Hui Makaala Fashion Show
Photos by Nathalie Walker
Hui Makaala presents its 43rd annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show Oct. 21 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel featuring fashions and jewelry by local designers Amos Kotomori, Montsuki and Sonny Ching.
Amos Kotomori is known for his Asian-inspired contemporary designs. His popular collection of men’s shirts can be found exclusively at Neiman Marcus. He also designs for women by special order. A man of many talents, Kotomori also is a production designer for film, and will be decorating 14 Christmas trees at the Hyatt Regency to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Heart Association and the Music for Life Foundation.
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Montsuki features original designs using vintage silk kimonos, obis, shiboris and kasuris. “As a protegee of my late mom Janet, I now truly appreciate all the days we spent working together,” says designer Patty Yamasaki. “This knowledge in heart and mind minimizes the daily challenges of a small clothing business. Good workmanship, creativity and customer satisfaction is my philosophy for Montsuki and equals to a fantastic relationship with my clients.”
Sonny Ching, world-renowned dancer, chanter, teacher, composer, singer and artist, has expanded his work to designing clothes and jewelry for men and women. “When I was younger, it was my dream to go to New York for school and become a fashion designer,” says Ching. “But I was designated at birth to be the one to continue in our family and cultural tradition of hula – I am a fifth-generation kumu hula, and was raised and trained to do so.” His childhood dream eventually came true with the Sonny Ching Collection for Paradisus jewelry, and more recently with the Sonny Ching Collection clothing line. His jewelry can be found in various stores throughout Hawaii, including Nohea Gallery and Riches Kahala, in stores in California and Japan, and online at myparadisus.com. His clothing line will be available in January 2013, or prior to production can be custom-ordered by emailing TheSonnyChingCollection@sonnyching.com.
Those looking for items of jewelry that they can gift to family, friends, and other loved ones may want to give a personalized gift like a custom necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring that they will cherish forever and love all the more because it has been designed to incorporate their name.
Boutique sales and a silent auction open at 9 a.m., lunch and entertainment begin at noon, and the fashion show, which is produced by ADR Productions, starts at 1 p.m. Ticket cost is $70, and proceeds benefit the Hui Makaala Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 551-7868 or 277-2035.
