Michelle Van Veenendaal (pictured above), owner of LBDB Little Black Dress & Bikini in Kahala Mall, has opened a new boutique called Lilikoi at Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki. “‘Lilikoi’ is the Hawaiian word for passion fruit, and it adeptly describes my passion for both Hawaii and the local designers who are flourishing here,” says Van Veenendaal, who was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Hawaii in 1992. “We carry designer bikinis and resort wear, but also a growing representation of local designers of swimwear, clothing and accessories. I am always looking for new Hawaii designers to showcase at Lilikoi.”

Keona Cross: Inbar Maor for LBDB Swimwear braid reversible triangle slide top $72 and reversible bottom $72, handmade shell necklace $35, shell earrings $25

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Among the designers you’ll find at Lilikoi are LBDB exclusives, Sky Collection, Elan, Lisa Maree, Living Hula, Wonderland Honolulu, Akua Creative, Puka Bug Shell Jewelry, Moana Sua Jewelry, Allison Lynn Designs, Noho fabric clutches and beach signs, Bicycles & Buttons fabric clutches and Mahealani hand-painted hats. For bikinis, brands include Hawaii designer Inbar Maor for LBDB Swimwear, KJ Kinis, Seafolly, Vix and Sofia, PilyQ and L*Space.

Lilikoi is located in the lobby of the Pacific Beach Hotel (2490 Kalakaua Ave.). There’s free validated parking with any purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/lilikoiwaikiki or call 737-3337.

Makeup and wardrobe styling by Jolie La Belle
Photos by Nathalie Walker

Alicia Van Bokhoven of Kailua always has dreamed of having her own clothing line, and this month that dream became a reality with the launch of her luxury swimsuit line ROVE SWIMWEAR.

“I started with bikinis because growing up in Hawaii, a bikini is a staple piece in a female’s wardrobe and it’s the first thing she puts on to start her day,” says Van Bokhoven, who attended Punahou School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from University of Hawaii. “I wanted to offer a line that is comfortable, stylish and one-of-a-kind. This first collection was heavily inspired by my travels to Indonesia and other amazing destinations like Brazil and Australia.”

Dawn Hunt: Rove Swimwear ‘Hana’ one-piece in beach glass $204 | R Breit photo.

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Described as luxurious bohemian swimwear, ROVE features hand-crocheted and macrame pieces, silky and soft high-quality fabric and custom linings. Van Bokhoven, who also has a passion for the ocean, where she enjoys surfing, shell hunting and diving, adds that she plans to eventually expand her line to cover-ups and outerwear.

“ROVE sets itself apart by incorporating texture fused with comfort and weara-bility,” she notes. “Our fabrics are extremely high-quality and soft, but durable enough for high activity including surfing.”

ROVE can be found at The Bikini Room in Hanalei, and purchased online at Beachwahine.com and thebikiniroom.com. Beginning in April, it will be carried at San Lorenzo in Ala Moana and Paia, Diane’s Beachwear and ALOHILANIboutique.com. For more information, visit roveswimwear.com, call 222-8429 or visit it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @Roveswimwear.

Photos by Nathalie Walker

Fashion designer Beverly Horton lived in New York City for 20 years before moving to Hawaii, and her new resort collection is reflective of her new life in the Islands.

Born in Boston and raised in a small suburb north of Boston, Horton learned to sew from her mother at an early age, and says designing for her was innate. She attended The School of Fashion Design in Boston, and worked for various luxury retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman for Manolo Blahnik.

Beverly Horton

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“I constantly had clients and coworkers inquiring, ‘Where did you get that?,’ regarding the wardrobe I designed for myself,” recalls Horton, who lives in Waikiki. “My clothing line offers year-round women’s resort apparel in distinctive fabrics, chic timeless silhouettes encompassing comfort and versatility.

“My current collection is inspired by Studio 54 — boho chick, retro glam, resort style — in a mashup of textures and prints. Think modern meets vintage meets classic.”

Beverly Horton is available at The Modern Honolulu gift shop, and soon at Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui. She also is planning a fashion show March 15 at Turtle Bay Resort. For more information, visit her website beverlyhorton.com or call 312-1260. She also is on Twitter and Instagram at @hortonpost

From set design to costumes, music and performance, Disney’s THE LION KING is memorable, mesmerizing and simply impressive from beginning to end.

The musical returned to Hawaii for an exclusive eight-week engagement Jan. 14 and plays through March 9. It’s the longest and most successful Broadway production ever to come to Hawaii, with more than 180,000 people seeing it in Hawaii during its 2007 engagement.

Show director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor carving a mask for 'THE LION KING' | ©Disney

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Here, MidWeek gets an exclusive backstage look at some of the elaborate costumes, including Rafiki, which is one of the heavier costumes, a Lioness, Simba and Grassland.

Tickets range from $33 to $95 (plus applicable fees) and are available at LionKing.com, the Blaisdell Center box office, all TicketMaster outlets or by calling toll-free 866-870-2717.

Also this month, Disney Theatrical Productions will host open-call auditions at Ballet Hawaii (777 S. Hotel St., Ste. 101) for possible future replacements for both the Broadway and North American touring productions of Disney’s THE LION KING. The casting search will be overseen by casting director Mark Brandon, and male and female singers and dancers of all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

They are seeking strong, dynamic singers between ages 18 and 35 for all roles, including the African lions Simba and Nala. Auditions take place Feb. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Singers must bring sheet music of a song that shows off their voice and range in 16 bars (standard, classic R&B); pianist is provided. Singers should not perform standard Broadway theater music or material from THE LION KING. Also, bring a recent picture and resume.

They also are looking for strong female dancers of all cultural backgrounds between 18 and 30 years old with classical and modern dance background. Auditions for female dancers takes place Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m.

Strong male dancers of all cultural backgrounds ages 18 to 30 with classical and modern dance background can audition Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. Some male dancers require strong acrobatic skills.

Male and female dancers must be warmed up and ready to dance at their respective date and time in flat jazz shoes or bare feet. Dancers may be asked to sing, so bring sheet music and prepare a song that shows off your voice and range. Dancers also should bring a recent picture and resume, or a list of performance experience.

For more information, visit lionkingcasting.com.

FUN FACTS:

* Puppets in the show are made at puppet shops in Toronto and Oregon

* The costumes are made at five costume shops in New York.

* On stage, there are 250 costumes in the show every night, but they travel with 350 costumes.

* Costumes were brought here on five 757 cargo planes.

* All costumes are designed by show director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor, who won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design. She also won a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (making her the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor).

* Costumes are all handmade, and every costume is custom made to fit each performer.

Photos by Nathalie Walker

Fighting Eel teamed up with local designer Matt Bruening for their first collaboration collection called MB + FE, resulting in a great mash-up of their two styles – Fighting Eel’s timeless classics with Bruening’s young, urban style.

“We are friends (with Matt), so it’s an easy working relationship because we understood each other’s designs and can work together with ease,” notes Fighting Eel owners/designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung.

Mehana Kane: MB + FE ‘Top Rex’ in burnt orange $92, MB + FE ‘Shorts Ray’ in black palm $66, felt hat $30

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According to Bruening, the collection was European-destination inspired.

“I imagined a woman traveling to the beautiful coastal areas of Europe, who enjoys fun prints and classics that would be both effortless yet different when it came to wardrobe,” says Bruening, who was born and raised in Makaha. “I kept in mind that a variety of pieces would work well for this, so tops and dresses became my priorities.

“The woman of this collection loves dresses, but enjoys separates as well, and I feel like we’ve come up with some great pieces to fulfill that desire. We’ve also kept our ‘women who dare to take the risk’ in bold colors and prints, as well as our ladies who just keep it classic and chic in neutral solids, clean lines in sleek shapes.”

Separately, Bruening also is releasing a new collection for spring, as well as freelancing for resort line Salt Liko, which will be released in early summer.

As for Fighting Eel, customers will find new, fresh prints this year, as well as different fabrics, and possibly a Bamboo Collection.

MB + FE can be found at Fighting Eel stores located at 1133 Bethel St. in Downtown Honolulu, 629 Kailua Road and in Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. For more information, visit fightingeel.com or call 738-9300.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring.

Yes, spring is almost here, so start making room in your closet for some of the season’s must-haves, including crop tops, high-waisted shorts and floral dresses.

Mandy McGarry: Kenzo leaf print dress $805, 7 for all Mankind white denim jacket $298, Vince nude wedge sandal $395, CUSP bangle $48 and Tom Ford white enamel sunglasses $450

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According to Neiman Marcus, the fashion trends for spring are:

*Artistic Prints
*Pinks
*The Pink Lip
*Summer Booties – with straps and cutouts
*Short Stories – crop tops and shorts
*White with Black – not black with white
*Layered Bracelets
*Shirt Chic
*Denim on Denim
*Backpacks

Some other trends you’ll see this spring are sporting inspiration in fabrications and design, all shades of white, prints including camouflage and florals, and boat shoes for men.

Also, if you know someone who is beautiful inside and out, Neiman Marcus is looking for six women to be the Faces of Beauty for their fall campaign. It’s their Be YOU, Be Beautiful Fall 2014 Faces of Beauty Search. Winners should epitomize beauty through their attitude, mindset and lifestyle.

Prizes include a trip to Dallas to enjoy a private fitting at the Neiman Marcus flagship store Downtown, as well as a host of other chic treats. They also will be chauffeured to and from their photo shoot with a New York fashion photographer, and then they get to keep the wardrobe. Submissions should be limited to a paragraph (include how the nominee dedicates her time, her charitable efforts, how she strives to make the world a better place and anything else that makes her beautiful in your eyes) and include a photo. Entries will be accepted through March 31. For more details or to submit your nomination, visit Neiman Marcus’ Facebook page.

And be sure to stop by the store for The Beauty Event, where customers who purchase $125 or more in cosmetics or fragrance will receive a free bag and samples (see photo below). In-store offer ends March 2. For more information, call 951-8887.

Photo from Neiman Marcus

Illest has opened its first Hawaii store at Our Kakaako, offering its popular line of clothing for men, women and children.

“Illest is more than just a simple expression,” explains owner Mark Arcenal, who lives in Northern California but travels to Hawaii often. “To understand, one must trace back its lineage to parent company Fatlace. Born in 1999, Fatlace initially started as a blog about the elements of hip-hop, with roots in music, breakdancing and graffiti. Another collective interest among the Fatlace family is cars, which inevitably became a central focus for the brand.”

Taelson Larrow: illest ‘BP letterman’ in charcoal $160, illest ‘Safari Bold’ pullover in black $56

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As for the meaning of illest, Arcenal defines it as the best an individual can be. He notes the term was pulled from lyrics by New York City rappers in the early 1990s and soon grew in popularity. Fatlace started creating cursive illest T-shirts and stickers, and soon followers of the brand began displaying them on their cars, and in 2006 illest officially was born under Fatlace’s wing.

“Illest has evolved into what you see today, and is still pushing forward with collaborations, motorsports sponsorships, b-boy battles and more,” adds Arcenal, who has a bachelor’s degree in commercial design from San Francisco State University. “With allusions to hip-hop and strong ties to car culture, illest covets a collective and growing style of living. With that said, illest is always receptive to change, making sure that there is nothing better.”

For 2014, the company will release new and fun collaborations, including with G-Shock, Transformers and Voltron. Illest also has shops in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa, Calif. The Honolulu store only carries illest and a new brand called Puffer, in which Arcenal also is a partner. Illest Hawaii is located at 680 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 104A.

For more information, visit illestbrand.com, or on Instagram @illesthawaii or call 888-0956.

Jaclyn Carreira

Jaclyn Carreira always loved to sew and create things, and she grew up wanting to be a fashion designer. But it wasn’t until after having her third child that she decided to pursue that dream and started a line of minky travel and security blankets.

Initially called BeloBe Baby, Carreira started carrying her items at craft fairs on Hawaii Island, where she was living at the time. The response was positive, and she slowly added new products each year. In 2011, she moved back to Oahu and the next year renamed her company to Keiki Elements, adding stroller liners, reusable diapers with matching screen printed T-shirts, hats and more. She also has been designing apparel, including dresses, aloha shirts and tank tops for children age 2 to 8; which she plans to launch in May.

Melahi Palencia, Kaua Carreira and Aador Akiona: Keiki Elements tank top $18 and trucker hat $16

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“We are a keiki line of fashionable, always island-inspired kids wear and baby products,” says Carreira, 31. “But not only do we have awesome products, we also want to inspire parents and keiki to get out and explore our beautiful islands and their natural elements, and learn to preserve them for generations to come.”

Carreira lives in Windward Oahu with husband Marc and their three children Juliana (10), Mason (9) and Kaua (6). Juliana and Kaua also host a keiki news blog on the Keiki Elements website.

On Oahu, Keiki Elements can be found at various stores and boutiques, including Tini Manini, The Growing Keiki, Na Mea, Castle Medical Center gift shop and Ohana Island Style. It’s also carried at Hale Zen on Maui, Kokonut Kids on Kauai and Waimea General Store on Hawaii Island. It also will have a booth at the Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and at the New Baby Expo in May.

For more information, search for Keiki Elements on Instagram and Facebook, or visit keikielements.com.

Barrio Vintage, a specialty boutique in Chinatown, is collaborating with The Manifest for a fashionable evening of style, spirits and music Friday, March 21, at The Manifest (located at 32 North Hotel St.).

Letrice Mitchell: 1960s printed mini by Aladdin $25, 1970s YSL chunky necklace $75, gold chain costume necklaces $16, 1970s frame sunglasses $8

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The free fashion event is open to the public with music by DJ Time and DJ Farley at 7 p.m., followed by a fashion show at 9 featuring an extensive collection of vintage pieces from Barrio Vintage, including psychedelic prints from the 1960s and ’70s, striking and modern silhouettes, as well as custom-designed statement pieces.

Owners Bradley Rhea and Jonathan Saupe (pictured at right) started Barrio Vintage three years ago, when they moved to Chinatown and set up shop by hosting various pop-up events out of their loft apartment during Chinatown’s First Friday and at Art and Flea in Kakaako.

In 2012, they opened a store-front at 1160 Nuuanu Ave., featuring a fashion-forward collection of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories for women and men. “We love that vintage allows people to have an extremely attainable personalized way of expressing themselves,” says Rhea. “All items are unique within the store and hand-chosen to complement a diversity of styles.”

Rhea adds that they always are looking for new vintage items to add to their store, including clothing, accessories or jewelry. People with items for sale are welcome to stop by the store or for larger/onsite buys (on Oahu or the Mainland), call 674-7156 to arrange an appointment. For more information, visit barriovintage.com.

Mark your calendars! H&M is set to open its first store in Hawaii March 27 at noon.

Located in Waikiki Business Plaza (2270 Kalakaua Ave.), the flagship store will feature 31,000 square feet of fashion for women and men, including separate “store within store” sections for accessories, lingerie and sports apparel.

Angela Byrd: H&M denim dress $99, H&M suede knee-high boots $199

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On opening day, H&M will offer the first 500 people in line a limited-edition tote bag, as well as an Access to Fashion Pass valued from $10 to $500, in addition to more special offers for the whole family.

Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more information, call 855-466-7467.

Photos by Nathalie Walker
Page design by Nicole Thommes

Nate and Shie Clark

After running an online boutique for eight years, Shie Clark decided it was time to connect with her customers directly and opened We Are Iconic at 1236 Waimanu St. (across from Ala Moana Center and Kissaten Cafe), along with husband Nate.

“The thing that we have been hearing most from our customers is that there is nothing else like us,” note Shie and Nate, who moved to Hawaii last year from Japan. “They feel as if they are in New York, L.A. or Tokyo. Our target is the more urban, city-style women who fit a cool, edgy and sophisticated look.”

We Are Iconic, which opened last December, offers a great collection of the latest fashions from New York, L.A., Europe and Australia. Some of the brands you’ll find are Cameo, James Perse, Current/Elliott, Eugenia Kim, Joie, Elizabeth and James, Clu and Paper Denim & Cloth.

Sierra Vaughn: Paper Denim & Cloth 'Wolcott' tee in fog $85, Current/Elliott 'The buddy trouser' in vintage army with stripe $228, Joie 'Kidmore' slip-on sneakers $190

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Shie, who was born and raised in Japan, has a background in makeup, hairstyling and wardrobe styling. She also studied marketing and business at University of California-Santa Barbara, and previously owned the online boutique sxtstyle.com.

Nate is originally from California and worked in sales for Bosch Diagnostics, Axia Payment Technology & Commerce Solutions. He also enjoys photography and takes most of the photos for the store’s web-site.

For more information, visit shopweareiconic.com or call 462-4575. Also, follow them on Instagram @weareiconic_honolulu.

The American Cancer Society presents its second annual Hope Gala Honolulu May 17 at the Hawaii State Art Museum, as well as an exclusive pre-gala fashion show featuring a special collection by Anne Namba Designs April 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Anne Namba Design studio.

Known for her beautiful “East meets West” designs, this year marks 25 years for Anne Namba Designs. “I like to think my fashions are for somebody who likes interesting and different prints and fabrics,” says Namba, who also will be honored by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles this year.

Shanna Hulme: Anne Namba Designs peacock embellished opera coat $1,200

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Namba offers women’s casual and formal wear, as well as men’s dress shirts. She also has become a favorite for wedding gowns, and mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom outfits. Her boutique/showroom is located at 324 Kamani St. (near Ward), and her print line also is available at Macy’s and select resort stores, including in the Halekulani and Grand Wailea.

The pre-gala fashion show is a private event, but those who make a donation to Hope Gala Honolulu may receive an invitation. For more information, email arthur.grau@cancer.org or call 432-9156.

For more information on Hope Gala Honolulu or to make a donation, visit hopegalahonolulu.org.

Jewelry by Anna Meng, available at Anne Namba Designs
photos by Nathalie Walker
page design by Nikki Thommes

The 48th annual University of Hawaii Senior Fashion Show is set for April 27 at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, featuring the designs of seven senior and seven junior designers.

Designer: Sarah Yamashige
Model: Leilani Chow
Collection name: Redamancy
Outfit: Gold ribbon pleated damask dress

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For the show, titled Reverie: Daydreams Set Adrift, each senior designer will show her individual collection, as well as her designs for two special categories – Reinvented Culture and Rational Science. Reinvented Culture features sustainable designs using recycled materials, inspired by modern folklore/ethnicity, a nostalgic sensibility and a succession of tradition.

Rational Science consists of wearable technology using LED lights, inspired by geometric minimalism and modern avant-garde.

The junior designers will open the show with their designs. The show takes place in the hotel’s Kona Moku ballroom. A silent auction begins at 4:30 p.m., and the fashion show at 6. Tickets cost $25, or $50 for VIP (includes reserved seating and a gift bag). Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is located at 2552 Kalakaua Ave. For more information or to purchase tickets, email fdmproduction.uhmanoa@gmail.com.

photos by Anthony Consillio
page design by Nicole Thommes

BOY’S DAY OR CHILDREN’S DAY, a Japanese holiday traditionally designated to honor sons in the family but has evolved to include all children, is celebrated May 5.

Sky Kanekoa Yasutake: Generation Kikaida kids T-shirt $11.99

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On this special day, families will fly koinobori or carp-shaped streamers outside their homes (with the number of carps representing the number of boys in the household), and buy gifts for their children, such as intricate samurai dolls (representing strength and bravery) inside a glass case displayed in the house.

Featured here are some fun Boy’s Day fashions and gift items available at Shirokiya through May 5, or while supplies last. Also, stop by Shirokiya’s Ohana Sunday event May 4 from 1 to 4 p.m., celebrating both Boy’s Day and Mother’s Day. There will be a Mother’s Day fashion show, craft projects for kids, temporary tattoos and a photo station.

For more information, call 973-9111.

photos ANTHONY CONSILLIO
page design KAMELE ESKARAN

The Fashion Technology Program at Honolulu Community College presents C’est si bon “It’s So Good,” a student-designer fashion show Saturday, May 3, at the Marine Education and Training Center at Sand Island.

Designer: Cynthia Verano Model: Shirell Bell Outfit: Persianinspired lace gown with cape

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On the runway will be designs by 14 senior designers, who have each produced at least five looks for the show. Designs range from avant-garde to contemporary Polynesian wear, bridal and evening gowns, men’s wear, plus sizes and more. In the past, graduates from HCC have gone on to become successful designers, shop owners, tailors, pattern makers, alterationists, graders, teachers, as well as finalists on the popular reality TV show Project Runway. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30. Tickets to the show are sold out, however, standing-room-only tickets will be sold at the door for $10. Cash only. For more information, call 845-9203.

photos by Nathalie Walker
page design by Nicole Thommes

The 17th annual New Baby Expo takes place May 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Neal Blaisdell Center, featuring more than 150 vendors specializing in products and services for those who are expecting as well as families with infants, toddlers and/or preschool-age children.

Nikie Torio: Malama Baby maternity hospital gown $55

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There also will be informational booths, a children’s activity area, infant/toddler play area, hourly demonstrations, entertainment and an appearance by costumed characters Curious George and YooHoo from YooHoo and Friends.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the latest fashions by local designers SewHIKai, Altered Ink and Malama Baby you’ll find at the expo.

General admission costs $5.50 (free for children age 5 and under). For more information, call 239-7777 or visit facebook.com/newbabyexpo or newbabyexpo.com (there’s a $1 off coupon on the website).

Tori Richard has moved its Ala Moana Center store to a new retail space in the Nordstrom Wing, Mall Level, featuring a redesign similar to its Kalakaua Avenue location, which opened last October, and its new store in King’s Shops at Waikoloa on Hawaii island, which opened last December.

Soon, the redesign will be reflected in all of Tori Richard’s new and renovated stores throughout the Islands, as well as in its concept stores on the Mainland.

Trini Kaopuiki: Tori Richard 'Rebecca' dress in Garden Paisley $165

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While its fashions for men and women are the main attraction, the new Ala Moana store also has a rare 1979 Austin Mini pickup truck soon to be parked inside that you’ll want to stop by to see. Custom-painted in Tori Richard’s signature

Pacific blue and white, the fully operable and road-legal vehicle is only about 8 feet long and 4 feet wide.

Featured here are some of the latest designs by Tori Richard, modeled by former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii USA titleholders, as well as current Miss Hawaii USA Moani Hara, at the recent Junior League of Honolulu’s 90th anniversary celebration at the Sheraton Waikiki.

In addition to Ala Moana Center, Tori Richard is located in Hilton Hawaiian Village, Outrigger Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, The Shops at Wailea, Whalers Village, The King’s Shops and St. Regis Princeville Resort. There also are concept shops in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Mashpee, Cape Cod, Mass., and Richmond, Va., and the brand can be found in more than 2,500 department stores and specialty stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, Mexico, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. For more information, visit toririchard.com.

photos by Lawrence Tabudlo
layout by Kamele Eskaran

Known for its affordable, trendy junior fashions, Jeans Warehouse was founded in Hawaii in 1976 and has since grown from a single store in Ward Warehouse to 27 different locations throughout Hawaii. In 2000, it expanded its offerings to plus-size fashions, and more recently in 2012 to kids, including styles for boys.

Jakob Pasion: American Hawk stripe V-neck tee $9.99, Carter's black cargo shorts $16.99, Callie Shoes slip-on sandals $3.99

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The company also has since become 100 percent employee owned and operated, and in addition to Jeans Warehouse, Jeans Warehouse Plus and Jeans Warehouse Kids, also operates Local Fever, as well as its newest brand, And More…by Local Fever (opening in June at Ward).

On Oahu, there are stand-alone Jeans Warehouse Plus and Kids stores in Windward Mall (second level, near the escalators by center court) and Mililani Town Center.

Select Jeans Warehouse stores also carry its plus and kids fashions, including at Pearlridge Center, Waianae Mall and at And More…by Local Fever.

Separately, Jeans Warehouse Plus also is available at Jeans Warehouse in Kamehameha Shopping Center, Ala Moana Center, Kapolei Shopping Center, Waikele Premium Outlets, Pearl Highlands Center and Laie Village Center; and Jeans Warehouse Kids at Waipahu Town Center.

Stores receive new shipments daily. For more information, visit jeanswarehousehawaii.com or call 697-5115.

photos by Nathalie Walker
page design by Nicole Thommes
On location at Windward Mall

Twin Islands has opened its first retail store in Kailua located at 131 Hekili St. (across from the bowling alley).

The company is named after the Mokulua Islands, also known as the Twin Islands to locals, located a mile offshore of Lanikai Beach. The brand was founded by Mike Miller, who created it in honor of his late twin brother, Peter, who died in a plane crash March 8, 2006. Twin Islands made its online debut March 8, 2009, three years to the day after Peter’s passing, and has been available at various stores and surf shops for the past five years.

Tyler Williams: Twin Islands mint logo T-shirt $28, black boardshorts $30

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The twins grew up surfing out at the Twin Islands, and both followed in their father’s footsteps by becoming pilots. Mike is a pilot for Island Air, Peter was a pilot for Hawaii Air Ambulance, and their father flew for Aloha Airlines. Mike continues to carry on the legacy of his twin through his growing surf company. “The bird in our logo represents Peter hovering over us all,” he explains.

Twin Islands also will host its 10th annual Kailua Shorebreak Classic Aug. 30 in memory of Peter Miller and his close Kailua friends Jason Bogle, David Aluli and Jeff Barbieto. Entry forms will be available at the Twin Islands store starting Aug. 1.

For more information, visit tisurf.com.

Hawaii Opera Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, a comedy about love and execution, June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Bass: John Mount
Character: Pooh-Bah

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HOT artistic director Henry Akina serves as stage director, and fashion designer Anne Namba joined the team as costume designer. Her inspiration for the costumes included Harajuku girls, yakuza and anime for the main characters, and obon dancers, sushi chefs, karate fighters, Japanese tourists, more Harajuku girls and marathon runners for the chorus.

“It’s a new, modern-day version of The Mikado,” explains Namba. “Coming up with the concept of the characters and how to make modern-day Japanese stereotypes, that was fun trying to figure it all out and then transpose it to looks.”

Namba has worked on three other productions with HOT, and will return again as costume designer for Madam Butterfly in October.

Here’s a sneak peek at the costumes worn by the soloists of The Mikado. Tickets to The Mikado start at $29. For more information, visit HawaiiOpera.org or call the HOT Box Office at 596-7858.

Photos by Nathalie Walker // Page design by Nicole Thommes