There was the French Festival. Then there was the Red Party. Now there's Shop a Le'a, Ala Moana Center's festival of spring fashion and shopping. They call it "seven blissful days of shopping euphoria," and it is expected to become the center's annual signature fashion event.

The event's name combines "shop" with the Hawaiian word "le'a," which means "to delight or take pleasure in." With some poetic license, organizers are translating it as "The Joy of Shopping." A week of events kicks off Monday, with special in-store offers, gifts with purchase and exclusive products.

At a redesigned Centerstage, fashion shows featuring Anne Namba, Wolford, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Tory Burch will be featured, along with more than 35 fashion and lifestyle seminars. There will also be hair and makeup demonstrations and makeovers by US Weekly's style guru Steve Kemble. Lulu-lemon athletica will offer free yoga classes, and some of the Islands' favorite chefs will cook up their specialties.

At 4 p.m. Monday, this writer will give a presentation on how to pack for a one-month trip in one carry-on bag, and still look chic. And speaking of travel, two lucky people will be the winners of a trip to New York valued at $10,000.

For a complete schedule of events, go to www.shopalea.com.

WOMEN'S CLOSET FIGHTS CANCER

The Women's Closet at The O Lounge will celebrate Girls Day a day early as local designers and models team up for a fashion event to benefit Rozanne Llewellyn, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The event features up to 75 percent discounts on fashions and jewelry as well as free mini massages and complimentary makeovers by Clinique.

Local designers and boutiques include: Oaks Hawaii, Hula-la, Ginger 13, Bamboo Sky, MisFortune, KariJane Threads, Rockabella, Pineapple County, Donna Bebber Fine Lingerie and Soleil Boutique. It's from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday at The O Lounge, 1349 Kapi'olani Blvd. Tickets are $8.

ALA MOANA PREVIEW

Ala Moana Center is celebrating the unveiling of its new two-level retail wing with a Preview Shopping Night, a fundraiser for Hawai'i Habitat for Humanity. Just 500 shoppers will be able to attend, and 16 retailers will participate, including Bare Escentuals, Chico's, Design Within Reach, MAX & Co., J. Crew-on-theIsland, lululemon athletica and Wolford. From 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, guests will have an opportunity to shop at the new stores while enjoying cocktails, live entertainment and desserts from Cafe Laufer, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Roy's, Ruth's Chris Steak House and The Pineapple Room.

Tickets are $40, available at Ala Moana Center's Customer Service Center.

THE HONOREES ARE ...

Takeo Kobayashi and Eric Kamakahia'ai Chandler, owners of 2Couture, are known for their support of the arts, fashion designers, beauty queens and up-and-coming models. Now it's their turn to take the spotlight and be honored at the third annual Legacy Awards. There will be cocktails at 5 p.m., with dinner and the awards from 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 12 at The Royal Hawaiian hotel's Monarch Room. Tickets are $150; tables of 10 for $1,500, $3,000 or $5,000. Information: Johnny Kai at 951-6699 or Jkai@mfhawaii.com.

ROCKABELLA GOES ONLINE

Popular Kaka'ako boutique Rockabella has just opened an online store at www.shoprockabella.com. The online shop is offering free shipping on orders over $100, and more brands and items will be added weekly.

ADORE OPENS AT KAHALA MALL

Adore, a store specializing in women's clothing and accessories, recently opened at Kahala Mall.

It's all about trendy and contemporary clothing for day and evening wear.

Co-owners Tasha Matsubara and Mayumi Villiatora have worked a combined 30 years in retail and have always dreamed of having their own store.

Lines range from funky and trendy T-shirts and dresses to classic cardigans.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.