COURTESY PHOTO This 19th century Tiffany dragonfly of diamonds and sapphires can convert from a brooch to a hair ornament. It is on display through Jan. 7.

Grand fete will
give style-setters
a chance to strut

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Star-Bulletin

The annual French Festival gala was absent this year, but Honolulu's style-setters still have something to dress up for as Waikiki's glitziest retailers line up to host what may be an even grander fete tomorrow.

2100 Kalakaua When: 7 p.m. tomorrow Tickets: $175; available by calling the number below or downloading an RSVP form at www.2100kalakaua.com Call: 550-4449 Note: Guests may valet park. The entrance is at Kuhio and Kalaimoku. Self-parking also is available at the Saratoga parking lot at Fort De Russy, with a Waikiki Trolley shuttle to the event. There also will be lawn seating open free to the public at Fort De Russy, with parking available throughout the Waikiki area.

Tickets, at $175, are still available for the opening of 2100 Kalakaua, a 110,000-square-foot development by Honu Group Inc. that will feature such sterling names as Boucheron, Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany, Tod's, Yves Saint Laurent.

Two blocks of Kalakaua Avenue surrounding the complex will be blocked for the black-tie benefit event, catered by Indigo and highlighted by a concert featuring Al Green, whose soulful hits include "I'm Still in Love With You" and "Let's Stay Together."

Among the special guests will be Tiffany designer Paloma Picasso, who will be showing a 129-carat tanzanite and pearl necklace created to mark her 20th anniversary as an exclusive Tiffany designer.

"This is not only a once-in-a-lifetime event for Hawaii residents, but also the first time these global luxury powerhouses have come together, under the umbrella of culture and the arts, to celebrate their commitment to Hawaii as one of the world's premier destinations," said Mona Abadir, chief operating officer of Honu Group.

There will be performances by Na Leo Pilimehana, La Pietra Show Choir and the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, and members of the Honolulu Symphony will be playing in four different ensembles throughout the grounds. Kumu Hula John Keola Lake and Halau Mele will perform traditional Hawaiian chants and hula dedicated to Waikiki.

In addition, the luxury retailers have customized their individual parties, as follows:

>> Boucheron: The French jeweler will be opening one of its first-ever locations in the United States and offering an homage to remarkable jewels.

>> Chanel: Guests will be treated to a re-creation of the Chanel Cruise show, complete with cafe atmosphere and French champagne. Included in the evening's events will be the unveiling of the new sapphire-and-diamond Cosmos necklace.

>> Gucci: The night of fashion will be accompanied by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

>> Tiffany & Co.: In addition to the opportunity to meet designer Paloma Picasso, guests will be able to view "American Themes: Highlights from the Tiffany & Co. Archives," an exhibition of 13 objects dating from 1873 to today, reflecting the design inspirations that shaped the company's heritage as America's premier jeweler and silversmith. The exhibit will continue through Jan. 7, open to the public during store hours.

>> Tod's: A night with Italian artisans is in store, with a preview of Resort 2003 and a limited-edition Driving Shoe collection, with private shopping and Alan Wong's signature hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

>> Yves Saint Laurent: Champagne will flow and caviar will be served throughout the evening.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit eight Hawaii cultural and arts organizations and their art education programs in our community: Honolulu Academy of Arts, the Contemporary Museum, Diamond Head Theatre, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Hawaii Theatre Center, Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii State Art Museum and Iolani Palace.

2100 Kalakaua is also underwriting Hawaii Public Television and Hawaii Public Radio specific culture and arts programming throughout 2002-2003.

The Honu Group commissioned and recently dedicated "Storyteller," a 7-foot bronze sculpture of a woman storyteller by artist Shige Yamada, gracing the front lawn of 2100 Kalakaua as an icon representing stories of Hawaii's land and people.

"We believe it is important to support Hawaii's arts and cultural organizations, which work hard to make Hawaii a vibrant and dynamic place to live and visit," said Abadir.

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