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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, November 16, 2008

Honolulu designer outfits Vanna

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

"Wheel of Fortune" co-host Vanna White wore fashions by Honolulu designer Anne Namba when the show taped on the Big Island.

Carol Kaelson

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'WHEEL OF FORTUNE'

6:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

KHON

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When Catherine Nishimoto and Roberta Wagner, costumer and stylist for the CBS hit show "Wheel of Fortune," needed a Hawai'i designer to create outfits for the show's co-host, Vanna White, they called Women's Wear Daily for advice. And who did WWD recommend? Honolulu's own Anne Namba.

While a call from "Wheel of Fortune" might have sent some designers into a tizzy, all Namba had to do was look through her collection.

Vanna White will wear Namba designs on episodes airing Nov. 19 to 21 and Nov. 24 to 25.

Wagner asked Namba to send her samples for dressy evenings — but not too serious. "A black Armani suit doesn't work on the beach," Namba said.

Other requirements: no sleeves, because they get in the way when Vanna is turning those letters, and form-fitting to show off Vanna's enviable shape.

Namba was asked to avoid blue and green, because of the beachy backdrop.

During the taping on the Big Island in September, Namba was invited to sit in the front row.

And, no, Vanna didn't get to keep the gowns. Namba has since sold them all.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.