A DEEPER THOUGHT

I want to take time right now to elaborate on my most favorite fashion moment at the Hula-A-Go-Go event. I had lots of favorites, but this paticular one made me stop and let out the ever famous "Oooohhh, CUUUTE!".

Maybe it was the way she walked in, hips swinging to the beat of the bongo drums. Or maybe it was how high her head was held with confidence. Or just maybe it was the kettle one and crans that gave her such allure. Either way the whole thing just looked effortless. I was just blown away at how simple a look it was and at the same time how big of a style statement she made.

In my opnion it was punk chic. I had to ask who was responsible for contributing to her style. Just as I suspected, she rattled off a list of heavyhitters; Dolce and Gabanna denim skirt and an Armani Exchange Denim Jacket. The jacket I adored, it just added that right amount of romance to the whole thing. The suprise answear came from the origin of the boots; Forever 21. Usually, I try to stear clear from outlets like this one. Nothing against the chain, its just that living here on Oahu, I feel like we as a fashion community only have so many options to choose from. Yes yes I know, there is a whole world of online shopping, but nothing is as much fun as going and trying on all the garments that tickle your fancy. This results in mass consumers shopping at the same places, buying the same things. Where is the originality in that?

Well there I go again, ranting and raving. My point in all of this blah,blah, blah is that every once in awhile I am humbled and given a new perspective on what this island really has to offer. In this case, a beautiful girl named Zara who does not discriminate when it comes to commanding her style.

AND AWAY WE A GO-GO......

I have been contributing lately to the Hawaiian Chopper magazine under the pen name "Jesse the chopper chick". Not exactly what I wanted to be known as, but I gotta start somewhere. The column is about the different influences of the motorcycle and car culture here in the islands. Only thing is these influences are not easily found as it is in the mainland. Or so I thought. I guess I was contemplating it so much that by way of "the law of attraction" I discovered the Cherry Blossom Cabaret group.

This lovely group of ladies were exactly what the magazine editor in chief (I wonder if he got to pick his own title?) had ordered. Lucky me, they were putting on a couple of shows over the weekend. After rounding up a babysitter and a partner in crime, I set out to Don Ho"s Island Grill for some tantaliizng tiki teasers.

The production was appropiately named Hula A Go-Go. In associaton with the burlesque babes, there were a medly of bands adding to the atmosphere. All styles of music were represented, surf sounds, rockabilly, punk, and even some get up and move your feet ska. It was fabulous. The girls, dressed in the cutest 1950s inspired garb, entertained the crowd with shimmy shimmy shakes and sychronized swimming performances.

I myself was more impressed with the audience. I don't know what exactly I was expecting but this crowd exceeded it. I was really blown away by the range in ages. I guess though that this is reminicsent of a 50-60 year olds hey day. And the fashion was fierce. Traditional to the updated version of vintage was on display. There were a few blunders, you know when the clothes are wearing the person. Overall though it was all light hearted and fun. I managed to get a few shots of what I thought were the key fashion staements for the evening.