Red featuring Takeo, Eric Eugene Kamakahia‘ai Chandler, Kimberly Williams & The Meng Dynasty
Chinese Women’s Society Sheh Hui hosts a special fashion show titled “Red” March 17 at The Pacific Club, featuring fashions by local designers Takeo, Eric Eugene Kamakahia’ai Chandler and Kimberly Williams, as well as jewelry by Anna Meng of The Meng Dynasty.
The event also will honor Foodland Supermarket founder Joanna Sullivan for her entrepreneurial success, dedicated philanthropy work and impeccable sense of style. “We have had the grand opportunity to share 40 years of Joanna’s style, elegance,” says Chandler. “Party after party, she has continued to turn the simplest Chinese event into a runway experience. Of course, her iconic style is married with her kindness and her appreciation for designers and artists.”
Chandler, who is from Washington state and has been in Hawaii for more than 25 years, is known for his textural, historically inspired couture designs. He, along with designer/artist Takeo, own 2Couture and serve as executive directors of the Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageants. Takeo, who was born in Tokyo, has designed gowns for countless beauty queens and celebrities, including actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, former Miss Universe Brooke Lee and former First Lady of Hawaii Vicky Cayetano.
Kimberly Williams, who designs under the name Melelani, studied at Parsons in New York and has worked for Victoria’s Secret Direct, Marchesa, Pesavento Couture, Tom and Drew Boys, Kaufman Franco and Keith Lloyd Couture.
Jewelry designer Meng started her company in 2003, mixing Chinese freshwater pearls with semi-precious stones, antique beads and ornaments she imports from various antique markets in China. Meng’s bridge lines are available at Anne Namba Designs in Kakaako and Chelsea boutique in Ward Warehouse.
Festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a tea reception followed by a silent auction, and then the fashion show and lunch. Red is sponsored by Dr. Lawrence Tseu, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, which Sullivan selected. Tickets are $88 and can be purchased by email to velma.wong@navy.mil.
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- Joanna Sullivan with her late husband Maurice “Sully” Sullivan
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- Joanna Sullivan with daughters Jenai Wall and Kitty Wo. Photos courtesy Sullivan family
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- Fashion show coordinator Emma Wo; designers Takeo, Anna Meng, Eric Eugene Kamakahia’ai Chandler and Kimberly Williams; committe member Velma Wong. Marc Schechter photo
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- Emma Wo: Eric Eugene Kamakahia’ai Chandler silk velvet gown trimmed in fox fur
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- Samantha Neyland: Eric Eugene Kamakahia’ai Chandler Victorian-inspired silk brocade ball gown with vintage organza blouse
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- Emma Wo: Takeo Tibetan hand-embroidered jacket with red crepe evening gown, The Meng Dynasty black onyx bead necklace with carved red cinnabar $130 (short) and $180 (long)
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- Angela Nand: The Meng Dynasty ‘the lariat’ Chinese freshwater pearl necklace $200 (pink) and $300 (white)
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- Miss Hawaii Teen USA Samantha Neyland: Takeo red evening gown
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- Angela Nand: Cherished family heirloom sari of 2Couture Kameron Rasmussen: Red silk jacket tailored by 2Couture
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- Emma Wo: Melelani white lace embossed low-back cocktail dress with sequin and lace flower applique on tulle skirt and matching headpiece $150
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- Samantha Neyland: Takeo original red wrap top, The Meng Dynasty ‘the lariat’ black pearl necklace with bamboo prayer barrel $300 each
