First there was Kicks Hawaii, then there was In4mation — cool shops based on street culture. They're both highly (though not totally) male-oriented.

That's why owner Christina Patino of Pearl City decided to open Exclusive, a women's boutique dedicated to street and skate wear, a self-described female version of In4mation and Kicks Hawaii. She'll carry lines such as Nikita (from Iceland), Upper Playground (from L.A. and San Francisco) and Fafi (from France). Most of her lines are designed by women. She also is introducing her own line of T-shirts called Ikandy.

It's more a lifestyle than fashion boutique. While there are lots of T-shirts, there also are pillows, books and music. Check it out during a grand opening party from 5 to 9 p.m. today; it's free and open to the public. Exclusive is at 1311 Kapi'olani Blvd., at Pi'ikoi Street.

Information: 593-9699 or www.exclusive-hawaii.com.

ALOHA ADASA, RAFAEL

The year 2007 will be remembered as a year in which we lost three favorite fashion boutiques. First Anne Au closed the doors of her self-named, fashion-forward collection of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Jovovih-Hawk. Au is now doing private trunk shows and helping women as a stylist/consultant.

Now 10-year-old Adasa is closing its online and brick-and-mortar boutiques. "It was time," said co-owner Jared Cargman. He and his wife and partner, iconic 1960s "Dr Pepper girl" Donna Loren, plan to stay on O'ahu and take life a lot easier.

There will be a special sale of office furnishings, sewing machines, mannequins and vintage fabrics. Since they don't have room in their home for all those fabulous pastel, '60s-inspired retro furniture pieces (yes, even the round, sphere and marshmallow chairs), those will be for sale as well. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, at 2023 Young St., near the intersection of Young and McCully. There's free parking in front of the store.

Mari Stewart, a respected buyer and owner of Rafael, also has decided to close her Chinatown boutique. Rafael was in Ala Moana Center for years, then went online and subsequently opened in Chinatown earlier this year. She plans to spend time helping out as her husband, Dave Stewart, develops a new Caribbean-inspired restaurant on Hotel Street, with salsa and tango in addition to a spicy menu.

SHU UEMURA HAIR

Shu Uemura was initially known for his work in Hollywood as the first celebrity makeup artist of Japanese descent. Now his name is seen on a high-end makeup and skin care line as well as his Tokyo lash bar, all carried at Neiman Marcus.

Most recently, Uemura developed a line of hair care products for professionals that are sold in three of Honolulu's most fashionable salons: CHOP Salon in Restaurant Row, J Salon in Chinatown and W Salon in Ala Moana Center. The line includes shampoos, conditioners, styling products and specialized treatments for normal, color-treated and damaged hair.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.

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