INDULGE | REFRESH
Gearing Up for the Gala
It’s that time of year again. Here in Hawai‘i, formal functions are officially in full swing, so get party-ready with help from the experts. BY NADINE KAM
W
ITH PARTY SEASON UNDER WAY, getting ready for the next big affair doesn’t have to be daunting. Admittedly, special occasions often require a bit more preparation time, so we picked the brains of some of Hawai‘i’s style experts—in the realms of fashion, hair and more. We also get a few tips from beauty guru Kate Sommerville and personal trainer Bob Greene.
Photos courtesy Prada
DRESS THE PART
Above: Eva Mendes dazzles in a jeweltoned gown and accessorizes with a sleek clutch; Right: Ed Westwick prefers to keep things formal by going monochromatic.
58
The good news for this upcoming gala season is that the laissez faire dress we’ve seen as of late on the street has spilled over to the ballroom. From Hollywood’s red carpets to the summer’s Met Gala—known as the fashion world’s Oscars—film and fashion luminaries showed up in an astonishing range that included classic ball gowns alongside mermaid dresses, baby-dolls and pantsuits. However, in the real world of island living, being all-too-telling may have year-round consequences; so most people should stick with traditions that work. For women, that often means opting for a full-length ball gown in black or eye-catching jewel tones. Trends are fun, but remember that some can be problematic. Fall 2010’s palette-cleansing winter whites will help you make an entrance, but also may curtail your fun when you find yourself avoiding wineglasses and colored foods, from chocolates to strawberries. It’ll also add pounds to paparazzi photos that will remain as evidence. Stylist Amos Kotomori reminds us that comfort is crucial for avoiding fashion faux pas and wardrobe malfunctions. He further attests that it’s also wrong to adhere strictly to mainland trends. “I see a lot of women wearing fur now, and that’s fine if you’re in New York or Paris. But we’re in Hawai‘i. We have our own style,” Kotomori shares, adding that many people underestimate the power of details, from accessories to the right underpinnings that can cinch and smooth lines. An example: One might choose to be safe with a gown, but accessories allow room for play and showing off one’s playful personality. Perhaps you may choose a clutch that’s sleek and sophisticated, or playful, even vintage-inspired. And, for any Hawai‘i event, Kotomori adds you’ll never go wrong wearing fresh flowers. For men, he recommends sticking with shades of gray and black. If it’s not a black- or white-tie event that calls for a tuxedo, fitted black jeans will work with a jewel-tone shirt. And, if you’re a fan of the head-to-toe black monochromatic look, take advantage of the fact that it makes a great backdrop for showing off jewelry.
H I L U X U RY A UG UST/SE P T E MB E R 2 012
HILux 6.2_112+4_jul2_li_rev3.indd 58
7/5/12 11:29 AM