By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin
The China fashion market is being targeted with hot new
colors and bright floral embroidery. From left, Gin Wong,
Troy Lee and Trisha Fujikawa wear designs by Takeo.

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China syndrome

The message to China: Down
with darks and play up color

By Nadine Kam
Features Editor

YOU know that old rule that Asians don't look good in chartreuse? Forget it. Designer Takeo says that's a myth and he's taking his latest collection, lime green and all, to China to prove it.

The designer leaves Saturday for Shanghai, as a participant in Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau tourism promotion. Singers and dancers will also be part of the tour that will bring a bit of Hawaii to China.

Wei-Wei Ojiri, a spokesperson for the HVCB, said that this will be the state's first trade show in China.

"China tourism to the United States is not mature yet. It's difficult for them to get tourist visas, but we believe the market will be there, and with a 13 billion population, we want to be the first ones there," she said.

"In talking to people from China, we find they have heard of Hawaii, but have no idea where we are on the global map. We want to tell them about our geography, our culture, a little bit of everything."

By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin
Gin Wong shows the chartreuse shift.

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She says now's the time to bring local fashion to the country.

"Fashion shows are really big in China. If you go to restaurants in Shanghai, they have fashion shows while you're eating.

"Ten years ago, they always used to wear gray or black, but now it's wide open and they're anxious to know more about Western fashion," she said.

Takeo's newest garments reflect the tropics with their sunny colors. This marks a departure for the designer, who built his reputation on long, fitted evening gowns, often in dark velvets or luxurious fabrics in jewel tones.

"The economy is bad, so I wanted people to cheer up and see a bright future," he said. "I think these colors look more like Hawaii.

"And now everything is sheer. The colors slightly change with movement."

His sheer mesh fabric is embroidered with sunny tropical flowers such as plumeria and hibiscus.

Takeo is generally known for creating garments for women, but he has also made shirts for men also, in the same sheer florals meant to be worn over a cotton undershirt or bare skin for those buff enough.

If all goes well, there could be 13 billion people in the world sporting chartreuse next year.