Dennis Fujimoto
The Garden Island
Chanterelle Chantara of Chanterelle Couture was planning to spend a quiet day at home Sunday.
“It’s my birthday,” the designer said. “I was going to spend a quiet day at home, until I got a phone call about this.”
She was one of the designers featured at Style.Kauai presented by Hawaii International Fashion Week at the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu.
Karla Bollmann of Karlota’s Tropical Clothing and Accessories hadn’t heard about the event in time to sport a runway showing, but came as a vendor.
“I didn’t know about it,” Bollmann said. “But I could still manage to come in as a vendor.”
The afternoon was filled with runway fashion shows, including a canine fashion show featuring clothing designs from several outlets including Petco, Kids Cats &Canines, and Barkaroo.
“Greg Askew should know better than to give me a day off,” said Candace Boxer of Ono Pops.
“We don’t have any Ono Pops here, but I bought a bunch of stuff, including jewelry and these two pieces from Karlota’s.”
Ori Uvira provided a mix of entertainment blending culture with fashion, and Koloa Landing Resort offered food and refreshments.
The event also featured fashion from designers such as Magenta Billette, Kai Clothing, Ashley Labelle, Macy’s and Chanterelle.
“I can’t model my line,” she said, revealing a bandage on her ankle. “I’ll just walk at the end of the models.”
Joseph Figaroa, president of Hawaii International Fashion Week, said the event supports the development of artistic professionals throughout Hawaii, and celebrates the contemporary accomplishments of the island.
“Kai Clothing features the work of Linda Barretto who is busy ironing in the back,” said Melanie Torricer of Waipahu, Oahu, who flew in for the fashion event.
“We also picked up the distribution of Mountain Apple records and have the launch of a new CD by Iz. Paula Gusman is our Kauai connection.”
