By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Vintage Japanese summer kimonos in black and off-white strips|
become a contemporary ensemble in Anne Namba's fall-winter
collection. The wrap top and harem pants combination sells for
$500, fabric tote with bamboo handles $100. The chunky
bone necklace comes from one of Namba's
friends and is not for sale.

One-of-a-kind pieces by renowned designer
Ann Namba are coveted by long-time fans, and
one shares her tips on getting one from the
fashion ramp into your closet

By Suzanne Tswei
Special to the Star-Bulletin

THE secrets to getting first dibs on Anne Namba's one-of-a-kind gowns fashioned from vintage kimonos are: 1) get on her mailing list; 2) attend her twice-a-year fashion shows faithfully; 3) while at the show, follow in the footsteps of a die-hard fan such as Millie Masunaga.

The first two tasks are easy enough. Call Namba's Manoa shop and ask to be on the mailing list. Invitations have already been sent for her Sunday fashion show featuring her fall-winter collection, but you can still attend the free show. Take the lead from Masunaga when you get there.

By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Gold trim in kimono fabric and gold cranes are part
of the detail on a black velvet evening gown.

Don't worry about finding her. Masunaga is 5-feet-2, with shoulder-length black hair and often shows up with her two young daughters in tow.

Seating is first come first serve, so go early to get a seat up front, says Masunaga, a dentist who has attended more than 10 fashion shows by Namba and wears Namba's designs exclusively at all the social functions she attends.

NOW SHOWING What: Anne Namba Fall/Holiday '99 Fashion Show When: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Where: Pikake Room, Blaisdell Center Cost: Free Call: 988-9361

"Sit close to the stage. You don't have to sit right in the front row, but it helps if you are within the first five rows," she advises. That way, you'll be closer to back stage where the buying frenzy takes place after the show.

"You have to move fast. You can't just sit on your behind when the show's over. And use the program. That's very helpful," she said.

"When you see something you like, be sure to mark it on the program. It helps you get organized so you'll know exactly which ones you want."

As soon as the show is over, go back stage immediately and wait outside the dressing room as the garments come off the models. It's a fine line between being eager and overbearing, but it's important to be the first one at the clothing racks. Every second counts when dozens of women are clamoring for the same dress.

By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Lisa Kohn models a pant set top with jar
silk shibori, (Japanese tie-dyed fabric).

"Everyone is pretty competitive," says Masunaga, although she has never run into rude behavior. "There's no pushing or shoving or things like that.

"Actually, people are very supportive. We admire each others' choices and encourage each other to buy."

Sometimes it can get a little tricky. If someone else has gotten to the dress you have your heart set on, remain calm, Masunaga says. Wait for her to try it on, then ask sweetly if she plans on buying it. If the answer is yes, say thank you and move on. If the answer is no, say thank you and grab it fast.

"You really can't hesitate or it's gone. When it's one-of-a-kind, there's no second chance. Of course, you can always go to the shop later and try to get something like it. But sometimes you really want a particular one you see at the show."

By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Anne Namba works on a black velvet evening gown printed
with gold cranes and trim in Japanese kimono fabric.

Get a support group to help you scout for the clothes. Masunaga normally goes to the show with her mother-in-law Harriet and Harriet's sister, Alyce Takami, both of whom became Namba fans when the designer sold kimono clothing out of a tiny bedroom at her parents' Aina Haina home in the late '80s.

Namba's business has grown steadily, expanding to Asia and upscale stores such as Neiman Marcus and New York's Bergdorf Goodman.

Namba's show Sunday will feature her trademark "kimono couture" that costs several hundred dollars per piece and has been worn by Hillary Clinton, Olympic figure skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and other notable women. Several one-of-a-kind pieces will be evening wear embellished with beads and sequins.

By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Lisa Kohn models a duster and black tank dress.

Her new collection also will include a line of silk outfits printed with bamboo designs and black velvets printed with gold cranes. Prices for the printed lines begin at about $100.

Namba also will show apparel made from kasuri (Japanese woven cotton mostly in blue hues), shibori (Japanese tie-dyed fabric), pleated fabric and sheer summer kimonos.

"Change is important to me," the designer said. "I always try to do something different at every show. My customers, some of whom have been with me since I opened the store 10 years ago, want to see new things. At this show some of them will be looking for the millennium dress."

More than 300 patrons are expected to attend the show, and their desire for special pieces to usher in the new century may turn into a feverish grab fest, "But that's OK," Namba assures. "Bless their hearts. I wouldn't be here without them."

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