Samoan fashions arriving at Soleil
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
Samoan fashion house MENA, owned by the four Loheni sisters, makes its Hawai'i debut at an event from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday at the O Lounge, 1349 Kapi'olani Blvd.
MENA fashions were seen in "Samoan Wedding," a huge hit at the Hawaii International Film Festival last year. Summer Vaimaona, a 1999 Kamehameha graduate and owner of Soleil boutique, has had MENA on her radar since she opened. She is putting on the event, and she will be carrying the line beginning next week.
The event also features R&B artist Afatia Thompson, as well as a film featuring the fashions of MENA. The fashions feature the bright fabrics of Polynesia paired with the sophisticated styles of Auckland and London, where the sisters have lived.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, available through Soleil at 909 Kapahulu Ave., or charge by phone at 735-5360. Information: www.soleil808.com.
'NAUGHTY OR NICE'
When Anné Au closed her self-named boutique, Anne, in Kaimuki, she took with her a lot of gorgeous clothes by the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Jovovich-Hawk. Now she's taken her show on the road, so to speak, offering trunk shows to women who would rather avoid the clamor and cacophony of holiday mall shopping.
Three "Naughty or Nice" trunk shows, from 3 to 7 p.m. tomorrow and Dec. 8 and 15, will feature Au and several local clothing and jewelry designers in an evening of informal partylike shopping at the thirtyninehotel.
Other designers will include Justine Jones jewelry, Urban Nomad vintage pieces and Ladies First lingerie. The event will also feature mini-makeovers with mineral-based makeup; Pinky Vodka will be served in holiday cocktails.
LILY LOTUS DEALS
Momi Chee, designer of Lily Lotus yoga and day wear, will hold a trunk show and holiday sale from 4 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Alliway Boutique in Ward Warehouse. She will feature past and current collections at 25 percent to 50 percent off.
Other local artists will include MiuArtworks prints and stationary, MayaPapaya Jewelry and Carey's Creations.
SURF LINE ON 5 ISLANDS
Surf Line Hawaii's surfin' safari continues, as the company expands its reach. Those fabulous clothes, in prints and styles reminiscent of the '60s and '70s, are now available on five islands. A Surf Line Hawaii/Jams World store opened in Lahaina, Maui, at the end of last summer.
Now the Butt-Cut pants, sleek little dresses, Decals and Motorcycle prints and other prints and pieces, as well as accessories, can be found at an ever-growing list of stores, including Surf Garage in Mo'ili'ili, Mauka to Makai at Ward, Moonbow Tropics and 88 Tees in Waikiki and Wet Feet in 'Aina Haina; on Maui at Hana Highway Surf Shop in Pa'ia, Lightning Bolt in Kahului and Selections at the Four Seasons Wailea; on Lana'i at The Local Gentry in Lana'i City; on the Big Island at Storm Brothers in Kohala; and on Kaua'i at Hanalei Surf Co.
DESIGNER SUNGLASSES
Designer frames and sunglasses from such designer companies as Gucci, Armani, Christian Dior, Kate Spade and Juicy Couture will be featured in a trunk show at Eyewear Kahala in Kahala Mall from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Christian Dior and Gucci consultants will be on hand to help customers choose styles that will flatter. Information: 737-7973.
EILEEN FISHER'S LATEST
Eileen Fisher's Resort 2008 collection will be showcased at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Neiman Marcus Ala Moana, on the second level. The collection features bright, vivid colors along with warm neutrals and pastels in soft silhouettes. There will also be some sequins in keeping with the season.
Eileen Fisher Northwest Merchandise Coordinator Sesha Lovelace will present the collection and offer advice on layering and styling.
Reservations: 948-7403.
Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.