WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR BLACK: "Black tie or black lace" was the designated dress code Saturday for "Black on Black," a theme-party edition of Flash & Matty Boy's perennially popular "Skyline" party at the Hanohano Room. Katra Cuskaden, left, Lorene Oshiro, Nicole Santiago, Janice Tabuso, Kelly Ikeda and Donna Chun set a fine example with their individual variations on the theme. Almost all the women in the wall-to-wall crowd complied with the theme, but a handful of oblivious men showed up without even wearing a black necktie as a token nod.

VARIATIONS ON A THEME: Malia Surell turned heads as she made the scene in a contemporary version of the "little black dress." The lavender accents on Ivan Cruz's shirt added subtle touches of color to the parade of black fashions.

NO HOOKS: Nick Davidson, left, showed that he knew the traditional meaning of "black tie" as he enjoyed the party with Maria Ananda and Steve-o Kolar. Not only did Davidson wear formal attire, but his ensemble included an old-style "tie it yourself" formal bow tie, not one of those modern pre-tied or clip-on models.

DRESS UP, DRESS DOWN: Jim Warner, left, went ultracasual in an open shirt, Randall Bricker dressed up with a black jacket and Brett Podoski went with a black shirt and tie. The three friends partied at the crowded front bar until the main room opened and Bricker could claim his reserved VIP booth.

"PLAYBOY MODEL? WHAT PLAYBOY MODEL?" "Skyline" staffer Eddie Rodrigues welcomed Holly Ponter, left, and Erin Ransden. A "Playboy Model DJ" was supposed to be in the house sometime during the evening, but the crowd was having such a good time that if she did play a set, almost no one noticed. "Skyline" returns to the Hanohano Room on Nov. 3.