Category Archives: Art

Glam Spotlight – Inspired by YSL

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YSL famous classic Mondrian dress inspires color blocking contemporary - Kaimuki Goodwill window display (collage by Ian Ramos)

Art for art’s sake… Yves Saint Laurent’s (YSL) famous Mondrian dress [pictured above, left] was featured  during his retrospective haute couture fashion show at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, January 22, 2002.  The look on the right, reminiscent of that YSL line, was pulled by Glam Squad member/mentor, Rene Rodriguez – fashion industry consultant, who thought it would be perfect for the window and perfect for the GLAM! event this summer.

a Piet Mondrian work of art serves as the backdrop and inspiration to this YSL classic dress

A little fashion history… did you know that Yves Saint Laurent was discovered as a talented designer well before the age of 21?

Yves Saint Laurent was born in 1936 and grew up in Oran, Algeria. At 17, he left for Paris where he showed his drawings to Michel de Brunhoff, director of Vogue, who published a few of his pieces. Following his time at fashion school, he was introduced to  Christian Dior by de Brunhoff and he went on to work for Dior until his death in 1957. After taking over as art director for Dior, he launched his first collection for the company, the Ligne Trapéze, that year. It was a world-wide success. In 1960, Saint Laurent created ”The Beat” look merging street style and couture.  In 1962, after being released from Dior, he set up his own fashion house with Pierre Bergé. In 1966, he introduced his legendary smoking suit, which is now credited as the first androgynous look of the century.  YSL was the first to launch ready-to-wear (pret-a-porte) as a whole.

In 1983, he became the first living fashion designer to be given a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. YSL held a 300-model fashion extravaganza at the final match of the 1998 World Cup football tournament in the Stade de France.  The following year he was awarded a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America.

A tearful Yves Saint Laurent took his final bow as his long-time muse, Catherine Deneuve, sang Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amou

In January 2002, at 65, he announced his retirement. During that time, Saint Laurent became increasingly reclusive and spent much of his time at his house in Marrakech, Morocco.

At age 71, he died from brain cancer in June 2008.  During his career, Yves Saint Laurent was arguably the industry’s greatest designer.

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In the year leading up to the event - Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM! in 2012, the Goodwill Hunter highlights fashion finds set aside for THE big event.  Goodwill Industries of Hawaii’s  inaugural event is a showcase of talent, treasure and style — all for a great cause.  When you purchase items at Goodwill, know that more than 90 percent of the retail revenue goes to programs that help people with employment barriers reach their full potential become self-sufficient.

Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM!

Glam Kickoff:  Gala Dinner, Fashion Show & Pre-sale:  Aug. 23, 2012

Treasure Marketplace: Aug. 24, 25 & 26, 2012

An exclusive fashion show featuring Hawaii’s top models and stylists will set the stage for an unprecedented marketplace of more than 20,000 square feet of glamour and vintage items donated by retail partners and collected from Goodwill stores. This major Island fashion event will put the spotlight on Hawaii’s style industry as an economic stimulator and contributor to job-creation, while offering the opportunity to explore Goodwill’s own educational, employment and training programs.  Find out how you could get involved and be the first to get your tickets, for more information go to www.higoodwill.org .

Hawaii Fashion Incubator Finds a Home

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The Hawaii Fashion Incubator (Hifi) is an organization dedicated to promoting Hawaii fashion as art and industry.  Co-founders Toby Portner and Melissa May White envisioned it as a hub where members of the community can interact, collaborate, and collectively drive the local fashion industry forward, drawing inspiration from fashion incubators elsewhere (Toronto, Los Angeles, New Zealand).

Co-Founders Toby Portner and Melissa May White

They’re an all-volunteer organization that has a web-based membership program for fashion professionals and enthusiasts.  Hifi has been active since 2006, and over the years they’ve produced dozens of fashion events and partnered with groups like Neiman Marcus, Ala Moana Center, 8 Inc, Aloha Tower, and Hawaii RED Magazine.  Their biggest event was their pop-up incubator at Ala Moana earlier this year, the spot served as a local design boutique and hosted 25 fashion events over a 10 day period. They had thousands of visitors and extensive press in nearly every major local media outlet.  Most importantly, the pop-up provided a successful test run for a permanent incubator, demonstrating how a physical space can truly bring the community together.

Hifi Pop-up - 2010 - Amanda Ross - Founder of The Bella Project - with a happy mom & daughter - prom ready

Their long-held goal of a permanent fashion incubator (Hawaii’s first) was realized earlier this month when Hifi signed the lease on a space in Ward Warehouse.  Centrally located in a prime retail district, the space will act as a headquarters for all things Hawaii fashion.  Over the coming months, they’ll develop the space into a hub that showcases the work of local designers, provides a place for connection and collaboration, and hosts a wide variety of events, workshops, and classes for all ages.  This physical fashion incubator serves as a key milestone in their vision of resurrecting Made in Hawaii manufacturing and elevating Hawaii’s place on the international fashion map.

Sarah Tenney - Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, V. P. of Marketing, Communications & Development

To create a fashion incubator that recognizes the need for input and engagement from their members and the community, they’ve formed an Advisory Board of business and industry leaders.  One person who has graciously accepted their invitation is Sarah Tenney – Goodwill Industries of Hawaii’s VP of Marketing, Communications and Development. The co-founders shared that Sarah will be a great addition to the advisory board.  Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.  Hifi’s mission is to inspire, promote, and sustain an integrated fashion community in Hawai‘i – providing guidance and resources and linking local talent with the global marketplace.

Both organizations align in many ways - empowering talent and stimulating the job market.  Hifi sees Goodwill as an excellent eco-fashion resource to promote environmentally responsible fashion and keep usable materials out of landfills.  Melissa and Toby are excited to work with Sarah as she’s expressed her support for Hifi’s goals to promote a diverse fashion industry, encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship, and share networks and resources.

If the incubator is successful, over the coming years they expect to see greater job opportunities for fashion graduates, a proliferation of successful local designers and fashion businesses, more viable options and skilled labor for Made in Hawaii manufacturing, a stronger and more cohesive sense of community around fashion, and an increased awareness of the “brand” of Hawaii fashion both nationally and internationally.

The Hifi team is thrilled to start playing in their Open Studio!  They encourage everyone to drop by this Saturday to see the space in its raw form. Share your ideas, hear our plans and figure out how you plug-in. They’ll have a few sewing machines set up all day, so feel free to bring Halloween costume components and start making your own. Your kids are welcomed.  Get your costume elements at Goodwill and add your fininshing touches at Hifi.

You know that Goodwill Industries of Hawaii  is sponsoring a Glam & Ghouls Costume Contest this year. If you use at least one item purchased at Goodwill to make your costume, you can submit a picture and perhaps win a year’s supply of shopping at Goodwill!  See details here.

So stop by Goodwill on your way over and let the creative juices flow in Hifi’s Open Studio. The fun is just beginning.

Goodwill and 808 Collaborate

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Empowering youth to reach their full potential, sounds great doesn’t it?  Well there are groups and organizations out there that really are doing this.  Groups that are working together.  One such collaboration is between Goodwill Industries of Hawaii (GIH) and 808 Urban.

GIH’s mission is helping people with employment barriers reach their full potential and become self-sufficient - through skill building and job placement.  808 Urban provides youth from low-income families  with community arts workshops, opportunities to learn visual arts, music and dance to identify and express their views on issues affecting their lives, and the life and health of the communities they live in.

Sierra Dew with sewing materials for future urban art projects and Amanda Corby - ready to put to use the Goodwill Donate Movement bag, made from recycled banners

Sierra Dew, clothing and jewelry designer phenom, met 808 Urban’s director John Hina over a year ago.  She was so impressed with his talent and heart for the youth and is now herself a valued 808 Urban mentor.  Amanda Corby, public relations powerhouse (owner & creative director of Under My Umbrella, LLC), lends her expertise to the group utilizing her skills, driven by her passion for empowering the youth.

They met with representatives from Goodwill and are planning future partnerships that involve elements of design, the re-use/recycle movement and dream-building.  We’ll tell you more as the projects develop.  But for now  Sierra Dew and Amanda Corby have graciously accepted a donation of sewing notions and fabric for their urban art workshops to build out these programs.  The materials were donated to Goodwill by someone who worked at the organization years ago but wishes to remain anonymous.

Both Sierra Dew and Amanda Corby are committed to spread the word about the benefits of donating to and purchasing items from Goodwill Industries of Hawaii.  Goodwill is definitely an eco-friendly organization –  diverting more than 6 million pounds of goods from Hawaii’s landfills in 2010.

Estria Battle - an event that promotes the arts, sustainability and youth empowerment

Catch 808 Urban this Saturday at the Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle at the Honolulu Academy of Arts at Linekona Art Center.  For more information, visit www.estriabattle.com.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii and youth programs:

Did you know that Goodwill has a proven and successful track record working with and empowering youth? Here’s one example –  Goodwill has developed a curriculum for the Ola I Ka Hana program that serves at-risk youth from low-income families, ages 14-21, who are out of school. Participants receive job readiness training sessions to focus on resume development, job search and interviewing skills, job applications and career interests. Youth also have the opportunity to have mentors, or paid internships through this program.

The Ola I Ka Hana program stresses the value of education and importance of work experience for Hawaii’s youth, and offers free services to at-risk youth. Each participant works with a Youth Specialist to develop an individualized assessment and service strategy, which addresses educational goals, job skills, and employability.

To learn more about how Goodwill empowers our youth and others in the community to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient, visit www.higoodwill.org.

A Downtown Fashion Wine Walk to Remember…

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An Interview to Remember with Andy South - photo by Harold Julian

Sometimes things are just meant to be, the planets align and you don’t have to force it, it just … is.  When Arts District Merchants Association (ADMA) member, Sandra Fowler, owner of Super Citizen, approached Goodwill Industries of Hawaii (GIH) in May to be the beneficiary of their Downtown Fashion Wine Walk on Aug. 19, the connection was clear.

GIH’s mission is helping people with employment barriers become self-sufficient. ADMA’s members are dedicated to the responsible development and improvement of The Arts District in downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown for the benefit of its members and the community. Both organizations empower people to live their dreams and reach their full potential.

But something was still missing — someone to represent the heart of Chinatown, someone who pushes past barriers and lives his art.

His name is Andy South.

Despite Andy’s grueling schedule he graciously accepted the role of Special Guest at the Downtown Fashion Wine Walk. He inspired so many as a Project Runway Season 8 favorite and finalist.  This Waianae High School and Honolulu Community College graduate lived the dream of every up-and-coming fashion designer, showing his collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

He launches his Andy South collection at Neiman Marcus this September.  Did you know that he’s isn’t even 25 years old? He’s certainly at the start of an exciting career and he’s already giving back.  As an HCC graduate, he’s come full-circle and taught a Fashion Production class there this past year, what an amazing opportunity for those students.

I met Andy before Project Runway Season 8 aired and one thing stood out to me back then, he really cares about people.  Despite all of the fame and attention, Andy is still Andy.  Actually, he’s seems more centered and even more grateful than ever.  Here’s our recent interview:

The Goodwill Hunter (TGH):

Aloha Andy. Goodwill has programs in Hawaii that support a wide variety of people with employment barriers  . Did the extent of these programs come as a surprise to you?

Andy South:

I did know about half of the programs.  I didn’t know they assisted youth at risk.  SUPER cool!

TGH:

Of those programs, which do you, or could you, feel a connection to?

Andy South:

I connect most with the immigrants.  (Editor’s note: Although he was born in Hawaii, his Laotian parents fled persecution.)

And strangely, people coming out of prison.  I think it is possible for ANYONE to turn around and make a better life for themselves and society.

TGH:

What advice do you have for the youth who want to pursue their passion in the fashion industry who come from a disadvantaged background?

Andy South:

NEVER let where you come from dictate where you will go, but let it strengthen you.

TGH:

You are a very humble talented person.  How do you remain centered?

Andy South:

Faith.  My walk with God; I speak with Him every morning and night.  Sometimes all day when it’s tough.  I find that my relationship with Him helps me through tough times and keeps me grounded when I am floating on clouds that are too high to see my own feet.  :)

TGH:  Thank you Andy!

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The Downtown Fashion Wine Walk is part of the Pauahi Street Festival (near Merchant Street). The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19.  Although the event is free and open to the public, in order to partake of the wine-tasting, beauty treatments, prize drawings and much more, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for $25. A portion of the proceeds benefits Goodwill Industries of Hawaii.  To learn more about Goodwill in Hawaii and to purchase your tickets visit www.higoodwill.org. 

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii’s programs like Imi Loa, a job training program for recent immigrants, help people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient. Read about a recent example in this month’s Honolulu magazine: http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/August-2011/Micronesian-in-Hawaii/.

Time Out For Art

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Solomom Enos (left) Carl F. K. Pao (right)

Slow Art Friday gives Chinatown visitors a good picture of the area’s art scene 

By Amanda Stevens / Special to the Star-Advertiser  

(TGIF Section 7/16/10) 

TO FULLY appreciate the Chinatown art scene, take an occasional stroll (if First Friday is too much of a sprint) and check out Slow Art Friday, every third Friday evening of the month. 

Tonight, as part of the event, MAMo Gallery features “PEWA”—which refers to the “butterfly patch” used in Hawaiian woodworking. It symbolizes the unifying power of art and represents the collaboration between artists Carl F. K. Pao and Solomon Enos. As the artists say: The beauty is in the connection itself. 

When Enos and Pao first started painting together, they didn’t look alike, but now some people have trouble telling the two apart. At this point they have become brothers in art. 

                                   

  

Last September, Enos and Pao were part of the Helumoa Mural project at the Sheraton Waikiki, which brought native Hawaiian contemporary artists together with more than two dozen youth to interpret, through art, a revered coconut grove in Waikiki. That was their first taste of working with each other. 

After painting side by side for a week in a Sheraton Waikiki room-turned-art studio, the men became fast friends. 

Pao, influenced by his experiences in New Zealand, creates work that is graphic and vibrant. Tattooed mountains and “contemporary petroglyphs” are motifs strongly identified with his work. 

Enos’ pieces feel more organic and earthy. He paints the elements that speak to him. Kalo is often a theme, along with natural systems and the interconnection of all things—man, gods and nature. 

Between the two, a special magic happens. 

After the Helumoa project, the Sheraton Waikiki commissioned Pao and Enos to create two large entry pieces, “Arrival” and “Gathering,” from a Hawaiian interpretation. A second art studio was set up at the hotel, and Carl and Solomon painted together for over four months. 

This time, instead of working side by side, the two artists worked on original art together, and a true artistic collaboration was born.PAO AND ENOS continued to paint—and pain. Working out of Studio PEWA at the Sheraton Waikiki, they created original art in their own styles, and also collaborated on several larger pieces. 

The collective body of original art they have created over the past year makes up the PEWA show. 

MAMo Gallery, a community arts gallery in Chinatown thatexhibits native Hawaiian art, stepped forward to provide the venue. 

The show is significant, because it’s the first time these artists have made their joint work available to a larger audience for purchase. Typically, they work on large private commissions. 

10 percent of all sales will be donated to Kanu Hawai’i and Kahea. 

 ”Umeke Anuenue,” by Solomon Enos
(courtesy photos)
 ”He Mau Mano Ki’i Ki’i,” by Carl F.K. Pao
 
“PEWA”
Artworks by Solomon Enos and Carl F.K. Pao 
Where: MAMo Gallery, 1142 Bethel St.
When: Through July 31
Info: 537-3502
 
 
SLOW ART STANDOUTS

Where: Honolulu Arts DistrictWhen: 6 to 9 p.m. today 

Info: www.artsatmarks.com 

Pauahi Street Party: featuring new exhibits and live entertainment, including aerial dance by Samadhi Hawaii, music by Hawaii Symphony musicians, Otto Cake desserts, “slow food” and organic wine on Euro-style tables, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nuuanu and Bethel Streets 
Raku Ho’olaule’a Juried Exhibition: ceramics from the annual Waimanalo Beach raku workshop, at the ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave.; 521-2903, www.artsatmarks.com 
Peggy Chun Gallery: Watercolors by Mapuana Schneider; 60 handmade tigers by local sculptor Peter Murray. 1161 Nuuanu Ave.; 545-4810, www.peggychun.com 
Cathartic Artists reception, for former Honolulu Advertiser staffers at Louis Pohl Gallery, 1111 Nuuanu Ave., 521-1812, www.louispohlgallery.com