Met Gala 2014 - Best Looks

 From left: Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung, Marion Cotillard in Dior Haute Couture, Naomi Watts in Givenchy

 From left: Rihanna in Stella McCartney, Beyonce in Givenchy, Janelle Monae in Tadashi Shoji

 From left: Georgia Jagger in Thierry Mugler, Suki Waterhouse in Burberry Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Balmain

From left: Arizona Muse in Ralph & Russo Haute Couture, Chanel Iman in Topshop, Liu Wen in Zac Posen

From left: Ming Xi in Michael Kors, Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney, Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen 

Looking at pictures of all the splendor that is the Met Gala, left me clicking the arrow button for a solid hour. Observing details, accessories, noting the designer who made it and the celebrity that rocked it. This is all part of the annual task of obsessing over the MET. There were many strong looks this year, prompting me to choose my favorites from the night. For me, Chanel Iman wore my favorite piece. To think, that asymmetrical necklined beauty came from Topshop. WHAT. 

While last year the theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture (my favorite), this year went back to a far more glamorous era of ball gowns and sculptural design; to master couturier Charles James. A man who approached his work like an artist, he defied commercialism. He was known for his mastery of sculptural designs, although never formally trained. His skill was so great that even Christian Dior cited that his inspiration for the "New Look" came from James. Although he's more associated with ball gowns, James even pioneered the sports bra, puffer coat, and the wrap dress. His legacy was translated well as designers like Zac Posen created extravagant gowns for his beauties. 

Who do you think, in the spirit of Charles James, takes "best dressed" this year?

UH & HCC Fashion Show Highlights

UH Manoa Reverie 2014

HCC C'est Si Bon 2014

Comparing both presentations from the only fashion schools on Oahu is an impossible task. Students from HCC and UH have their own ideas of what designs to put on the runway, specifics on hair and make-up, and how it's to be presented. Going in, you have to appreciate each one for what it's worth and understand, this is their vision, each one different from the other. From conquistas to Maleficent inspired designs, both schools brought life to the dreams they've been pushing to make real for semesters. I saw beauty in each one.   

Wish List - Store Envy + Etsy

Store Envy + Etsy by sceniqueroute featuring animal socks

Chanel unisex top / Animal socks / Choker jewelry / Pastel Oxford Style Gladiator Flats from Lucky Seven Shop on Storenvy / Star Wars Sweater Sweatshirt by UniqFashion on Etsy / NEW, $25 / studded shoes floral accessories from mancphoebe on Storenvy / Space Explorer Iron on Patch from Mokuyobi Threads / Rose Gold Black Diamond Ring from Monkey Forest Road on Storenvy


Although I can't purchase everything here all at once, often times, creating a list of things I want somehow fills a tiny void in my capitalist driven body. Store Envy and Etsy have been thoroughly satisfying the craving, but I do intend on getting those daisy garters when some cash flow comes in. Wearing them with every summer dress I own while channeling some sort of punk rock fairy is the grand plan.

H&M Hawaii Grand Opening

H&M finally opened its doors in Waikiki last week Wednesday for a special V.I.P. event. I've never been to an H&M in my life, so I went a bit nuts (25% off girls). A must, were the Notorious B.I.G printed leggings. I bought them and plan to wear them in every appropriate/inappropriate setting possible. It truly doesn't get anymore 90's than that. 

The store itself is very impressive, sporting two stories of fashion for men and women, and a collection of swim wear only found in H&M Hawaii. A nice local touch was added to the decor with surf prints displayed on the walls in the second floor. This is actually a photography installation by local artists Mike Coots, Zak Noyle and Sarah Lee. Their prints are also featured on t-shirts, which can be purchased exclusively in the Waikiki H&M store. 100% of the funds from the tees will support Hawaii nonprofit, AccessSurf. 

If you're a local like me, who is fashion addicted and needs to get your shop on, I suggest going during later hours. The store is open from 10am-11pm, giving ample time for a nice dinner in Waikiki and hopefully, a whole shop to yourself. Heck, make a day out of it. Free validated parking for the first three hours can be found in the Waikiki Business Plaza. Now go, get yourself some Biggie leggings. The opportunity for twinning is too strong.  

7 Wearable Faves - Fall 2014 Collections

I can see myself in all of these basically.

Antonio Berardi 

Barbara Casasola

Christopher Kane

David Koma

Erdem

Simone Rocha

Osman

All images from nymag.com

Devon Aoki for Kenzo S/S 2014 Campaign

All images from outside sources

Devon Aoki is my favorite model of all time. Hands down. She symbolizes the late 90s and early 2000s for me, which was a more memorable time while growing up. Starring in movies like DOA, Sin City, D.E.B.S, and 2 Fast 2 Furious (those pink cargos were A M A Z I N G), she was feminine, avant garde, gangstah, and badass in her acting/(frequently active) modeling days.  I'm a bit late on this, but I just saw these Kenzo ads for their Spring/Summer 2014 campaign and just started LIVING. 

Shot by Pierpaolo Ferrari the ads are fun and quirky, relaying the sea inspiration for s/s 2014 nicely. The collection is all about bright prints, color blocking, and light weight materials, which are a perfect inspiration to translate into every day wear in Hawaii. It makes total sense as we locals are:

1. Surrounded by the ocean

2. Ingest a large amount of raw fish/sea critters

3. Have an appreciation for aloha wear? Like loud prints? Jam's World? (this is subjective)

4. Live in a warm environment, thus light weight pieces are a must

Take notes guys. Or if you're already channeling the look, you're applauded.