ISLAND STYLE
'Fantasy chic' fashion challenge at the Opera Ball

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Nake'u Awai dressed Hawaii Opera Theatre artistic director Henry Akina in a satin shirt with brocade vest trimmed with raw silk. Opera supporter Deida Bourne models an ensemble by designer Erwin Castro. The gown is satin brocade; the wings are crafted from wire, netting, sequins and butterflies made from silk flowers. Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser 'The Magic Flute' Hawaii Opera Theatre's Annual Opera Ball 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16 Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel, Hawai'i Ballroom $200 per ticket Ticket information: Marilyn Trankle at 596-7372, Ext. 14 or through Hawaiiopera.org.

If inspiration eludes you, Cathy Foy, event co-chairwoman, suggests you "Let your inner child emerge and discover your deepest fantasies."

The event's other co-chairwoman, Nanna Bradford, hopes people will "Do something special, something they've always wanted to do but never had the opportunity." Or even the courage, perhaps?

Most of the people on the invitation list that we asked said they're going traditional, in ball gowns or tuxedos. Others said they haven't thought about it yet, but just might find the courage to go all out.

Actor Lawrence Paxton will don a tuxedo with a bit of attitude. His jacket, which he bought in Los Angeles, will be knee-length and worn with sunglasses. (Think Samuel L. Jackson at the Oscars.)

Under his traditional tuxedo, Henry Akina, artistic director of the Hawaii Opera Theatre, will wear an Anne Namba original soft silk shirt with a kimono brocade bib.

Real estate agent Kendric Wong is considering his Shanghai Tang linen Nehru shirt and black silk jacket with contrasting lining.

Bradford and Foy will wear spectacular wings that are being flown in from Hollywood and are made of real feathers. Bradford will be an angel in white wings and Foy will play a fallen angel in black wings.

Vince Motas, manager of the men's department at Neiman Marcus, said the world of men's evening wear is constantly changing, though the changes may seem subtle to many. Now popular are the double-breasted tuxedo or the single-breasted jacket with a single, higher button made popular by Gucci.

Actress/singer Sherry Chock Wong wears a Anne Namba bustier and jacket made of patchwork kimono and obi pieces, appliqués, embroidery, fur trim and crystal buttons worn over a sunburst pleated chiffon skirt with a lace drape and fur trim.

For those who simply will not wear a tuxedo, no matter what, Motas suggested a dark, dressy dinner suit and shirt with point collar and velvet or Charvet-type stripe tie. A mandarin jacket or a crazy vest" are other suggestions.

The setting at the Sheraton-Waikiki ballroom will be an enchanted forest with a plethora of fruits, flowers and feathers. Sets from the opera, lighted by dramatic candelabra, will help set the mood. Special effects will be coordinated by Gordon Svec, who plans to create fantasy forest fires with silk.