Jewelry fantasies

COURTESY PHOTO Kensei's choker is made of "rebirthed" blue lapis.

"Nella Fantasia -- Dreams of Elegance" is the theme for the Kensei jewelry fashion show taking place 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Monarch Room, a benefit for the Japanese Women's Society Foundation.

Kensei will show more than 100 original jewelry designs from a collection of ethnic, modern and classic styles, several utilizing antique pieces.

"This is a complete fashion show from head to toe," said Kensei, who was born in Tokyo, where he studied art, later receiving his esthetician's license, studying design in Europe and makeup with Shu Uemura.

Kensei's hair designs led to several awards and his first beauty salon in Tokyo at age 26. In 1989 he opened his fourth salon, Chez Kensei Hair Salon in Hawaii.

Kensei has produced and choreographed many fashion shows in Hawaii, and his artistic pursuits also include "rebirthing" art forms to give them new relevance. His "rebirthed" antique jewelry will be shown Sunday.

Tickets are $50. Call Betty Hirozawa at 988-3588 or Kathy Inkinen at 521-2331.

Boxed in

COURTESY PHOTO Nicolai Medvedev's boxes are inset with semiprecious stones.

The Rainbow Collection will showcase its "Artistry in Gems" show featuring works by designer Nicolai Medvedev and John Buechner.

The Russian-trained Medvedev will be here to exhibit his intarsia (inlay) gemstone art. From boxes to jewelry pieces, his work is shown in the finest museums throughout the world. Pieces are valued at $20,000 and up.

Buechner is an expert in rare, fancy, colored diamonds and will show off precious gems set in classic jewelry designs.

The collection will be on view through Sunday during store hours. Call 947-8058.

Heck of a handbag

COURTESY PHOTO The leather is crocodile, the fittings diamonds. The cost of this Hermes design is $75,300.

If you've already got the Porsche, you can't be walking around with any old handbag.

Hermes has the purse for you, the Birkin 25, made of crocodile with diamond-encrusted hardware. Only six are being offered at the Ala Moana store in conjunction with this week's World Festival.

The Birkin was unveiled Tuesday at a private party attended by company CEO Robert Chavez, who flew in from New York for the occasion, and Japanese model and actress Kanda Uno.

Security was tight around the handbag, encased in a glass cubicle and handled with white gloves.

Those who want their own Birkin 25 must place a special order. They have a choice of black, orange, braise and royal blue croc colors. Bottom line: Do you have $75,300 lying around?

Call Hermes at 947-3789.

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