Exotic arts, clothes sale at Academy
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
The annual World Art Bazaar at the Honolulu Academy of Arts offers a wide range of fair-trade arts, crafts, jewelry and clothing collected by astute buyer Kathee Hoover. Among the one-of-a-kind pieces this year: vintage Japanese haori ($45 to $195), crewel embroidered jackets from India ($395) and silk ikat scarves from Uzbekistan ($65). For anyone seeking the unusual in jewelry, there are hilltribe silver from Thailand, antique silver from China and Indian costume jewelry, to name a few of the treasures. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow through Dec. 14, Academy Art Center at Linekona. Free.
JEWELRY AT LILY LOTUS
Jewelry designer Sonja Picard is known for her line of yogic mantra jewelry, so it makes sense that she would have a trunk show at Lily Lotus, Momi Chee's yoga-inspired Kaimuki boutique. Picard, a Canadian sculptor, studies yogic philosophy and was inspired to create a line of jewelry as an homage to yoga. Each piece is inscribed with Sanskrit mantras and is created in concert with ancient yogic concepts and tantric traditions of personal adornment. The designer will be at Lily Lotus from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, and the trunk show continues through Dec. 11; 735-3400.
BLAINE ASHLEY'S PICKS
Honolulu stylist Blaine Ashley has opened an online boutique, designed to feel like stepping into a stylist's closet — with limited numbers of each style available. For the holidays, there are lots of dresses, as well as some tailored tops and upscale casual separates. Hawai'i residents will always get free shipping; www.shopblaineashley.com.
NINI'S BOUTIQUE OPENS
Sisters Kelli Nguyen, owner, and Ma Halle, manager, have opened Nini's Boutique at 1154 Koko Head Ave. It's a mix of consign, buy, sell or exchange fashion items. We spotted D&G, Chanel, Gucci, Rebecca Taylor and Catherine Malandrino on the racks. Many of the sandals are brand new, still with tags. There's also lingerie from Victoria's Secret and skin care and cosmetics from Kinerase and DDF. Look for the gently used designer hangbags, which could pass for new. The accessories are fabulous, with one of the best selections of belts anywhere on O'ahu. Clothing sizes are mostly XS and S, for now; 739-2500.
Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.