While fashion may seem like fluff to some, the fashion world is a huge contributor to charities, locally, nationally and internationally. In April, a cadre of Honolulu fashion professionals stepped up to help the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline with a fashion sales event called The Women's Closet at O Lounge. It was so successful that nearly everything the designers and boutiques brought to the club blew out the doors, reported Elizabeth Watanabe, owner of The O Lounge and creator of the event.

Now they're doing it again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, when deconstructed clothing designer Roberta Oaks, bikini maven Erika Ireland of Hula-la and jewelry designer Cindy Yokoyama of Ginger 13 will sell their wares at up to 75 percent off. Retailers MisFortune, KariJane Threads, Global Village, Second Skin and J. Boudoir Corsetiere will also sell clothing and accessories. As before, the event benefits women caught in abusive situations.

Tickets are $8 with advance reservations and can be obtained online at www.the olounge.com or by calling 944-8436. You won't be turned away at the door, but tickets sell there for $10. Valet parking is available for $4. The O Lounge is at 1349 Kapi'olani Blvd.

NEW ACCESSORIES

Accessories designer Eric Javits made his name with his malleable hats.

His patented material, which he lovingly calls "Squishee," became a favorite for travelers because the material, which looks like straw, squishes flat in a suitcase but can be fluffed up on arrival to look fresh and anything but flat.

Javits is now making handbags and shoes of the same Squishee material, designed to mix and match with the hats. His national sales representative, Michael V., will preview the fall collection at Sandal Tree Ala Moana from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

GUCCI FETES 85TH

The luxury label Gucci is celebrating its 85th year. In a nod to its origins as purveyors of the ultimate in elegant equestrian leather goods, creative director Frida Giannini has created a limited-edition collection of handbags, "The 85th Gucci." The line blends the company's legacy of craftsmanship with its current chic and sexy image.

Each bag features reinterpreted Gucci horse bit hardware, as well as a brass anniversary plaque. Luxe materials include crocodile, fur and a rare hand-loomed silk velvet. The collection also pays homage to the Gucci design legacy, which includes the 1947 bamboo handle bag, and the enduring "Jackie O" bag from 1961.

In addition to the handbags, the 85th collection will include jewelry, shoes and scarves. Most of the collection is now available at Gucci's Hawai'i stores (Ala Moana, Waikiki and Wailea). The remaining pieces will arrive in August.

The special edition will be available only through the end of the year.

JUICY COUTURE, THEORY

Fashionistas can celebrate the opening of two new fashion-forward boutiques in Ala Moana Center: Theory and Juicy Couture.

Both stores are on the mall level — Theory is in the Sears wing, and Juicy Couture is near Papyrus.

Theory, a sophisticated urban line, offers classics with an edge: a great white shirt with an unexpected detail, slim black pants and T-shirts that have become positively iconic for their soft cottons and subtle drape.

Theory clothing has been carried in Neiman Marcus Ala Moana for several years, but the shoes and accessories are new to the Islands. Now women can wear head-to-toe Theory, from flat woven leather thong sandals to handbags and belts.

The monochromatic 1,500-square-foot store has slate floors, gray walls and black-and-white photographs, in keeping with the urban theme.

Juicy Couture's comfy cashmere, terry and velour track suits were practically a uniform for celebrities traveling on their jets or shopping on Rodeo Drive a few years ago. The celebrity chic enabled the company to segue into a complete line of clothing and accessories for men, women and children.

While Juicy Couture has been a staple at Neiman Marcus, the complete line has not previously been available in Honolulu. The collection now includes stretch jeans, shrunken blazers, girly pink children's track suits, baby bags, men's sportswear and racer-back dresses. There's even a women's track suit emblazoned with "Juicy Loves Surf."

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.