NUI MONO & FRIENDS

Just in time for Mother's Day, Nui Mono is gathering a cadre of designers, silk screeners, jewelry makers, quilters and dyers for an event called Nui Mono & Friends, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at Wai'oli Tea Room.

Appropriately, Nui Mono is owned by a mother and daughter, Elaine Costello and Lue Zimmelman, who are avid supporters of local artisans and craftspeople, in addition to creating their own line of pieced clothing with strong graphic lines. Among the artists at the event will be Ann Asakura, Kim Messier, Kim Kono, Tutuvi and Cora Yee.

A LOOK INTO VALENTINO'S WORLD

Valentino Garavani is a fashion designer who has never needed a surname. Known simply as Valentino, he was a couturier, based in Rome, for more than 45 years. Last year he retired with the pomp and circumstance befitting one considered fashion royalty. That's probably why filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer calls his feature-length film "Valentino: The Last Emperor." Described as an intimate, engaging and funny exploration of Valentino's world, the film documents the dramatic closing of his career while telling the story of his extraordinary life and work.

A special Hawai'i premiere will be held at 8 tonight at the Kahala Consolidated Theatres. The showing is a benefit for the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, which will receive 100 percent of the ticket sales. Tickets cost $20 for the movie and two Hula's Bar & Lei Stand "Any Kine" drink tickets. Buy them at the door or in advance at Hula's or locations listed online at www.rainbowfilmfestival.org. Information: Jeff Davis at 381-1952.

SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Neiman Marcus in Ala Moana Center is partnering with the Hawaii Foodbank to fight hunger in the Islands. During store hours today and tomorrow, customers who purchase a $40 non-transferable donation card in the Contemporary Sportswear, Sport Shop, Dress Collections and Men's Contemporary Sportswear departments will receive a 30 percent discount on full-priced merchandise in these areas. The entire $40 donation supports the Foodbank.

A VELVET SUMMER FASHION FAIR

The month of May is all about Velvet at Cottage by the Sea in Ward Warehouse. The boutique line of Velvet fashions, a staple in the closets of many fashion-savvy Island women, will be shown throughout the month. The summer 2009 line will be introduced tomorrow with a 20 percent off sale that runs through the weekend, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Discounts will continue throughout the month. Information: www.cottagehawaii.com.

ON OUR RADAR

For decades, or perhaps even centuries, the French have had a chic and eco-friendly way of carrying food from market to home: They use attractive string bags to tote their baguettes, meat and produce. Now an American company, Ecobags, has started making French-style string bags in natural and organic cotton. They come in subtle earth tones or vibrant jewel tones, expand exponentially and are ideal for shopping or beach-going. Sold online at www.ecobags.com, five for $35.