By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
Paco Rabanne created the dress of chain mail and chocolate
for Richart Design et Chocolat that is on view at Neiman Marcus,
3rd Level, through Nov. 4. The dress is valued at $30,000.

Movies & more, all very
French, all next week

Star-Bulletin

MOVIE theaters won't allow outside snacks? Stump 'em by putting on a chocolate dress from Neiman Marcus for nibbling.

The dress, made by Paco Rabanne for Richart Design et Chocolat is valued at $30,000, and is actually not for sale, but it's fun to imagine the possibilities.

The dress will be free for the viewing on the store's 3rd Level throughout the French Festival, continuing through Nov. 4.

During the celebration, revelers can also become Marie Antoinette or a French soldier for a day at DFS, which will offer the costumes for photo opportunities from 7 to 10 p.m. nightly through the 4th, while sampling, not cake, but fresh crepes and chocolate-dipped strawberries. There will also be daily prize drawings and other events.

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Kyoko Tsuzuki, left, has a laugh at her friend, Yukiko Ishiguro,
who's dressed up as Napoleon inside DFS Galleria, which is
promoting the French Festival by letting people try on French
attire for photos and offering cooking and
makeup demonstrations.

Also at DFS, watch a marionette show performed by students from the University of Hawai'i Theatre Department at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

On the store's 1st Floor is "A Glimpse of France," French cuisine at the Garden Court, face painting and more. On the 2nd Floor are free make-over sessions by Givenchy and Christian Dior international artists, and French manicures by Chanel.

Other retailers offering French Festival items and events are: Agnes b., Celine, Chanel, Christian Dior, Cartier, Hermés, Lancel, Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel, Sephora and Whalers Village shops on Maui.

Major events are as follows:

Today

Screening of "Autumn Tale" at Varsity, ongoing. The film (in French with subtitles) is the fourth and last in the series of love stories from master director Huston-Eric Rohmer, revolving around the seasons. Check movie listings for times.

8 p.m. -- Vienna Choir Boys in concert at The Hawaii Theatre. Known for beautiful singing and charm, the Vienna Choir Boys perform a broad repertoire, from sacred music to operettas to international folk songs. Tickets: $20-40, call 528-0506. Repeats tomorrow.

Sisley Focus Week at Neiman Marcus through Nov. 4 -- French cosmetic maker offers gift with purchase of $250 or more.

Saturday

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Robin Rotenier appearance and trunk show at Neiman Marcus, Designer Jewelry, Level One. Repeats 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Noon -- "Making the blush" workshop at Sephora.

2 to 5 p.m. -- Fashion Ball makeovers (by appointment only) at Sephora.

6:30 p.m. -- Fashion show at Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballrooms features the haute couture collections of Chanel and Christian Dior, and prêt-à-porter collections of Hermès, Sonia Rykiel and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Black tie attire. Music by the Honolulu Symphony and a silent auction will be featured.

A few tickets remain, at $300, and $500 per person. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Honolulu Academy of Arts, The Hawaii Theatre Center, and The Contemporary Museum. Call: 1-877-THE-FEST (843-3378).

Monday

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- Jean-Paul Gaultier trunk show at Neiman Marcus. Informal modeling will take place from noon to 3 p.m. in Fine Apparel, level two.

Nov. 4

6 p.m. -- French Festival Wine Diner at Hula Grill at Whalers Village on Maui. A champagne tasting is followed by French cuisine and wine with chef Peter Merriman and guest chef George Mavrothalassitis of Oahu's Chef Mavro restaurant. Cost: $65 Profits will benefit the Nature Conservancy. Call 1-(808)-667-6636 on Maui.

Click for online
calendars and events.