(From FrolicHawaii.com 4/15/2015) – Amanda Stevens

It really feels like summer is already here, which is a great excuse to get your wardrobe ready. So what hot trends are coming our way?

I got together with wardrobe stylists Kyle Kagamida, Kim Smith and Therese Wahl and makeup stylist Rene to narrow down the list. Here are our picks for this summer’s top fashion trends.

Denim on denim for men

“Although denim on denim is usually frowned upon because it can look hideous, when done right, there’s something really sexy about a guy who can pull off this look,” says Kagamida.

“For the men’s double-duty denim look you can’t go wrong with a sporty jacket, which I love to pair with a perfectly cut denim shirt,” Smith says. “Denim is a season-less staple. Just reinterpret it this season by layering up!”

Transitional bohemian

“Being that we live in Hawaii, the Boho trend can be reinterpreted each season,” says Wahl. “I love this shibori hand-dyed jumpsuit paired with a soft crochet vest with a casual beach style in mind. This season, don’t be afraid to add layers of beaded necklaces and even a non-matching scarf to the mix. Bold leather accessories on a soft Boho look will add unexpected charm and dimension.”

70s inspired by Bianca Jagger / White on white

“Lanvin, Giambattista and Celine showcased great looks inspired by Bianca Jagger’s bold style this season. It is somewhat androgynous, yet at the same time, very feminine and sexy,” says Kagamida.

“This look is a palette cleanser — all-white is a major trend this season,” notes Smith. “A classic low-cut white jacket simply paired with a gold chain necklace and a mid-length skirt gives the look a sexy, subtle 70s vibe.”

Flats

“The shoe of the season is a flat for every occasion — and these certainly add a pop of color to the popular monochromatic white on white trend,” says Smith.

Pastels

“Lavender, pink and cobalt pastels are big this season and add color to any ensemble,” notes Smith. “Even Burberry Prorsum chose bright pastels for intensity and a bit of drama for their Spring/Summer 2015 collection.”

“Pastels are fresh in beauty this season,” says Rene. “A watermelon or peach lip is so on point. Paired with a clean eyeshadow luster, you’ll look sun-kissed and well-rested.”

I loved working with and picking the brains of these fashion experts. Thank you to:

(From FrolicHawaii.com 4/12/2015) – Amanda Stevens

Mu’umu’u Heaven, a popular eco-chic boutique that closed its doors in Kailua, has opened in Waikiki as a pop-up until the end of June. The new space at T-Galleria is larger than a typical pop-up; it’s more of an exploratory exhibit, starting from the makai entrance of the mall’s walkway, extending to the mauka end.

I was impressed with the re-purposed beach hut, made from 90 percent recyclable materials — definitely in line with Mu’umu’u Heaven founder Deb Mascia’s commitment to sustainable island living. Inside the hut, there’s a nice mix of upcycled and updated dresses and some fun stuffed animals made from rubber and material. There also are t-shirts, accessories and vintage home accessories, plus a section dedicated to men’s aloha wear and Hawaiian art.

Speaking of art, you might remember that T-Galleria and Pow Wow Hawaii recently partnered to feature local artists and designers. Now, designer Yurie Okada and Tamara Rigney a landscape architect, florist and co-owner of Paiko, are among the local artists showcased at the space.

Although some of the items are at a higher price point than at the Kailua location, the pop-up supports local artists, and tax is included.

Here’s a look at the entire space from beginning to end

Mu’umu’u Heaven
T Galleria Hawaii
330 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
For more information call 808-931-2700 or visit Dfs.com

(From FrolicHawaii.com 4/10/2015) – Amanda Stevens

When mid-April rolls around, I always make it a point to check out the Iolani Fair. You could say I bleed red and black: Even though I’m a St. Joseph High School alumnus from Hawaii island, I coached track and field at Iolani for more than a dozen years. My social media handles are @coachmandy808.

I’m super excited that EK Fernandez rides will be back for the second year, giving the adults a thrill. For the little ones, check out the fun pony rides and petting zoo at “Keiki Kountry” between the Art Building and the Chapel.

For foodies, this year’s theme, “Adventures in Atlantis,” means you’ll find yummy seafood offerings such as fish tacos, clam linguine, and my fave, lobster and crab bisque. The Gourmet Food Booth features cooking demos by chefs Ronni Nasuti of Tiki’s Grill and Bar, Fred DeAngelo from Ola at Turtle Bay Resort, and Lydell Leong of 3660 on the Rise. They’re also showcasing fresh salads, desserts, Greek and bulgogi wraps and drinks such as coffee jelly, bubble tea and Italian sodas.

Here’s a few insider tips that will help you maximize your enjoyment:

• Don’t waste time looking for parking on Kamoku Street. Park at Kaimuki High School, it’s only $5 and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Kaimuki High School Athletic Fund.

• Purchase your scrips towards the middle of the Fair grounds. The first booth you see will always be the most crowded.

• Once you have your scrips, divide and conquer. Scope out the rides, then when you decide, one person should wait in line and the other should purchase the ride tickets.

• Wear covered shoes. I learned this the hard way. Dust and dirt aren’t good for your pedicure.

• Wrap a jacket around your waist. If the entertainment/food tent is too full, you can find a nice spot on the grass and simply sit on your jacket.

• Divide the malasadas. If the lines are super long towards the end of the night and you want a bunch of malasadas to take home, take your family and friends to the express line and have each person purchase the maximum amount.

So whether you’re a full-on Raider fan like me, or just looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out the Iolani Fair.

Adventures in Atlantis
Iolani Fair 2015
563 Kamoku St.
Today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday)
12 noon to 10:30 p.m.
Free admission

(From FrolicHawaii.com 3/31/2015) – Amanda Stevens

Some people are born with that adventurer gene, you know the type – can’t sit still for long, and they light up when they talk about hiking, surfing, and traveling to Tahiti. One of them is Jake Mizuno, co-owner of Milo HNL, a new lifestyle boutique that opened at Kahala Mall. First things I noticed were the cool orange fireplace at the entrance, the massive vintage spotlight and the French radio station playing over the sound system. Not your typical surf shop.

(From FrolicHawaii.com 3/11/2015) – Amanda Stevens

There’s so much more to fashion photography than flowing dresses and gorgeous models. Astute fashion photographers are familiar with design, textiles and different fabrics – to them, it’s about the artistry and fantasy, not just commercial appeal.

Now through March 31 at Ward Plaza’s Canon U.S.A., you’ll have a chance to see the work of Yi Lin Hu. The collection is presented in three sections: intricacies of fashion design, contemporary portraiture and cinematic fashion story lines. The photos feature clothes by local designers Beverly Horton, Kini Zamora, Dinko Satta and Joelle Perry.

I had a chance to sit with Yi Lin Hu for a quick Q&A:

When did you first fall in love with photography?
I was born in Canton, China and it wasn’t until I was 19 years old that I got my first camera soon after my parents and I moved to Honolulu. In my early photography journey, I took many photos of  flowers, animals and landscape, like other novice photographers.

In 2013, I met Mark Arbeit who conducted a fashion photography workshop and shortly after started working as his photo assistant. He shot for French and Italian Vogue and much more, and he introduced me to true fashion photography. He taught me to pay close attention to detail and how to direct the models. But the most precious thing I learned from him is that a good photographer must have a good personality.

What do you look for in a subject?
Fashion, music, movies, photographs, and all the things around me are my inspiration. I am not really looking for something specific, but I always open my mind to new things.

Let me use this photo as an example:

Stylist Reise Kochi showed me this interesting black Chinese dress with matching accessories that inspired me to recreate this red and blue dramatic lighting seen in the image on the right. Makeup artist Vanessa Li exaggerated the model’s lips, eyes and skin tone.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite shots from the opening reception:

Yi Lin Hu fashion photography exhibition
Through March 31
Canon U.S.A. at Ward Plaza
210 Ward Ave.
Admission: Free
yilinhu.com

 

(From FrolicHawaii.com 2/20/2015) – Amanda Stevens

This week’s Trend Report fashion show at Neiman Marcus featured 2015 spring collections, showcasing the trends of new bohemian, spice market, mix don’t match and white on white.  I’ve attended Neiman Marcus runway shows for many seasons and it always serves as a fashion compass in Honolulu. Stylist Ann Smith transformed each look from youthful to 40-plus age-appropriate styles with a few creative tweaks: light jewelry or layers of jewelry; flat sandals or chunky platform flats; a mini dark-navy jacket or a mini washed-denim jacket.

Take a look at my favorite moments on the runway and after the show.

Spice Market: Michael Kors beige suede jacket, Vince chambray, Incotex salmon linen pant, and Tom Ford brown leather sneaker. (Model: Roycen)

Spice Market: I love this Alexander Wang black sleeveless jacket so much, I almost pulled it off of the model. Isabel Marant red leather mini skirt and Balenciaga suede gray lace up. (Model: Juliette)

Spice Market: PERFECTION! Love this Emilio Pucci pink coral print one shoulder short dress. (Model: Justine)

Spice Market: Jil Sander orange nylon jacket, Elie Tahari soft jade asher blouse, Vince olive jogger pant (joggers are still on trend), Givenchy beige with orange trim satchel, and Lanvin espadrille wedge. (Model: Mandy)

Spice Market: Carven photo print blouse, Red Valentino orange skirt , Elizabeth and James ivory leather bucket bag/backpack, and Vince beige wedge. (Model: Rain)

Mix, Don’t Match: Armani Collezioni off-white sport jacket, Robert Graham dark gray shirt, J Brand brown jeans, and Tom Ford brown leather sneaker. (Model: Roycen)

Mix, Don’t Match: Love the graphic designs on this Etro dress. (Model: Justine)

Mix, Don’t Match: M Missoni knit open cardigan over an Alice and Olivia white lace crop top. (Model: Mandy)

Mix, Don’t Match: My favorite look of the show – Isabel Marant Etoile sheer maroon ivory print blouse, Stella McCartney blue print handkerchief skirt and blue and red elastic belt, and Lanvin navy t-strap chunky heel sandal. (Model: Juliette)

Mix, Don’t Match: Favorite men’s look of the show – Etro black and white striped shirt, D-Squared white denim, Alexander McQueen black and white polka dot cardigan, and Saint Laurent black fang print sneaker. (Model: Roycen)

Mix, Don’t Match: Fit for a Royal perhaps Kate…Dolce and Gabbana white peacoat with black frayed dot print, Akris Punto black and white print crop pant, and Roger Vivier black patent sandal. (Model: Justine)

White on White: Alexander McQueen white long sleeve ruffled blouse, Current Elliot off-white stretch coated denim, Tom Ford tan mini alix bag, and Vince beige leather mule. (Model: Juliette)

White on White: Armani Collezioni white sport jacket with gray trim on lapel, D-Squared white shirt with polka dot collar, Incotex white linen pant, and Balenciaga white leather sneaker. (Model: Roycen)

White on White: Giorgio Armani white dress, Brunello Cucinelli ivory window pane sleeveless anorak, and Alexander McQueen gold thong flat sandal. (Model: Mandy)