Where To Get It PAUL ROPP
BAHAMA MAMA
This dark, cozy boutique has been open since November, 2003. The lightweight, hand-loomed cotton and silk clothes with sophisticated embroidery based on Egyptian, Tibetan and Celtic designs hang on either wall. They’re arranged by tone: water, fire, earth and forest. The men’s clothes come in all four tones as well, but that inventory is low so they sit in their own section. Ropp himself is every bit as colorful as his clothes. The combination hippie/Wall St. shark recently celebrated his 60th birthday. He began 30 years ago designing T-shirts, one of which hangs today in the Smithsonian. Known for walking his Great Dane down Park Ave. in New York while wearing a top hat and tails, he also a tendency towards incendiary quotes. To the Honolulu Advertiser two years ago, he even paraphrased Nietzsche by noting that “fashion is dead.” More recently, he told a magazine, “I am not in fashion per se; I am in ‘artsy fartsy.’” Located in Whaler’s Village on the lower level, Ka’anapali, 661-8000 or online at www.paulropp.com.
When Natasha Smith first opened the doors to her stylish boutique, she wanted to provide women with a more reasonably priced alternative to shopping on Maui. Two years later, her concept still thrives and even includes a small rack of upscale consignment wear. But she mainly stocks clothing and accessories from popular designers like the fun, colorful pop-graphic fashions of Custo; the sweetly girlish styles of Sweet Pea; sexy, signature logo-wear of trendy Von Dutch and Rock & Republic’s sleek and edgy rockstar jeans. The store also carries more moderate $30 to $60 clothing lines, such as Frenzii and Rubber Ducky. And Smith does free alterations. She says what’s hot for the season is “anything hippie,” or, bohemian-inspired skirts and dresses in bright oranges, yellows and blues—especially three-quarter-length, full circle skirts. “No mini’s,” she mopes. “None of my designers are doing that this summer.” 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-8188
MAGGIE COULOMBE Hard to believe that Maggie Coulombe—who’s grabbed global fashion headlines for cladding Teri Hatcher, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Paris Hilton— first appeared in little ol’ Maui Time. Coulombe may be famous throughout the fashion world, but her 505 Front Street boutique is still pure Maui, though her assistant Arid does enjoy pumping up the volume on the stereo playing DJ music direct from Paris. A devotee of Coco Chanel’s philosophy of designing “so that you don’t notice the clothes, you notice the woman,” Coulombe really takes pride in her popular pareo. Comfortable and colorful, these are wraps that can be worn like a shawl, poncho, halter or off the shoulders and are breezy enough for women on holiday to wear over their swimsuits or local girls to throw on before going out. 505 Front St., Lahaina, 662-0696 or online at www.maggiecoulombe.com.
THE ENCHANTRESS Shopping at this unique North Shore boutique is an experience in ultimate femininity. Every wall and shelf is adorned with a dazzling array of paintings, photos and sculptures of fairies, mermaids and bronze goddesses. Racks upon racks hold distinctively romantic and timeless vintage-inspired dresses, handbags, cloaks and sensual lingerie. Yet they also incorporate the latest in contemporary design trends, from full-circle, layered skirts in every color and elegant Indian tunics with flowing sleeves to crystal-embellished tank tops and Ugg Boots. The tiny shop with a boudoir feel is filled with an ultra feminine collection of accessories, too, like elaborate sequined masks and handheld fans, costume wings of all sizes and colors, feather boas, butterfly hair clips and rhinestone tiaras, as well as a treasure trove of exquisite jewelry. Since 1999, owners Britta Alexander and Judith Carroll have wanted to “empower women and make them feel good about themselves,” as well as help women create their ultimate fantasy in everything from the red carpet to a white wedding. 23 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-6360 or online at www.mauienchantress.com.
ALICE IN HULALAND What’s outstanding about Alice in Hulaland is the personal style of owner Stan Cohen. A former rock ‘n roll stylist of the 1970s and ‘80s, Cohen opened up Alice in Hulaland almost two years ago to “do something different from the other shops in Paia.” Sure, he’s up to date on the latest fashions in Da Nang embroidered soft cotton shirts, skirts and silk cargo pants. And yes, there is an endless supply of American Apparel, kitschy-slogan Junk Food and high-quality Trunk Ltd. concert tees, as well as the hautest, most bootylicious jeans with bling. But you will also spot impressive vintage items throughout the uber-contemporary. A lovely assortment of hula lamps, along with racks of classic vintage hats and handbags frame the main entrance. And in the sandy-bottomed back area built around a massive, through-the-roof palm tree, there exists an impressive assortment of Tiki houseware, antique glass bottles, trendy yet stylish men’s clothing and home décor-inspiring rolls of colorful linoleum. 19 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-9922.
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SPOTLIGHT FASHIONZ You don’t have to go to the city to get the latest in contemporary urban street wear. Oh, you didn’t know? Don’t worry, this boutique’s only been open a month. But that’s been plenty of time for store manager Jamila Parker to have collected the hottest hip-hop inspired couture, with famous designer labels like Le Tigre, as well as mega-celeb lines from Nelly’s sexy and sporty “Apple Bottoms” women’s apparel to a new label inspired by Tupac Shakur, created by his mom called “Makavelli” (Tupac’s alias). And what’s hot for next season? “Motorcycleracing outfits, gaucho pants, anything in aqua and greens,” says Parker. Spotlight Fashionz also carries a formidable selection of durags and watches, as well as men’s clothing. Located at the Maui Mall, Kahului, 871-6131.
SISTERS & CO. Presenting their case for one-stop shopping, this South Shore boutique is a beauty, hair salon and clothing store all in one! Sisters Linda, Rhonda, Sharon, Caroline and mom June began their unique boutique/salon concept almost three years ago. At the time, they had no idea how to start but quickly found the right spot to set up shop. “When you don’t know what you’re getting into, you have no fear,” said Linda. And within a few weeks, they were on a plane to L.A. to buy clothes. Self-proclaimed “shopaholics,” sisters Linda and Sharon—with June— select all of the clothes and jewelry together at the trade shows there, along with help from “some very cool vendors.” Currently, they carry casual yet sophisticated and always feminine designs from Tamara Catz, Rangoon and Da Nang, to name a few. Eventually, they hope to expand their tiny salon shop to include more of a spa atmosphere, with maybe a couch and coffee service—basically, more room to encourage their friends, customers and “sisters” to hang out. 1913 So. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-9888 or online at sistersandco.com.
BOHEMIA INC. There is no better name than “Bohemia” to describe this high-end consignment store. The mom and daughter duo of Lisa and Stephanie Strong have created an eclectic, international trading post for locals. Bohemia is a charming boutique of secondhand finds discarded from the multitudes of world travelers who flit in and out of Maui. It’s here that you find furniture from Bali, shoes from Spain, Brazilian bikinis actually from Brazil, European gowns, Colombian jewelry, as well as designer vintage and contemporary fashions, but at more accessible prices. Even some local upscale boutiques, like Holiday & Co. in Makawao, as well as local designers like Tamara Catz, will put some of their seasonal lines on consignment at Bohemia. And that means you can still look hot, without leaving your wallet cold. And empty. 101 Ka’ahumanu Ave., Kahului, 893-2500.
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MAUI TIME WEEKLY
APRIL 14, 2005
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