Glamorous life,
local-style

A new cable TV show covers Hawaii's hip crowd, with features on fashion, dining, celebrities and more

>> "Hawaii In Style TV": Airs at 7:30 p.m. Mondays on OC16, beginning next week

JULIE ARAGAKI spends a lot of time toying with new ideas, and that is how her new television program "Hawaii In Style TV" was born. The fast-paced program covers fashion, restaurants, trends and local celebrities. And she hopes to incorporate night life, local talent and more.

Aragaki's first love is photography, but she is always up for a new adventure. "I have always had this program in my head," she said. "It's always a big rush to start a new business."

The television show started with plain old curiosity as to what went on at the private parties she'd read about in newspaper and magazine articles. Not content to be one of the gawkers watching the glamorous life from the outside the fishbowl, since starting the show, she says, "I get to go to really cool parties all the time."

One of the segments includes a visit to the Kakaako Pump Station when it was transformed last fall into a party venue for Louis Vuitton, which was celebrating the renovation of its Ala Moana Center boutique. Aragaki also visited with Deidre Garland of Sachi Designs, who specializes in embellishing cell phones and accessories with Swarovski crystals.

The program is geared toward women 18 to 24 years old, although some of the stories are intended for a broader audience.

"We know the younger kids will also watch it. ... They know what's trendy," said Aragaki. "There are tons of local artists that are right on par with those from the mainland and Europe. We want to showcase the artists with local ties."

The program also brings viewers into kamaaina homes, including that of interior designer Mary Philpotts McGrath, and offers behind-the-scenes insight into how product lines are created.

"We need a story behind it. We aren't selling someone's products like an infomercial," said host Shawnee Hammer, formerly a member of the 93.9 radio wake-up crew. "Not all of the products are high-end items."

In the past, Hammer and Aragaki said they would have to go on shopping sprees on the mainland to find apparel and accessories they wanted. Now, Aragaki says she buys most of her wardrobe in Hawaii.

"Our city is progressing faster than the perception. There are so many functions and happening things here," she said. "We may not have the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon, but we do have fashion and spas."

"We want to show people what is innovative and different. We want the show to be entertaining but also educational," added Aragaki. "It is a labor of love for all of us."

Warren Kawamoto is the third member of the team as the man behind the camera, with 20 years of experience, including work on the TV series "Magnum P.I."

"Right now, the three of us are doing the work of 20 people," said Aragaki. "We all have different things to bring to the table.

"We fly by the seat of our pants," she laughed. "It's OK as long as one thing is added to the plate, a little at a time. You master one task and move on to the next."

"We both have kids and I have a needy husband," said Hammer. "We just strive to do the best we can do.

"We have a positive outlook on life," she said. "If you are optimistic, somehow it all works out. If you look at the glass half full, it makes life much easier."

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