(from FrolicHawaii.com 2/15/16 – from Amanda Stevens)

What happened over the weekend? Well, if you were on the Windward side at the Koolau Ballrooms, you know that two Hawaii models were selected to represent the U.S. at London’s Top Model Worldwide contest in April.

Left to right: Tjan Hall (2015 Top Model Hawaii winner), Noa Ah Nee and Kristie Thornburg.

Noa Ah Nee and Kristie Thornburg won over a field of 16 finalists as the top male and top female models. Ah Nee, 19, is a professional model who aspires to a full-time career in the industry. Thornburg, 22, models for Larson Talent Agency and is training to become a pharmaceutical technician.

They each won a $10,000 scholarship to Argosy University, a trip to London for the competition and a tryout for a runway spot in London Fashion Week.

Top Model Worldwide is one of the leading international professional model search competitions. This is the second year in a row Hawaii winners will represent the United States in London.

Ah Nee during the swimwear competition.

Thornburg during the swimwear competition.

Keikilani Ho, executive producer of Top Model Hawaii and U.S. agent for Top Model, plans to expand the contest to the Mainland. She’s also a veteran of the pageant circuit, having competed in the Mrs. International Pageant in Chicago in 2013.

“Top Model Worldwide has catapulted the careers of winners and finalists,” says Ho. “Nirelda Andreka, Top Model Worldwide 2014 winner, went from being an aspiring model to landing a national campaign for a jewelry company, having a two-page spread in Maxim magazine and being on numerous covers on international fashion magazines. Arnaud De Champvigy, first runner-up in the male category, was recently selected to model for Italian fashion house Valentino.”

Here’s a look at the finalists who competed in swimsuit, casual wear and formal wear:

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(from FrolicHawaii.com 2/12/16 – Amanda Stevens)

Finally, a fresh and fun take on what it’s really like to be single.

“How to Be Single” follows the lives of four women in various stages of singledom. Recent college graduate Alice, played by Dakota Johnson, breaks up with her nice but safe longtime boyfriend so they can spend some time as “unattached adults” before making a lifetime commitment.

She then moves to New York, meets wild child Robin (Rebel Wilson) and gets schooled on how to be single. Lesson one: Never pay for drinks. Lesson two: Wait four hours before returning a guy’s text, and when you do, never use an emoji. You get the picture. Unfortunately, Wilson’s script is overloaded with one-liners that are much too reminiscent of her Fat Amy character in “Pitch Perfect” flicks.

In an effort to dive into her newfound singleness, Alice meets Tom (Anders Holm), the unapologetic man-slut/bartender with a heart, and in between random make-out sessions, they actually have some cathartic conversations about casual dating.

Two other characters emerge as fresh female archetypes. Alice’s overachieving sister Meg (Leslie Mann), an ob-gyn who has been too busy delivering babies to date, realizes that now in her forties she wants a child. Mann nails her character and portrays Meg with heart, raw honesty and vulnerability.

Obsessed with the online dating scene, Lucy (Alison Brie) manifests awkward moments in an honest tone, going beyond the typical lonely heart cliche character. Remember bartender Tom? Watch for the moment in another scene where he comes to her rescue. Classic!

I appreciate how Christian Ditter brought refreshing, likable male characters to life instead of relying on the formulaic jerks usually depicted in today’s rom-coms. Damon Wayans Jr. plays successful single dad David, who meets Alice at a mixer. Although Wayans doesn’t get a ton of screen time, his character has depth and gives the audience a real snapshot of what it’s like to be a single parent raising his daughter alone.

At the end, Robin gets real and puts Alice in her place, making for a redeeming moment for Wilson’s character beyond her typical lewd one-liners.

Truth be told, it’s really about those honest little moments of what it’s like to live alone – not knowing how to reset your cable box, sleeping in the middle of the bed instead of “your side,” and learning how to zip your own dress (no joke, that takes talent).

(from FrolicHawaii.com 2/11/16 – Amanda Stevens)

I’ve known Kini Zamora for almost eight years. The man is super laid back, almost shy. Competing on Lifetime’s fashion design hit “Project Runway” in 2014 was not only about stretching his design muscles but really coming out of his comfort zone to represent native Hawaiians and artists living and working in Hawaii.

Dubbed the “master of execution” by “Project Runway” judge Zac Posen, Zamora had a successful run on the show and made it to the final three. During that season, he showcased his collection in New York Fashion Week. Within a year he opened a multipurpose showroom in a large loft space in Halawa and launched two successful collections.

Photo provided by Lifetime.

So I was surprised to hear that when “Project Runway” called again, asking him to compete in its upcoming All Stars season, he agreed.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to uproot my life in Hawaii for weeks on end,” Zamora says, “but I felt that I had another chance to challenge myself as a designer, to know what my strengths are, what my weaknesses are and truly believe in what I create.”

OK. But the limelight? “Being that my company has expanded and grown ever since season 13, and going through the whole process, I knew what to expect the second time around,” he explains. “You’ll see how much more confident I am this season. If you don’t believe in your designs, why should anyone else?”

Denim coat by Zamora.

No one does denim like Zamora. I purchased this denim coat from his vendor booth during Honolulu Fashion Week. I expect to see denim in at least one of his designs.

And a little more sass and spunk. Zamora was Mr. Nice Guy in season 13, even allowing competitor Sean Kelly to take credit for an ensemble that was partly designed by him. To Kelly’s credit, Zamora says he gave him props off camera.

I also expect designers to push themselves more than ever. Everyone’s making a return appearance and going for the All Stars championship. I hope to see more glamour and more avant garde challenges.

Zamora’s biggest competition should be Dom Streater, winner of season 12.

When and where to watch it:

“Project Runway All Stars” debuts tonight, Thursday, on Lifetime at 7 p.m.

Scarlet Honolulu is hosting a viewing party Thursday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and “So Roots” performs at 6, followed by the show at 7.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 2/7/16 – Tracy Chan, Amanda Stevens, and Grant Shindo)

February’s night market kicked off festivities for one of the most anticipated art events worldwide, Pow! Wow! Hawaii, adding a fresh, artistic energy to the all-ages Our Kakaako block party, with artists from Honolulu and beyond live painting and drawing throughout the event.

Joining the vendors in the warehouse, the Pow! Wow! merch table had 2016 t-shirts and gear available, and volunteers passed out guides to the week-long artfest that takes place in and around Kakaako starting Monday. Just before the fashion show, Pow! Wow! School of Music students got to show off their skills, rocking the runway with a short live music set.

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Honolulu Night + Market Fashion Show by XIX Nineteen Palms

XIX Nineteen Palms made its Honolulu Night + Market debut before a large crowd less than a year after designer Ali Botma launched her collection in the islands. The looks are fresh, simple and clean with a tropical-meets-urban vibe. The silhouettes are slim yet flowing, and the dipped back and peek-a-boo elements are sultry, yet youthful. I love the story behind the name XIX Nineteen Palms: The 19th represents the date that Ali’s close friend began the long road to recovery from a traumatic injury, and the palm was an image Ali’s mother incorporated in each of her paintings.

The collection is sold in shops on Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii Island, California and online. For more info, check out the XIX Nineteen Palms website.

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(from FrolicHawaii.com 2/1/16 – Amanda Stevens)

Team Captain/football legend Michael Irvin. Photo by Lyle Amine.

Team Captain/football legend Jerry Rice. Photo by Lyle Amine.

Sunday’s Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium is history now, so you know that team captain Michael Irvin led his players to a 49-27 victory over Team Jerry Rice. Seattle’s Russell Wilson threw three first-half touchdown passes and earned offensive MVP honors, and teammate Michael Bennett was defensive MVP. Pregame entertainment included Rachel Platten singing her hit “Fight Song,” plus the Kamehameha Schools children’s choir and a keiki hula performance.

Rachel Platten sings “Fight Song.” Photo by Lyle Amine.

To help stop the yearly rumors that Pro Bowl is leaving Hawaii, here are my Top 5 reasons Hawaii deserves to host the Pro Bowl.

No. 5: Players love it. Most humans including pro NFL players love the perks of a trip to Hawaii in the dead of winter. And the islands are a great family-friendly locale.

Photos by Lyle Amine and Amanda Stevens.

No. 4: Two words: military and kids. It’s a lot more than just the game and all the parties. Pro Bowl always has special perks for kids and the military.

Marcus Mariota during the Oahu high school football teams and Hawaii NFL players half-time presentation. Photo by Lyle Amine.

Military color guard during the National Anthem and other members of the military are given special access during the game each year at Aloha Stadium. Photo by Amanda Stevens.

No. 3: It’s sunny and 80-plus degrees. Wave hi to your friends in Seattle, Chicago and New York! And make sure you’re wearing shorts and rubber slippers.

Photo by Lyle Amine.

Clear blue sky during the fly-over. Photo by Amanda Stevens.

No. 2: Post season or not, the athletes play hard. This includes NFL veterans, but especially the first-timers (action shots by Lyle Amine).

No. 1: A sell-out crowd. Fifty thousand fans filling Aloha Stadium looks good on national TV. Hawaii WANTS the Pro Bowl.

Fifty thousand fans doing “the wave.” Photo by Lyle Amine.

Enough said!

(from FrolicHawaii.com 1/31/16 – Amanda Stevens)

All fashions Harajuku came out for Friday’s Art After Dark at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Many were worn by eventgoers strutting their best Tokyo street looks; others were on the runway for the night’s Harajuku Station fashion show.

Amy Azada of Indie Visual List curated and directed the runway show and fashion installations. My former fashion intern, Azada was inspired by Sara Oka’s Harajuku Street Style exhibit at the museum as well as her own travels to Tokyo. All the garments were designed by students and graduates of Honolulu Community College and UH Manoa. Backdrops were created by UH Manoa fine art students. You’ll find some of the looks for sale at the museum gift shop soon.

Indie Visual List’s Harajuku Station fashion show:

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Art After Dark party pics:

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Photos by Eric Baranda and Amanda Stevens

(from FrolicHawaii.com 1/29/16 – Amanda Stevens)

Photo by Ka’ainoa Fernandez.

Warren Moon, Pro Bowl Football Hall of Fame quarterback, will no doubt go down in history for his prolific athletic career, but also for his philanthropy. Moon and a number of NFL notables hit Waikiki Thursday night for a dual-event to celebrate the Pro Bowl for the 17th year.

Photo by Ka’ainoa Fernandez.

The first event was a dinner at the Top of Waikiki. It benefited Moon’s non-profit, the Crescent Moon Foundation, which helps needy children who show a commitment to their community and charitable causes with their education.

The second, Moon’s Pro Bowl players after party at Sky Waikiki, will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Here’s a look at our favorite after party red carpet moments:

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Red carpet photos by Amanda Stevens.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 1/6/16 – Amanda Stevens)

Every New Year I like to showcase my favorite upcoming looks in fashion and beauty. I’m not drawn to the look of the moment, but styles that transcend. For instance, last year I collaborated with makeup artist Jonathan Freitas on makeup updates.

This year, for forecasts of looks that will get you through 2016, I turned to two respected veterans: prolific wardrobe stylist Kim Smith and hairstylist extraordinaire Paul Brown.

Paul Brown: 3 looks for hair

I don’t know if it’s because we’re both Portuguese, but Paul Brown and I have always vibed well, whether backstage at fashion shows or chatting it up at his salon at Ward Center. Here are his takes on the hottest looks for hair in 2016:

No. 1: No-nonsense up-do’s. Sleek, clean: a perfect way to streamline your look in the New Year. This year’s up-do’s are not about the prom or wedding hair.

Sleek updo at Ava Sky + Issa de Mar Honolulu Night Market Runway fashion show – photo by Eric Baranda.

No. 2: Bangs, bangs, bangs. Look for variations: fringe, Betty Page, faux and asymmetrical, to name a few.

Blunt bang on a Givenchy runway – photo courtesy of Imaxtree.

Blunt side bang on Kenzo runway – photo courtesy of Imaxtree.

No. 3: Fun colors are still in! With a caution: Brown notes that what you see on Pinterest and other sites could very well be in filter format, so try out your pastels and white/gray on a small section of hair before going all-in.

Photo courtesy of Paul Brown Salons.

Color variation called ‘mermaid hair’ – photo courtesy of Paul Brown Salons.

Kim Smith: 3 looks in fashion

Londoner-turned-kamaaina Kim Smith made a name for herself in Hawaii as the stylist for Neiman Marcus. Now independent, she’s really hit her stride. Here are some of Smith’s fave upcoming looks.

No. 1: Slip dresses and underwear as outerwear. Think warm to hot weather. Flashback to the 1980s.

Spring/Summer 2016 Calvin Klein – photo courtesy of Imaxtree.

No. 2: Spanish flair: not shy. Strong girl, strong statement. Look for textures, layers and ruffles inspired by Spanish couture.

Spring/Summer 2016 Louis Vuitton – photo courtesy of Imaxtree.

No. 3: Romantic is back. It’s all about softness, updated. Free-spirited and ethereal with a modern silhouette.

Spring/Summer 2016 Oscar de la Renta – photo courtesy of Imaxtree.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 1/2/16 – Amanda Stevens)

The new swanky indoor/outdoor venue of SKY Waikiki was the perfect place to start off the New Year with style and romance. Tickets were sold out, and although it was crowded, there was ample room on the dance floor and just enough space on the outside deck to ring in the New Year while watching the epic fireworks show in the sky reflecting on to the ocean. The experience – food, drinks, music, fireworks and the upscale atmosphere – was worth the cover.

Photos by Tina Mahina & words by Amanda Stevens.

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