The latest fashion-press darling Philip Lim, who took the Council of Fashion Designers of America's award for best emerging talent this year, will be the highlighted talent at the annual Neiman Marcus Fall Hip Event.

Each year, the department store selects a designer to create an exclusive capsule collection for the event, and this time it's Lim, whose 3.1 Phillip Lim collection debuted in the fall of 2005.

In keeping with current trends, Lim's silhouettes are often sculptural, with unexpected details taking the shapes in new directions. His pants are considered by many to be miracles of tailoring, while his sleeves offer imaginative, flattering features.

For the Fall Hip Event, Lim designed 13 pieces that cover day and evening. His inspiration? The multitasking, worldly woman of today.

During the Hip Event, today through Sunday at the Ala Moana store, those who spend $450 or more in the women's contemporary department on any designer's clothing will receive a 3.1 Phillip Lim black tote and swag from 17 designers, including Theory, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Nanette Lepore.

For men, Diesel has designed an 11-piece exclusive collection for Neiman Marcus. Several celebrity-driven lines will also launch during the three-day event, including Twenty8Twelve by s.miller (actress Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah), and Elizabeth and James, from design consultants Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. Royal Underground from Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx and Justin Timberlake's William Rast collection will be available in the Men's Contemporary department.

HALLOWEEN BY DESIGN

Whether it's the showing of "Nosferatu" at the Hawai'i Theatre, a private party or just trick-or-treating with the keiki, a Halloween costume is a must (unless, of course, you're one of those nasty people who turn off the lights and pretend you're not home). Unless you're a super seamstress, however, it can be challenging to find a unique costume.

Enter Bertha Fernandez of Costume and Clothing by i.d. She can whip up a custom costume from a description or sketch. Better hurry, though, as custom costumes don't happen with the wave of a wand. Check out her Web site at www.designxid.com or call her at 779-2915.

SPLENDOR OF CHINA FEATURES FASHION SHOW

Check out the latest in Chinese fashions, from cheong sams to men's Mandarin-collar jackets, at the Splendor of China cultural festival and trade show this weekend at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

Fashion shows are scheduled for 3 p.m. tomorrow and 12:30 p.m. Sunday. And this is the first time in Hawai'i that we will be able to purchase Beijing 2008 Olympic official logo merchandise. Tickets are $5, $3 for military personnel with ID and free for children under 10.

SIG ZANE TRUNK SHOW

O'ahu folks will finally have a chance to check out the latest collection from noted Hilo fashion designer Sig Zane.

Zane is bringing the 2008 Wailani Collection with him when he comes to unveil the Moku O Keawe Foundation limited-edition pendant and perpetual trophy, created in collaboration with Tiffany & Co. to celebrate the foundation's second annual hula festival in November.

Meet Zane at the Outrigger Reef Hotel from 6 to 9 p.m. today, or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. Information: 924-6040.

INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS SHOW

InStyle magazine and INC International Concepts celebrate Instant Style with a holiday fashion show and shopping party at Macy's Ala Moana at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Reservations are encouraged: 945-6427.

WEAR ABOUTS

Andrea Weymouth-Fujie, owner/designer of popular Double Paws Wear, has outgrown her Kaimuki studio and boutique and moved to larger digs in Waimanalo Town Center.

"The past year has been one of incredible growth for us," Weymouth-Fujie said. "East Honolulu Clothing Co. introduced a new product line called Horsechicks Hawaii, cool designer riding tops for equestrians. This year, we decided it was time to actually brand the separate wholesale department to develop specific East Honolulu Clothing Co. and Horsechicks Hawaii product lines for other retailers."

The new store concept is Waimanalo Country Ranch — relaxed, eclectic, understated, artsy and incorporating an equestrian theme. Information: 259-7677 or 732-1669.

ALLURE WAIKIKI REOPENS

After more than 15 years at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and nearly two years of being in a temporary location during the renovation of the center, Allure Swimwear has reopened. The boutique is on the ground floor in Building C, just diamondhead of the Royal Grove at Helumoa.

Swim fashions include designs from European houses such as La Perla and Christian Lacroix as well as DKNY, Letarte and Trina Turk, to name just a few. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SPLIT OBSESSION

In true Island style, Split Obsession is having a big first-birthday party at its boutique in Koko Marina Shopping Center. A Moopiland trunk show and sale, free lomilomi, radio DJs and prize giveaways are part of the party. It's noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow: 395-3380.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.