April 22, 2015

Hawaii Opera Theatre’s ‘Sweeney Todd’

(From FrolicHawaii.com 04/22/2015) – Amanda Stevens

Peter Kendall Clark and Buffy Baggott as Sweeney Todd & Mrs. Lovett. Photo by Thee Photo Ninja. — Peter Kendall Clark and Buffy Baggott as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett. Photos by Thee Photo Ninja.

The 2014-2015 Hawaii Opera Theatre season ends strong with the dark and twisty tale of “Sweeney Todd.” This Stephen Sondheim classic draws you in from the first act. In the lead role, Peter Kendall Clark has a commanding presence that on stage feels quite different from the Hollywood adaptation starring Johnny Depp. Without the big-budget motion picture bells and whistles, the HOT production is more visceral. That’s a good thing.

After being wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years, Sweeney Todd returns to London’s gritty streets with revenge on his mind. He has a lot to be upset about: He learns that his wife, after enduring constant harassment, has taken her own life, and his 15-year-old daughter is being raised by one of his enemies. Armed with a straight razor, Todd poses as a famous barber. What a smart way to get close to the necks of his adversaries. My favorite scenes are with Mrs. Lovett (played by Buffy Baggott), a local baker who serves meat pies and encourages Todd’s taste for vengeance and carnage.

Other actors include Hawaii-born Jamie Offenbach (Judge Turpin), University of Hawaii professor Rachel Schutz (Johanna Barker), Jesse Blumberg (Anthony Hope), Michele Sexton (Beggar Woman), Luke Grooms (Beadle Bamford), Kyle Erdos-Knapp (Tobias Ragg), and John Easterlin (Adolfo Pirelli). Conductor Adam Turner makes his HOT debut. Stage director Karen Tiller returns to HOT to lead the artistic team, joined by choreographer Minou Allemand.

Hawaii Opera Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
Blaisdell Concert Hall on April 24, 26 & 28
Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at the HOT Box Office at 808-596-7858 or online at www.HawaiiOpera.org

April 19, 2015

Designers collaborate for Night Market fashion show

(From FrolicHawaii.com 4/17/2015) – Amanda Stevens

Sassy meets sweet is what you’ll find on the runway at Saturday’s Honolulu Night Market. It makes total sense that Angela Matsuo, owner and designer of Love at Dawn and Lynn Dagan, designer-in-chief at Chief Hawaii, will join forces to showcase their up-cycled fashions.

I recently visited the Love at Dawn studio, located on the second floor of the McCully Chop Suey building to preview both collections. Can I just say that I love how Matsuo takes an old mu’umu’u or grandmother’s duster and morphs it into a sundress that’s youthful with a hint of sexy. She’s not afraid to add an unexpected pocket enhancement to a gently used men’s flannel shirt that could have been worn at a Nirvana concert in the ’90s.

Accessories by Chief Hawaii add contrast and bold elements to the ensemble with rustic one-of-a-kind leather clutches; some with embossed messages, fringe or crochet accents. I love the collection of men’s crossbody bags with the large asymmetrical front pockets. I did some recon, and Dagan’s design and execution of her leather goods rivals Etsy’s best and prices are comparable,

Here’s a neak peek at some of the runway looks:

Love at Dawn transformation – before and after. One-of-a-kind vintage sea mint mu’umu’u with white polka dots, eyelet detail around the neckline & hemline halter with low back ($85). Designer Angela Matsuo.

A closer look at the dress re-work and details. Model Charyse Iseri.

Chief Hawaii full grain grape colored leather clutch with vintage poly fabric and crochet cotton fringe accents ($70).

Lynn Dagan showcases a Chief Hawaii navy full grain leather men’s crossbody with easy access to iPad and wallet, vintage olive army canvas strap and bullet rivets ($125). Love at Dawn vintage men’s deep green collar shirt with vertical lace print polyester front pocket ($45). Model Clayton Nelson.

Chief Hawaii navy full grain leather men’s crossbody with easy access to iPad and wallet, vintage olive army canvas strap accented with bullet rivets ($125). Love at Dawn vintage men’s deep green collar shirt with vertical lace print polyester front pocket ($45). Model Clayton Nelson.

Love at Dawn one-of-a-kind vintage mu’umu’u with lace bodice, backless with adjustable straps, pastel floral coral trim along hem ($75). Model Charyse Iseri.

Chief Hawaii snake skin embossed leather clutch with chocolate fringe burnt orange antique zipper ($90). Love at Dawn one-of-a-kind vintage mu’umu’u with lace bodice, backless with adjustable straps, pastel floral coral trim along hem ($75). Model Charyse Iseri.

Chief Hawaii olive full grain leather men’s crossbody bag with a vintage canvas army long strap, unlined for lighter weight and accented with bullet rivets. Fits small lap top or iPad, cell phone etc. ($125). Camel leaf embossed leather clutch paired with woven mocha leather, turquoise zipper and brown leather fringe ($90).

Production team cuts loose after a long work day: (left to right) Charyse Iseri, Lynn Dagan, Angela Matsuo, Kara Torres , Kiki Krog, and (seated) Clayton Nelson.

Honolulu Night Market – Passport
Fashion show begins at 8 p.m. Be there early to get a good seat.
Saturday, April 18
449 Cooke St.
On-site and street parking, Eat the Street lot at 555 South St., and paid parking at Restaurant Row

April 17, 2015

Top summer fashion trends

(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!”

Styled by Kagamida and Smith: Emporio Armani denim jacket ($265), Hugo Boss button-up shirt ($145) from Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss at T Galleria.

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.”

Styled by Wahl: Pon Pon KAWOWO Jumpsuit ($128), batik scarf with tassels ($28). Jumpsuit and scarf from Guava Shop, hand-crocheted white vest with hood from Kai Ku Hale ($54).

The Boho look in necklaces: Tahitian and freshwater pearls/wood and tassel ($45) and freshwater pearls with natural gemstones/agate/aquamarine/wood beads and tassel, both by Kaniwai from Kai Ku Hale ($45); one-of-a-kind necklace of vintage charms and beads ($219) by Katye Killebrew from MiNei Designs Hawaii.

Boho with leather accessories: Baggu brown leather bag ($165) and Linea Belle vintage leather belt ($132), both from Guava Shop.

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.”

Styled by Kagamida and Smith: Ralph Lauren cream blazer ($145), Tory Burch long gold necklace ($195), Ralph Lauren Polo white skirt ($298), all from T Galleria.

Bianca Jagger-inspired: Tory Burch sunglasses ($195) from Sunglasses 2nd floor at T Galleria.

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.

Savannah melon sandals ($235) from Tory Burch at T Galleria.

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.”

Pink flowing tank ($145) from Ralph Lauren Polo at T Galleria. Watermelon and peach lip shades from FIXX cosmetics.

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

Pearl City native Kyle Kagamida lives in Los Angeles, where he’s a wardrobe stylist with a growing Hollywood clientele including Bellamy Young and Andie MacDowell.

London-born Kim Smith had a successful career in fashion public relations before becoming a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu in 2004. Her work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television; she also helps individual clients with specific wardrobe needs.

Therese Wahl has been a bi-coastal wardrobe and lifestyle stylist for over 25 years. She styles for celebrities, music videos, TV commercials and international advertising campaigns. As a personal stylist she helps define and bring to life clients’ individual sense of style.

Pastels makeup concept by eyebrow and makeup expert Rene.

Rene of Sanctuary salon is a noted makeup artist who has worked on a number of television shows and movies in Hawaii over the past 20 years.

April 12, 2015

Mu’umu’u Heaven pop-up in Waikiki

(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

These are re-purposed doors from Punahou School.

Rayjai Babauta, T Galleria Product Sales Manager, shares interesting details about the entire space.

Gold and ruby vintage glassware circa the 1970s.

I love milk glassware and dishes with its vintage country vibe

This wicker chair is epic, and filled with pillows made from recycled aloha-themed material.

Olive green glass-ware circa 1960s-1970s.

These handmade ornaments can be given as gifts year round, but they would look great on a Christmas tree.

The beginning of the Hope For Man section featuring items deigned and curated by aloha shirt expert Dale Hope.

Hope For Man shirts are numbered and there are only a limited amount that have been made.

Dale Hope’s “Aloha Shirt” book published in Japanese.

Dale Hope’s original “Aloha Shirt” book published in English.

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

April 10, 2015

Insider tips for this weekend’s Iolani Fair

(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

March 31, 2015

Something new: Milo HNL

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

Jake Mizuno shows me tees from Plate Lunch, a local brand based on Maui.

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.

I interviewed Mizuno in the new space. He, his wife Asia and I vibed – maybe because we all went to high school on Hawaii Island.

Okay, let’s start with the name of your store.

The name pays tribute to the milo tree (Pacific rosewood), resilient against wind and salt spray, and considered a sacred tree by early Hawaiians. That’s juxtaposed against HNL, a nod toward the modern airport where journeys start and end.

Your store has a definite masculine adventurer vibe, how is it different from your other stores?

My business partner Shyrah Maurer and I also run Quiksilver Board Room and Up & Riding stores at Kahala Mall. But Milo HNL is different. It offers clothes and accessories for men and women who embrace the idea that life is the journey, not the destination. Think of it as a style, travel and surf boutique. You’ll find tanks, board shorts, bikinis, hats, casual dresses, board bags, surf accessories, books and other gift items from brands like Patagonia, Deus, Mucho Aloha, Raen eyewear, Plate Lunch, What Youth, Brixton, Dakine, Apolis, Drifter, Quiksilver Modern Original and more.

Speaking of brands, what are some of your local brands?

We are always on the hunt for new creative talent and local brands, and our retail mix will change from time to time. Right now, we carry Milo-branded items, Plate Lunch tees and hats and Dakine clothes and accessories. By the way, Plate Lunch founders are the sons of the Dakine founders.

What’s next for Milo HNL, perhaps a Milo in Hilo?

I don’t know about Hilo, but we are opening a store in Kakaako real soon, that will be our flagship store. My longtime friend Kelly Slater is launching his new apparel line Outerknown this summer, catering to men and to women. We have been talking from the creation stage of the brand and it will be available in July. Milo HNL will be the first to carry Slater’s line in Hawaii.

Mizuno showed me this perfectly carved Hand Plane used for body boarding.

I told Mizuno that my college friends and I would have loved this invention at Sandy’s beach. We both joked how we used to use McDonald’s trays to slice through the wave. The Hand Plane is about $140.

MILO HNL will host a grand opening party at the Kahala space this spring.

March 20, 2015

Model Citizen – Kini Zamora

(From FrolicHawaii.com- 3/20/2015)- Amanda Stevens

*Model Citizen features inspirational individuals in fashion, art and entertainment who utilize their talents for the good of the community.*

Kini Zamora, fan favorite and finalist on Lifetime’s “Project Runway” season 13, has been paying it forward since returning from the show. One of his philanthropic projects is with Lanakila Pacific and their Meals on Wheels program, which delivers nutritious meals to those in need and is the only islandwide meal service for seniors. Zamora designed a limited edition tote whose sales will benefit the program.

We got an exclusive first peek at the tote and a chance to catch up with Zamora:

Tell me about the design of your tote.

The tote was inspired and designed around my knack for working with denim fabrics and my signature scissors that I wore throughout my time on the show, that I continue to wear.

Zamora wearing his signature scissors on "Project Runway."Photo courtesy of Lifetime. — Zamora wearing his signature scissors on “Project Runway.”Photo courtesy of Lifetime.

What led you to connect with Lanakila Pacific?

Believe it or not, the connection happened through Frolic Hawaii. Frank Valenti from Lanakila Pacific read about my “Project Runway” viewing party on Frolic and that’s how we first met. Since then, he and his wife volunteered to help us out for our big show at Honolulu Fashion Week, and there began a friendship and partnership with Lanakila Pacific and their staff. They’re such good people!

Growing up, what did the Meals on Wheels program mean to you?

Since I can remember, Meals on Wheels was this awesome program there to kokua our kupuna with healthy food, quality “talk story” time and a link to other services they may want or need. It meant there was someone out there to help kupuna in need. It’s really an honor to be able to help prepare and deliver meals to kupuna in our community on this day. I encourage people out there to give it a try, come and support this program.

From your success on Project Runway and your international fan base, to come home and give back, how does it feel to come full circle?

Giving is a part of me, like it is a part of almost everyone here in Hawaii. I just feel blessed that with the success of the show and an increased support base, I’m able to help out even more and on a variety of levels. It feels great to be able to create and donate to such a great cause.

The totes are selling for $25 and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to benefit Lanakila Pacific and their Meals on Wheels program.

To purchase the tote go to www.LanakilaMealsOnWheels.org, call 356-8532 or go to www.kinizamora.com.

March 17, 2015

Hawaii fashion transplants in New York: Their top picks

(From FrolicHawaii.com 3/15/2015) – AMANDA STEVENS

Fashion Week is over, at least in New York, but the show goes on for five Hawaii transplants. All have made a name for themselves in one of the biggest, most competitive fashion markets in the world. What else do they have in common? They come from the same island — Oahu — and have aloha for the Big Apple. Here are their recs for comfort food, fun, chilling and of course, fashion finds.

WHO: Alli Inouye
WHAT: Director of Visual Merchandising and Display, Hermes

Best place for comfort food: I often end up at Menkuitei in the East Village when I need some comfort food. It’s a simple Japanese restaurant that kind of reminds me of ones we have in Hawaii and I can always get a reliable mabo tofu ramen or katsu curry and a cold beer.

Best restaurant for a splurge: I love to eat out (and splurge!) so I’m always trying something new! But I usually end up splurging most on sushi at Sushi Yasuda or 15 East.

Best place to chill: I live in south Brooklyn, so after work I like to get a cocktail or have a glass of wine at a neighborhood bar like Congress. On the weekends, getting a coffee at Cafe Pedlar or Blue Bottle is my relaxation ritual.

Best hidden treasure boutique: I literally wear jeans every day so I love the Brooklyn Denim Co. They have everything from limited edition Levi’s to small, craft brands like Matias.

WHO: Bliss Lau
WHAT: Jewelry & accessories designer; professor at Parsons The New School for Design

Best place for comfort food: For me, comfort food is saimin so I go to Ippudo and have ramen. Miso ramen is my favorite on a hot day. It takes three hours to wait in line so I go early, submit my name, then have a sake and eat!

Best restaurant for a splurge: Have you ever eaten at the Top of the Standard? (It used to be called the Boom Boom Room.) It has the most beautiful view in the entire city, a live cute jazz band and incredible food from chef Soa Davies. I have no problem dropping $23 on a cocktail for that!

Best place to chill: Living in New York City and being a water person do not mix. I think I do hot yoga in the winter just because I miss being hot!! I have a new favorite thing to do in the winter, the Airé Ancient Baths. It is in a dungeon-like space in Tribeca, hot pools and a sauna lit by candlelight. My favorite kind of pau hana.

Best hidden treasure boutique: Few things in New York City are still hidden treasures, although a great place to go shopping is Greenpoint. There is a little strip once you get off of the ferry that has cute coffee and tea. It makes for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Best place for fun: Favorite place to have a drink after work is The Ship in NoLlta. It looks closed at first glance but once you walk down the hallway and descend into the space it truly feels like you are inside a ship. Clearly I have a missing water issue here! Anyway, Cervantes is a well-known bartender/mixologist and he makes an incredible drink.

I love the Wooly, a little bar and music venue in Tribeca in the old Woolworth building. It has that old New York glamor and makes you feel like ordering a cocktail.

WHO: Lynne O’Neill
WHAT: Fashion show producer and director, Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week

Best place for comfort food: Japonica
My apartment in Greenwich Village is a block away, so it’s been my “dining room.” Sometimes I have lunch and dinner there on the same day. A favorite of mine is the Fried Tofu Teriyaki, but everything is ono. Bobby and I always take locals from Hawaii there and they always agree, including Uncle Eddie Kamae and his wife, Myrna, and Barry Flanagan of HAPA and his wife, Leslie.

Best place to chill: Connelly’s for pau hana with members of the Halawai. They’re Hawaiian locals and Hawaii lovers.

Best place for fun: Bobby and I love to explore the city on foot. We walk everywhere and are always inspired by what we discover and by just the energy of the city. One of our favorite places is The High Line, which begins in the Meatpacking District, where the Whitney Museum’s new home will open up this year.

Best hidden treasure boutique: The Comme des Garçons boutique. It’s not hidden, but a destination. I consider it a treasure trove of fashion.

WHO: Thuy Tran
WHAT: Agent for photographers, fashion production, beauty and commercial clients

Best restaurant for a splurge: Bohemia, Marea, Blue Hill-Stone Barns, Narcissa, ABC Kitchen are a few of my favorites. Per Se is still on my wishlist.

Best place to chill: Crosby St. Hotel lobby, which is around the corner from my office in Soho. It’s super cozy with great ambiance and food and drinks. On occasion, I have literally gone to relax at the spa after work. Great Jones spa has all the essentials to unwind, a water lounge, steam/sauna, and juice bar.

Best hidden treasure boutique: The Apartment. It’s a loft in Soho curated with beautiful things that are all for sale. The Line is their online counterpart.

Best place for fun: Bemelman’s Bar at The Carlyle or Cafe Carlyle if you can plan ahead, The NYC Ballet, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, “Sleep no More” at the McKittrick Hotel, Brooklyn Bowl, The Nitehawk for dinner and a movie.

WHO: Roman Young
WHAT: Director of Image Division, Wilhelmina Models

Best place for comfort food: Shake Shack in Madison Square Park near the Flatiron building. It’s one block away from my office and they make the best burger, fries and shake combo in New York. Be prepared, though: The lines are long and it’s best to go to the website and check out the Live Webcam to see how long the line is before going! Pick a day that’s extra cold or raining and you’ll get your food in no time!

Best restaurant for a splurge: Gaonnuri in K-town on 32nd and 9th. It’s an upscale Korean BBQ place on the 39th floor with an almost 360-degree uninterrupted view of Manhattan. It’s amazing to have such great food and service surrounded by that breathtaking view.

Best place to chill: I love going to BEA on 43rd Street between 9th and 10th. It’s a hidden place with a sign that’s backward and many people walk right past it. It has a great bar and I like to sit with friends by the window and watch the people going by.

Best hidden treasure boutique: For something affordable I love the Buffalo Exchange on 26th Street between 6th and 7th avenues. It is a thrift store in the Fashion District where you can find amazing designer pieces for super cheap! I always walk past it on my way home and almost always I find the best deals.

I also love Story and Steven Alan on 10th Avenue near 19th Street. These two places have cool collections that they carry and although it’s a bit more expensive, it’s worth it just to visit that area for the day. Lots of cool restaurants in the area and a flea market.

March 15, 2015

First look: Unlock your style fashion give-aways

(From FrolicHawaii.com- 3/15/2015)- Amanda Stevens

Sips, sweets and shopping – that’s what you can expect tomorrow night at Kahala Mall. Starting at 5 p.m. Stop by and get your free personal key and passport to get started. I suggest you get there early; there’s a limited amount of keys and it all ends at 8 p.m. Best part of it all, they’ll be giving away a $250 Spring ensemble from Adore, 33 Butterflies, Ohelo Road, Macy’s or SoHa Living. Here’s how it works – fill out the form on last page of your passport, check out the Spring selection from those stores. Drop the form next to your favorite look and you could win the entire look or a two-night stay at The Modern Honolulu, or 40K HawaiianMiles, or a $300 Kahala Mall shopping spree. At 8 p.m., go to the center court area to find out if you won – oh yeah, you must be present to win.

Here’s the absolute first look at the spring picks you could win, modeled by their super stylish sales clerks:

Adore

33 Butterflies

Macy’s

Ohelo Road

SoHa Living

Soha2 — SoHa Living: these items are valued at more than $250.

March 11, 2015

On now: Yi Lin Hu fashion photography exhibit

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

Painter and sculptor Kahi Ching admires Yi Lin Hu’s work. Photo by Harry Yu.

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:

Designer Beverly Horton looks on at her featured yellow jumpsuit; stylist Jose Santamaria, makeup Jonathan Freitas, hair Jake Acedo. Photo by Roly Nuesca.