Mari Stewart shut down her extremely popular Ala Moana boutique, Rafael, in December 2005 with the idea of doing business solely online. "I missed customer contact," she said, however, after a year or so. "It's exciting to see people try things on and get excited about them, and it's so fun to meet with new designers and try them out and see how customers react to them."

So she reopened in Chinatown, which seems to be evolving into fashion central for those who prefer alternative shopping. The merchandise mix is a little less dressy than the former Rafael. Many of Stewart's most popular lines, such as True Religion, Frankie B., Juicy Couture and Fighting Eel, are still being carried, but she has added Butterfly Dropout, T-Bags and Noelani jewelry. In late April or early May she will add Melia Conrad beachwear. She hopes to support more local designers in the new location.

Rafael is on Pauahi Street, between Nu'uanu Avenue and Bethel Street. (No one seems to know the number, so look for it between The ARTS at Marks Garage and Bethel Street Gallery.) Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 536-2823.

SIG ZANE REOPENS

Fashion designer Sig Zane is holding a two-day party today and tomorrow to celebrate the grand reopening of his expanded Hilo boutique.

"The whole thing is a give-back to the community," Zane said. "I feel like they've taught me, they've reared me. They've shaped me. It is a mahalo. I don't know how else to say mahalo. What I've become is all because of Hilo and her people."

The new store, Zane said, mingles local crafts and pottery with his signature designs. Zane is known for his hand-printed motifs of native Hawaiian flora. The decor combines aspects of Hawaiian and Chinese cultures, from the 'ohi'a entry door crafted by Jeff Gomes to the Chinese antiques, some dating back to the 1800s.

From 6 to 9 tonight, there will be Chinese lion dancers and Hawaiian entertainment. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, there will be chanting, hula and Hawaiian music by Na Palapalai, Kainani, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole and Nani Lim.

Sig Zane Designs: 122 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo; (808) 935-7077; www.sigzane.com.

CLOTHING SALE AT YWCA

Dress for Success Honolulu needs to make room in its closet, so it's having a spring cleaning benefit sale, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Laniakea YWCA lobby on Richards Street. Dress for Success provides free interview outfits to women of limited means who are job-searching.

At the sale, suits will sell for $25, dresses, $10, skirts and pants, $5. All proceeds will go to Dress for Success Honolulu.

ANG NAMSILK OPENS

Ang Namsilk (pronounced Ahnj Nom-Silk) boutique has opened in Aloha Tower Marketplace, on the first floor next to Starbucks. The store specializes in handmade and handembroidered clothing and accessories from Vietnam.

Validated parking is available with a purchase.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.