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?

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.  

Food in Fashion

When the f/w 2014 collections came out I didn't think I'd utter the words, "I'm hungry". You see, fashion people are always hungry for more, whether it's clothes, jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. Most times, our literal hunger for food is not satisfied (we're too busy to eat/drink!). This time, both cravings were satisfied (somewhat). With Karl Lagerfeld leading the forefront for an army of fashion foodies to a Chanel supermarket/fashion show, many other designers too, found inspiration in food as well. Here are my favorite examples:

Chanel - accessories are Chanel bags in poultry wrap and chain detailed carrying carts

 Moschino - came out strong with McDonald's inspired pieces and ended with junk food packaging

Anya Hindmarch - Kellog's, detergent, and overall household brand inspired handbags

All images from outside sources

Dior DFS Waikiki Reopening - J'adore J'adore!

Last week, DFS Galleria Waikiki reopened their Dior boutique, which went through an expansion of an added 50 percent to its original size. By grace of the fashion gods, I was able to attend the grand opening and see what the new store had to offer.

Judging from the fact that the subject in most of my photos are all shoes, you can tell already that I absolutely loved the selection of shoes in Dior. If you know me personally, then it's safe to say you know that I'm a shoe addict. From clear heels to ombre pumps, to a backwards comma shoe, temptation lurked in every brightly lit shelf. Colors that I usually stay away from, enticed me. I'm completely not resisting the voodoo magic that's going on between me and Raf Simons anymore.

For more information on the Dior boutique reopening, check out the piece by Amanda Stevens at Nonstop Honolulu.

Go to Sleep, I Dream Versace

Inspired by the song "Versace", it dawned on me, how little I knew about the brand and its famed designer, Gianni Versace. Besides knowing how to mispronounce the brand's name (thanks Showgirls), I forever knew of Versace for their sexy, body fitting styles and their well recognized Medusa head, until now. 

In history, Gianni Versace broke down boundaries and connected theater, music, and advertising together. Withstanding time and new trends, Versace is kept fresh with Donatella at the reigns. With Lady Gaga as the newest face, and with artists like 2 Chains to Grimes, donning baroque prints and Medusa heads, Versace couldn't be more relevant today. 

Founder: Gianni Versace (1947-1997)

Known for: Baroque screen prints, mixing high art and pop culture

Logo: Medusa head “he thought that whoever falls in love with the Medusa can’t flee from her.”

You may not know...

• Presented the first Gianni Versace collection on the runway at the Permanente Art Gallery in Milan

• Actor Sean Penn wore an off-the-rack Versace suit when he married Madonna

• Created costumes for Richard Strauss’s Capriccio at the San Francisco Opera

• Had his first couture runway presentation held at the Ritz in Paris

• The designer recieved a Woolmark Award “for challenging men’s fashion standards through brilliant color, imaginative fabric, and dramatic silhouette

• Outfited David Bowie for the "Tin Machine" tour

• Designed Sylvester Stallone's Judge Dredd costume 

• Designed costumes and album cover for Elton John’s world tour

• Accepted the CFDA International Award in 1993

Versace 2014 Spring/Summer

Versace - Migos

Preferred Drake version

Versace Must Haves: 

I've Got the Gold by sceniqueroute featuring hoop earrings

Black shoes / Red handbag / MeDusa hoop earrings / Checkered belt / Versus | M.I.A x Versus - Shop the Look | Versace Official US Online... / Versace Haas Brothers Compact Mirror | Men's Accessories | Official US... / Versace JJ Sunglass Black | Women's Sunglasses | Official US Online...

Spring/Summer Haute Couture 2014 Pt. 1

I don't know why I aim to make life difficult by choosing favorites. Spring Haute Couture, in fashion category, is my favorite! Taken to another level in terms of theatrics and glamour, haute couture isn't in alignment with pieces you'll see on the street, aka, Isabel Marant or Alexander Wang RTW. This is intricate, hand sewn brilliance you'll wonder where has gone after the models walk their final step on the runway.

Although I "tried" to cut it down to three collections that stirred my spirits, as you can tell, that failed and I ended up with five. Nevertheless, I'm anxious to voice my opinion on what pieces made it to my category of wonderment/exploding fantasy/fabulosity (yes, that is a single category). Here they are...

Ulyana Sergeenko

Based on the back story of a woman borrowing clothes from a man she met on her travels, and mixing them in with pieces from her own wardrobe, elements of masculinity are infused with clothing fit to dress a rich madame.

Valentino

Opera was the theme that swept fifty-five looks from Valentino's collection. Tulle, lace, feathers, and a sheer bustier with leaf-like gem embellishments in earth tones left me satisfied. It almost rectified the hideous rock stud bags that bubbled up from primordial ooze in hell. (yes, I hate them)

Armani Prive

Never thought I could be convinced to love navy as much as I do now. Oh, and that dress on the far left? My future wedding gown. It's done.

Alexis Mabille 

If Mariah Carey wasn't front row at this show, I don't know WTF she could have been doing that was more important. Butterflies were overwhelmingly plastered on walls and on model's faces for a very ladylike showing of Greco-Roman inspired pieces.

Christian Dior

All photos from www.style.com/

My apologies for the all white choices. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Raf Simon's designs for Dior. I'm a die hard Galliano fan girl all the way. The immense amount of detail, flowers, punched-out dots (sounds crass but I don't know how else to describe it), milky plastic layers (sorry again) has convinced me of his minimalist teachings. It's the embodiment of Spring. 

SPRING/SUMMER HAUTE COUTURE 2014 PT. 2

COMING SOON!

Show Day - La Revolution 2013

Eleven fashion segments in one spectacular night. Hula's Bar and Lei Stand in Waikiki was the place to be last Saturday night. La Revolution, a fashion benefit for the Life Foundation, which was produced by Olotania Alalamua, included stylists, designers, DIY artists and more, with different creative perspectives. Most of the participants were either students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa or Honolulu Community college, having been through a fashion program provided by both colleges. It was great to see what kind of talent exists in the community and experience the level of skill that each person brought to the stage.

At the end of the night, we ended up raising $1,400+ for the Life Foundation, which is a non-profit dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV and to assisting people who are living with AIDS and HIV.

I'm so proud to say that I played a role in this event. Not only did I get to style a segment, I met some amazing people who love fashion just as much as I do. This benefit brought us together to collaborate as artists, make new friends, and also help a foundation that does so much good.

Speaking of good, a big mahalo to Goodwill Hawaii who provided me with the clothing and accessories needed to style my Bollywood inspired segment. Goodwill Hawaii helps people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self- sufficient. Also, thank you to Camille Mori of Tsubaki Hime, who allowed me to use pieces from her collection in my segment. Her collection consists of clothing from thrift stores, which, she upcycles and creates into "new" garments and accessories. Check her Etsy shop out here.

You can read/see more about La Revolution on Nonstop Honolulu.

Photos by Troi Orias and Lyle Amine

Styling by Amy Azada

La Revolution

I'm so excited and proud to support my friend Olo (Mysticlove808), who is producing "La Revolution", a fashion benefit for life foundation. If you live, breathe, and speak fashion, come down to Hula's for a night of fashion the way only we know how to do it!

Some of the fashion segments will be directed by some of my friends from our previous project, Goodwill Goes GLAM! Here's to a creative reunion and no more fashion withdrawals!

For Immediate release:

La Revolution 2013 - A Fashion Benefit for the Life Foundation (21+ Event)

Contact:      Dyan,

                   Olotania Alalamua, (808)489-7307

When:         Saturday, November 16, 2013

                   8:00 pm, doors open.

                   8:30 pm, fashion show starts

Where:        Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand

                   134 Kapahulu Avenue

                   Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Tickets:       $10 - Individual Tickets,

                   $50 - Tables, both available online at

                   http://hulas.com/news-events/la-revolution-fashion-benefit

We invite you to La Revolution, a fashion benefit for Life Foundation that unites Hawaii's Fashion Designers, Stylists, Accessory Aces, DIY Gurus, Models and Hair/Makeup Artists for a great cause. With a total of twelve fashion runway presentations, each individual artist or collaborative group will show their interpretations of style.

Between the beautiful gowns, avant garde clothes, accessories and jewelry, there will be live performances, and Erin Roxy as MC.  All attendees are invited to snap photos and share on social media networks using the hashtags #LaRevolution2013 and #HulasWaikiki.

We Cheer to Life, We Cheer to Fashion, We Cheer to You. Come and be a part of our fashion revolution with proceeds going to Life Foundation.

Thank you and Mahalo. 

Hawaii Fashion Month 2013

If you haven't seen, felt or heard the energy of fashion being reverberated into the island, then you've seriously been living life as a hermit for all of October! Sorry, not sorry.

The gist of the matter is that Hawaii Fashion Month (HFM) is here! It consists of month long events to "promote and elevate all aspects of Hawaii's fashion industry: design, manufacturing, education, art, retail, and more." Events have been held at a variety of areas such as retail centers, boutiques, factories, museums, etc; doing their best to promote Hawaii as a fashion destination and to strengthen the local community.

Although I haven't been to all of the events, I've shown face to a few of them, and even played a role in assistant producing the HFM Fash Mob earlier this month. Going by order of when each event occurred, here are a few moments that I got to capture:

Fashion as Art - The Way we Wear @ Hawaii State Art Museum

HFM Fash Mob @ Ward Center

Photos by Mark Ramelb

Work it! Pop-up shop and book launch @ Hifi 
-Visit my friend Jenny at Caobella

Photos courtesy of Caobella

Honolulu Night Market @ Kaka'ako 

One last event I've been looking forward to is the Governor's Fashion Awards. I plan on pulling out all the stops for this. For more information on Hawaii Fashion Month, click here. You can find a calendar of remaining events on that website. Don't miss out!