Fashion designers Takeo and Eric Eugene Kamakahia'ai Chandler will present a selection of their couture gowns at the Hawai'i Women's Expo, Sept. 8 and 9 in the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

The shows will feature celebrity models and contestants of the upcoming Miss Hawai'i USA and Miss Teen Hawai'i USA pageants.

Takeo's collection features gowns of hand-beaded French lace with a whisper of shimmering crystals. Chandler was inspired by the voluminous silhouettes of the romantic past, featuring yards and yards of silk. Both designers will also feature daytime fashions for the woman who wants to look polished and professional.

The shows will be held twice each day, at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Entry tickets are $5.

LOREE RODKIN PENDANTS

Loree Rodkin, best known for her modern-meets-medieval, romantic-meets-gothic designs, has been inspired by her frequent Hawai'i vacations to create a collection that will be sold exclusively at her Ala Moana boutique.

The Fleur de Lis pendants are available to order through the store. One is crafted from yellow gold and features nine large sapphires surrounded by smaller sapphires; it sells for $32,500. The second pendant is crafted from sterling silver and cubic zirconias; it retails for $5,000.

"It's so natural for me to design when I'm here," Rodkin said in a news release. "There is so much beauty and color everywhere, it puts me in such a creative state of mind. This collection reflects that serenity."

ROYAL GARDEN PARTY

Those lucky folks who are planning to attend the Royal Garden Party, at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 on the grounds of 'Iolani Palace, are getting out their Victorian-era costumes and accessories in preparation for looking the part.

In the tradition of Queen Kapi'olani's charity events, the party will be held in the palace gardens under swaying lanterns. It will recreate the grand parties that were a highlight of Honolulu society in the 19th century.

It is recommended that gentlemen wear white and ladies seek out accessories of the time.

For information, call Maria at 522-0822. Tickets are $300.

For more about 19th-century costumes and accessories, see the Palace Web site, www.iolanipalace.org.

CELEB SHOE AUCTION

Stuart Weitzman, known for his brand of footwear and accessories, will host his company's seventh annual Celebrity Shoe Auction throughout September. This year, the auction benefits ovarian cancer research, known as the "silent disease" due to subtle and easily overlooked symptoms.

To help raise money, Weitzman has asked a group of celebrities to design and autograph a Stuart Weitzman pump that will be auctioned off throughout the month. Among the celebrity designers are Molly Sims (whose shoe is pictured here), Queen Latifah, Charlize Theron, Kelly Ripa, Kyle MacLachlan, Marcia Cross, Sharon Stone and Vanessa Williams.

The celebrity-designed shoes will be posted on the company Web site, www.stuartweitzman.com.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.