ISLAND STYLE
Out-of-the-way boutiques offer unexpected styles

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Clockwise from above left: Gavin Cook, owner of Modern Amusement, models the company's characteristic classic look. His khaki shirt features subtle red top stitching, while the pants are pure, classic cotton. The limited editions "Dunks" Nike shoes can be found at Kicks for $225. Dave Suzuki is wearing Steady jeans and a US Bomb shirt; his shoes are cherry-red Grinders. Tami Iida is in the black flare pencil skirt with polka-dot top and Betty Boop shoes. The black and silver backpack comes from House of Flys for $75. Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

The owners, and most of their customers, are young and interested in personal style. The merchandise mix is exclusive and unexpected, reflecting the taste and philosophy of the buyers. Each offers top-to-toe style, with an emphasis on the top rather than the toes (except in the case of Kicks, of course).

Though it might be easy to pass up these boutiques, thinking they're meant for Japanese tourists, that would be a mistake. There's a lot of cool stuff inside, stuff you probably won't find anywhere else here.

Here's a thumbnail sketch of four shops:

House of Flys

• 2139 Kuhio Ave. (corner of Kai'olu, across from the municipal parking lot), 923-3597.
• The vibe: It's all about extreme here, in sports, music and fashion. This retail entertainment lounge hosts DJ nights featuring the likes of G-Dog, Gary O and DJ Sovereignty, and has a pool table and retail counters that look like lounge bars. Known for unexpected events, such as setting up a skateboard ramp in a nearby parking lot.
• The goods: Clothing by Dickies, Hustler, Pornstar, Dogtown and Third Rail, in addition to their own line, Black Flys, which includes sunglasses, cargo pants, T-shirts, skateboards, caps and high-tech backpacks.
• The owners: Local surfers and sports enthusiasts Saree Chirayunon and Sci Fly.
• Who shops there: Locals and visitors who are or want to be part of the extreme-sports scene.

Kicks

• 1522 Makaloa St., Suite 211 (upstairs, across from Tower Records), 941-9191.
• The vibe: Merchandise as art, in a gallery setting. Pure fashion with a passion. The goods: Limited-edition and classic footwear by Nike and Adidas, clothing by Anx, Freshjive, Creative, Subase and Poetree. Clothing lines are produced by friends of the owners, so retail often influences manufacturing. They know, and love to talk about, the artists behind the designs. The owners: Edward Haus of Mililani and Ian Ginoza of Pearl City.
• Who shops there: Sneaker aficionados and collectors, from teens to seniors. The young are seeing these cool styles for the first time while boomers are buying them for nostalgia's sake. Note: these shoes are fashion statements, not for the athletically inclined.

Johnny Ching wears plaid bondage pants and a band shirt, and Jessa Simpkins is wearing a Western style shirt and pinstripe bondage capris with high black mary janes. Fashion Calendar Meet Robert and Regina Bielka, and view their collection of gold and colored-stone jewelry in motifs such as sunflowers and teddy bears, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, precious jewelry department, Neiman Marcus. Free. 951-8887. Honolulu Community College Fashion Students show, featuring Susan Page models, 11 a.m. Sunday, Ala Moana Center Stage. Free.

• 436 Uluniu St., Kailua, 262-4655.
• The vibe: A funky, punk rock-inspired lifestyle boutique.
• The goods: Bondage pants, plaid micro-minis, Betty Boop shoes, girly dresses with '50s flair, men's rock-a-billy shirts by Lucky 13 and Johnny Suede, crushed velvet shirts, plenty of Goth-like black mixed with metal.
• The owners: Jessa Simpkins and Tim Goodrich of Kailua.
• Who shops there: Locals seeking unconventional looks for work, school or clubbing. They are mainly frequent shoppers, since Last Resort will never reorder the same stock twice.

Modern Amusement

• 449 Kapahulu Ave., Suite 102, 738-2769.
• The vibe: Sophisticated surf wear and classic club wear.
• The goods: Simple, clean lines, classic structure, quality fabrics and construction, with a tweaking of individuality in the details. Most pieces are limited editions. The line is designed by Jeffery Yokoyama, who started Maui & Sons and Pirate Surf, as well as aiding design at Stussy. This is one of only four Modern Amusement stores in the world.
• The owner: Gavin Cook of Kailua (remember when he played volleyball for UH?)
• Who shops there: Artsy non-conformists looking for leisurewear for surfing, clubbing, skating, or whatever they do.