baseball team: “I’m from California, and no one really gets this kind of support like the way we do here in Hawaii. It really is different. As a player, we get to experience the aloha spirit all the time from our fans in the community.”

Here are some photos taken before the improvements (click arrows to scroll through gallery, or slide on a mobile device):

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During and after

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