(from FrolicHawaii.com 12/20/15 – Tracy Chan & Amanda Stevens)

Honolulu Night Market held its last streetfest of the year on a rainy Saturday evening, with its annual Rogue Christmas theme. Along with the regular food offerings and shopping, a highlight of the event was the debut runway show from Palme the Label, which people stuck around to catch despite a nearly one-hour rain delay.

The show featured looks from various brands curated by co-founders Margaret Steinmeier and Aimee Imai, self-proclaimed shopaholics who joined forces and channeled their love for fashion into the label and online store Palme.

The look and feel of the show had strong a globetrotting resort vibe with a mix of cool-girl chic. Fashions ranged from dresses with free-flowing silhouettes, minimalist active wear, and my favorite piece, a printed petal split pant by Indah. Also featured were looks from Anvi – Imai’s creation that was born out of her early days as a designer of up-cycled tees and scarf accessories.

Here are snaps from Night Market and the runway show.

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(from FrolicHawaii.com 12/17/15 – Amanda Stevens)

Entering Wednesday night’s Wahine basketball Hoopla fundraiser at Hukilau restaurant, you instantly felt like part of the team. There were high-fives, a tunnel of cheers and coach Laura Beeman, who’s led a successful program for the past three years, waiting to greet you at the end of the line.

In attendance were super supporters and a who’s who of UH Manoa athletics, including new head football coach Nick Rolovich. Food and libations included a yummy root beer float from Anheuser-Busch Hawaii and tasty offerings from Murphy’s, JJ Dolan’s, MW Restaurant, Hukilau and Big Island Candies.

The event was sponsored by Downtown Athletic Club Hawaii, a non-profit that supports sports programs in Hawaii’s public schools, helps student-athletes achieve their post-secondary goals, gives them opportunities to learn about different cultures, and promotes participation of student and amateur athletes in local, national and international sports competitions.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite Hoopla moments:

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Photos by Amanda Stevens

(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.”