EVEN before the Hawaii Youth Symphony broke into "La Parisienne," those attending the gala Hilton Hawaiian Village fete that highlighted the French Festival Saturday, were into the mood. It did seem oddly ironic, however, that as the Coral Ballroom was filled to capacity with women in elegant gowns and men in tuxedos sipping French wine and champagne, that the orchestra would play music from "Les Miserables." It was a busman's holiday for the likes of Hubert Keller of San Francisco's celebrated Fleur de Lys who was able to enjoy a French feast without having to go near the kitchen. And Honolulu Symphony Maestro Sam Wong was able to sit back and take in the Youth Symphony while Henry Miyamura wielded the baton ... Fashion fete
fabulously FrenchHIGH fashion: When the classic models wearing the elegant stylings of Sonia Rykiel, Hermes, Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Dior and Chanel did their classic no-smiles, in-no-hurry, runway turns, we had to agree with Rann and Wendy Watumull that the women models looked to be on Prozac and the males like hired killers. The couple knows a bit about international modeling, too. They own a house in London which they're leasing to Aussie supermodel (and new mom) Elle Macpherson ...
IT was an elegant evening, and benefited the Academy of Arts. Former Playboy "Playmate" Barbi Benton (forever known as the former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner) and husband George Gradow were there, in from their Aspen home -- second largest in the resort community ... Jim Nabors, looking quite the picture of health, was there and anticipating his Dec. 4 Christmas concert at the Hawaii Theatre ...
Cruising
AS localite Peggy Buchwach was enjoying a two-month cruise, she was happy to hear notes from home when Hawaii jazz clarinetist Abe Weinstein appeared to play on one leg of the trip. She says he got the only standing ovation she saw. Peggy also reports three separate helicopter emergency medical transfers at sea -- all well handled, said she ... And attorney Rick Fried is back from a 10-day excursion on the super elegant Crystal Harmony. The fiercely competitive Fried proudly told friends he won the grand slam of competitive events on the tour, copping firsts in racquet ball, table tennis, poker and blackjack. "It was my finest hour," he said. Longtime companion Sue Tripton rolled her eyes as if to say, "It wasn't mine, pal." ...RECENT visitors to the Four Seasons at Hualalai on the Big Isle were S.F. tycoon Bob Lurie and wife Connie, getting in some golf. Also there was Billy Getty (yes, of the Gettys) and girlfriend Vanessa Jarman, daughter of my old friend Claude Jarman Jr., who won an Oscar when he starred in "The Yearling" as a boy ... And at the Halekulani last week, celebrating both her birthday and her recent victory in the U.S. Senatorial contest in California was another San Franciscan, Barbara Boxer ...
Good sports
YOU don't hear a lot about a girlfriend in the life of pro golfer Tiger Woods, in Kauai for the PGA Grand Slam, but rumors are flying that a young lady was checked into a room adjoining his when he arrived for the tourney tomorrow and Wednesday ... Also spotted on Kauai were Gabriella Reese, the model and pro volleyball player who was featured in a recent Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. She was with her beau, surfer and model Laird Hamilton ... Another good sport on Kauai this week is winemaker Robert Mondavi. He and his wife Margrit will enjoy some time off from the fields of Napa ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
His columns run Monday through Friday.Contact Dave by e-mail: donnelly@kestrok.com.