honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 15, 2009

A little paradise at Tori Richard


By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

See the Shells is an updated take on the look of the '70s.

Tori Richard

spacer spacer
Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
spacer spacer

Tamar Hassing Wong, designer of Tori Richard women's wear, grew up in 'Aiea and went to Maryknoll, so she "gets" us. Her fresh new summer collection is proof of that. The theme is "Paradise Found," and the clothes capture the essence of a vacation mood, easy and breezy, yet most can also go to work.

Always seeking fabrics that offer an effortless drape, Wong uses silk/cotton poplin, silk/cotton voile, rayon/Spandex jersey knit and milk/silk knit. But it's the prints that Tori Richard is known for, and these do not disappoint. "We pride ourselves on creating a print for every personality," Wong said. Among the summer prints are Hana, a delicate painted orchid on an ombre field, and Alana, bright eternity circles, modern and clean.

Vintage plays an important role this season, with Dandelions Too, a peaceful print that's fluid and flirty, and Island Birds and See the Shells harkening back to the '70s.

While many of the silhouettes are reminiscent of classic Tori Richard styles, a younger, more contemporary look has been infused. Long maxi dresses, like those already being seen on the streets of New York, are elegant additions.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

We all know it's smart to shop in our own closets, but how about shopping in our daughter's — or mother's — closets too? That's the idea behind stylist Sherrie Mathieson's new book, "Steal this Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets" (Clarkson Potter). Mathieson assembled 20 sets of real moms and daughters (and some tutus, too) for lessons in cross-generational dressing, citing what should, and shouldn't, be shared. Divided into "Never Cool" and "Forever Cool," Mathieson shows how boomers and beyond can look contemporary and classic, perhaps even adding a little edge, by remaining attentive to fit and principles of style as well as current trends.

ON OUR RADAR

CHARMED, WE'RE SURE

Hula dancers, the Hokule'a, an old Ford truck with surfboards in the back and images reminiscent of Matson menu covers are just a few of the Hawai'i-inspired themes on these adorable beveled glass and silver charms from The Rusty Locket. There are also martini glasses and warm fuzzy sayings such as "Best Friends." Kitschy? Oh yeah. And utterly charming.

Although designer Lynne Snowden doesn't live in the Islands, her sister does, and she visits often to get inspired.

The charms ($24 to $48) can be attached to any charm bracelet or key chain, but Snowden also sells chains so you can make your own ($20 to $60). We found them at Silver Moon Emporium in Hale'iwa Marketplace.