‘Congratulations, Takeo!’

HAPPY 25TH!: Honolulu-based fashion designer Takeo Kobayashi, fourth from left, celebrated 25 years of elegant gowns and couture designs with "New Beginnings," a fashion show benefiting the Japanese Women's Society Foundation, at the Sheraton Waikiki May 7. Joining Takeo backstage during the show were entertainers Kristian Lei, left, and Tony Conjugacion, and celebrity models Brooke Hasegawa, Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu and chef Chai Chaowasaree. Hasegawa is wearing a silk taffeta off-white dress with train; Tseu and Chaowasaree, pure silk couture aloha shirts with embroidered flowers. Tseu's shirt has plumeria blossoms; Chaorasaree's has cherry blossoms.

A TOUCH OF OPERA: Les Ceballos added to the international ambience with a beautiful operatic solo.

CATHY GETS "LOST": Cathy Foy-Mahi greeted Fendi general manager Patrick Gey and his son, Seishu. Foy-Mahi cut her hair recently and donated it to Locks for Love, a group that makes wigs for cancer survivors. She was invited to audition for "Lost" the following day. Watch for her in "the final 60 seconds" of the season finale May 24.

HOT CONTRASTS: Professional model Genevive Rokero was a hot splash of colors in a multicolored silk taffeta blouse, an orange ribbon belt and floor-length deep blue/purple dress.

SHE'S "IN": Celebrity guest model Emily Lopez of In Magazine looked fabulous wearing a black and off-white kimono jacket over a deep purple velvet strapless gown with high side slits. The combination was a highlight of a great show.

THAT'S ALL, FOLKS!: Takeo came out at the end of the show and thanked the crowd for coming as he joined his models in a final parade down the runway.