[ STUFFS ]
Year of Horse
inspires local designerLocal designer Anne Namba has long incorporated Chinese motifs in her designs, but this year, inspired by the Year of the Horse and a trip to China two years ago, she has developed a collection that captures all the drama and color of the empire's dynasties.
Eleven pieces will be shown at the C.S. Wo Gallery, 702 S. Beretania St., in a display that will also feature paintings by Kelly Sueda, beginning with a noon-2 p.m. Sunday reception.
Namba said her garments are "different from what we usually think of representative of Chinese garments, the cheong-sam or Shanghai tang. What I found was a lot of play on color and pattern, combinations of green and gold with splashes of blue and yellow.
"If you look at old paintings or antique garments, they used a lot of pattern on pattern with color, in combinations we wouldn't necessarily put together."
Namba illustrates this in one jacket made of black fabric embroidered in orange and white. Normally, this would call for a trim of orange, black or white for cohesion, but Namba uses green, then pairs the jacket with turquoise pants.
Each piece could stand on its own when paired with solid colors, though Namba will be displaying them in multiple layers -- jackets over dresses over pants topped by scarves. Beading and accessories such as purses made by Namba enhance the designs.
"The way they're shown are not necessarily the way I see them being worn. Most people will be a little more conservative," she said. "I might wear some of the combinations if I were going someplace pretty showy, but most of the time, I'd just pair a piece with simple black pants."
Pieces are priced from $200 to $1,200 and will be available from Namba, 988-9361, after the show ends Feb. 17. Sueda's paintings will remain on view at C.S. Wo until Feb. 28. Call C.S. Wo at 543-5388.
For the horsey set
In observance of the Year of the Horse, beginning Tuesday, Nohea Gallery is offering key chains featuring one-of-a-kind horse netsuke (Japanese miniature carved sculptures) made by sisters Linda and Donna Grimes from the Big Island.The netsuke are carved from wood or tagua nuts, also known as ivory nuts because of their resemblance to ivory. Each features gemstone accents.
Key chains with the other Chinese zodiac animals are also available. Prices start at $38.50.
People born under the sign of the horse should be proud to carry this emblem, as horse people are said to be cheerful, popular and independent. Call Nohea Gallery at 596-0074.
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