Remember the days when you walked into Neiman Marcus or Prada or Chanel or Louis Vuitton and it was a sea of neutrals, dominated by basic black? No more. Spring 2008 is an ode to color.

"Color is the overwhelming message for this spring, infusing every runway with a statement that is bold and bright," said Ken Downing, fashion director for Neiman Marcus. Bold and bright shades such as turquoise, hot pink, kelly green, every shade of yellow and orange are hot. Watercolor pastels — powder blues, lavenders, peaches and butter yellows — abound. Spice shades of olive, mustard and tamarind spice up neutral navy, chino and, of course, the perennial spring classic, black-and-white.

Downing also said "Multicultural references create a global vibe, adding foreign intrigue to a modern wardrobe." We're seeing influences from Africa, India, Morocco, Asia, South America and the toga times of ancient Rome and Greece.

Prints continue to be a huge trend, but the prints have become more artsy, from impressionistic florals to Jackson Pollock drips to Mark Rohtko ombres and over-the-top pop-art and op-art patterns. "Bold brush strokes and painterly details create an artistic mood for the season," Downing said.

Dresses continue to be ubiquitous, as do sheer layers, embroidery, beading, wide-leg pants and safari jackets. Neiman Marcus Ala Moana has interpreted the trends on mannequins throughout the store.

Lana Fertelmeister, a Chicago-based jewelry designer, will make her first Honolulu appearance 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow in the Neiman Marcus designer jewelry department. Originally from Moscow, her work was recently seen on "Cashmere Mafia" and in the pages of In Style, Lucky and Women's Wear Daily.

There will be a trunk show of world trendsetters Giorgio Armani today and tomorrow, featuring the latest collections from Milan, with informal modeling from noon to 2 p.m. both days.

Spring also means it's time for the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event, today through March 2. Teams of makeup artists from Trish McEvoy and Laura Mercier will introduce their spring palettes and offer makeup tips and makeovers, today and tomorrow. McEvoy appointments will run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; call 948-7377. Mercier appointments: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; call 948-7584.

ALL ABOUT VELVET

The informal, easy-wear, easy-care fashions of velvet have become a favorite among Island women. Now Cottage by the Sea is offering the entire spring 2008 collection during a special trunk show today through March 2. Expect to see more color than usual here, too. Coral strapless dresses, turquoise halter tops and grape shifts with beaded embellishments are added to the line's popular basics. The entire store will become a velvet venue and the line will be offered at 10 percent off. Information: 591-9811.

YOSHIKO WADA TEACHES

World-renowned fiber artist Yoshiko Wada will be in Honolulu March 27 to 30 to conduct two fiber arts workshops and to present a public lecture. A one-day teacher's workshop (for teachers of all levels, from elementary school through university) will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 27. The workshop will explore shibori (a Japanese dye resist technique), dye chemistry and textile science, as well as design and construction issues.

Her three-day workshop, "Material Transformations," will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28 to 30. It will focus on the transformation of protein fibers, such as silk and wool, from two-dimensional to three-dimensional art forms through boiling, burning and chemically shrinking fabrics.

Wada will give a free public lecture 6 p.m. March 29, to discuss her research and experimentation with traditional and contemporary dyeing.

Wada has authored and co-authored several books, including "Memory on Cloth," "The Kimono Inspiration," "Shibori II Blossoms Unveiled" and "Ikat." She currently serves as president of the World Shibori Network.

All events are at the Academy Art Center at Linekona. For additional information and registration, call Geri McBeth at 261-9701.