'Viva la Diva '07'
at Kahala Mall

Kahala Mall's two-week spring showcase "Viva la Diva '07" gets under way at noon Saturday with a series of informal fashion shows at Center Court.

Opening the event will be an "Art and Accessories Fashion Show" featuring garments made from paper, created by Honolulu Community College's fashion technology students, and accessorized with jewelry from Kahala Mall stores.

The show is sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines and the student designer of the winning garment will receive a round trip for two to San Francisco.

The paper parade will be followed at 2 p.m. by "Edge," featuring edgy fashion coupled with new looks for hair and makeup.

Then on Sunday night, Shasa Emporium is sponsoring a Diva Night from 6 to 8 p.m. with music, refreshments and a sale. Call 735-5122 to RSVP.

At the same time next week, Kahala Mall patrons can look forward to "The Family Fashion Show" at noon March 31, a presentation of spring looks for the entire family.

For more information, call 732-7736.

While taking in the new spring looks, take time to visit the "Sacs in the City" auction preview event at the mall.

Handbags destined to be auctioned at the Junior League of Honolulu's 6th annual "Sacs in the City" fundraiser will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The event will take place April 7 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, with proceeds from sales of the handbags benefiting My Story, a personal development program empowering adolescent girls.

For more information on the silent auction event call the JLH office at 946-6466.

View Afghanistan via Gem Hunter

Gem Hunters will be presenting a free mineral and gem seminar with Gary Bowersox, plus the screening of the film "The Gem Hunter in Afghanistan" at 11 a.m., 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. today through Saturday.

Bowersox is a gemologist, explorer and author who has spent 35 years exploring Afghanistan, discovering high-quality emeralds in Panjshir Valley.

The event takes place in the new Gem Hunters museum and retail store in the Waikiki Galleria Office Tower, 2222 Kalakaua Ave. Suite 1414.

Call 792-3332 for more information.

Dresses star at NM Hip Event

Frocks rock at Neiman Marcus during the Hip Event from noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in Contemporary Sportswear, Level One, and Men's Sportswear, Level Three, with informal modeling and light refreshments.

The event will feature 31 exclusive dresses by designers ranging from L.A.'s Trina Turk and CFDA womenswear emerging designer nominee Philip Lim to such longtime designers as Diane Von Furstenberg, Norma Kamali, Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs.

Receive an NM exclusive Diane Von Furstenberg tote and designer swag with a purchase of $400 or more in women's contemporary sportswear.

Here are other events at NM to welcome spring collections:

» Stuart Weitzman Spring 2007 trunk show: View the latest styles in women's footwear, including a special-order collection. In Ladies Shoes, Level One, through Monday during store hours.

» Bobbi Brown artist event: Enjoy a makeover to help you match your new wardrobe. Makeup artists will be stationed in the Contemporary Sportswear department during the Hip Event to help. Receive a Pink Sugar brush set with a $150 Bobbi Brown cosmetic purchase, while supplies last. In Cosmetics, Level One.

» Wacoal Fit for the Cure event: Receive a complimentary fitting in a Wacoal or Donna Karan Intimates bra from a Wacoal fit specialist tomorrow. For every woman who participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research and outreach programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal or Donna Karan Intimates bra purchased. In Intimate Apparel, Level Two.

» Sunglass Fit Event: A sunglasses specialist will assist you in finding the perfect sunglass for your face shape tomorrow and Saturday during store hours. Receive a gift with a qualifying sunglass purchase. In Accessories, Level One.

» The Accessories Event: View the latest must-haves in spring accessories in various departments during, store hours March 29 to 31.

Two stores on the move

Bad news first: The Ralph Lauren store at Ala Moana Center will be temporarily closing its doors for renovation.

The good news is that those in desperate need of RL goods to carry them through the long summer have until the end of the month to visit the store before it closes its doors April 1, with reopening set for August.

Also, after a year in its Kapiolani Boulevard location, Bamboo Sky is moving, with a 20 to 50 percent off sale through March 31. The boutique will open at 401 Kamakee St. (next to Onjin's Cafe) on April 6 with double the floor space and room for shoes by Dolce Vita, Sychelles, Steve Madden, and more.

JWSF to stage April fashion show

The Japanese Women's Society Foundation will present its annual fashion show April 29 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The show's theme is "Nature's Inspiration" and will feature the work of Linda Iki of Iki Couture, Vicki Yamagasa Ragasa of KiYo design, and Iolani Sportswear.

The event will open with boutique sales from 9 a.m. with vendors offering an array of gift items in time for Mother's Day. Ballroom doors will open at 11:30 a.m., with lunch at noon, followed by the fashion show.

Tickets are $55 and $75, available by calling 377-5146. Proceeds will benefit Kuakini Home, a care home for the elderly situated at Kuakini Medical Center, as well as other projects benefiting seniors.

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