International film stars Joan Chen and Lee Jun-ki, center, were the guests of honor as the 2007 Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival opened Thursday with a press conference at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Chen answered questions about two of her current films, "Home Song Stories" and "Lust, Caution," director Ang Lee's erotic thriller about sex and betrayal in Japanese-occupied Shanghai during World War II. Festival Executive Director Chuck Boller, left, President Jeff Chung and "Lost" star Daniel Dae Kim, a festival juror, joined Chen and Lee in fielding questions.

Kathi Mawae helped Brett Shimabuku with the decorations for "Malama Wahine," a fundraiser for the Kapiolani Hospital High Risk Breast Program, at thirtyninehotel on Oct. 12. The program provides screening and other services for women whose family histories indicate a high risk of developing breast cancer. Health insurance is not required. Call 535-7000.

Ed Wary, left, explained the nuances of "New Mex cuisine" to Richard Hardy and Lynn Cooke as he welcomed them to the pre-opening party for Tio's Garage & Taco Station, his new restaurant on Ward Avenue, on Oct. 13. The event was a benefit for Hanahauoli School, and guests 21 and older started the evening with straight shots of Patron tequila before sampling the menu.

Haute couture designer Max Nugus, left, and special guest "ribbon cutter" Dr. Lawrence Tseu were joined by Hawaii Opera Theatre Opera Ball co-chairwomen Lori Komer, second from left, and Mi Kosasa, and Nugus' marketing director, Doris Glover, as they prepared to cut the ribbon at the opening of the Max Nugus Haute Couture Boutique in the Kahala Hotel and Resort on Wednesday. Nugus is donating 10 percent of his sales from last week through tomorrow to HOT.

Marisa Gey was representing Chanel and helping raise money for Hawaii Opera Theatre while attending the program with her husband, Patrick Gey, center, and Chanel Waikiki Manager Adam Cua. The "2 Etoiles" ("2 Stars") Chanel ring she was wearing, 39 brilliant cut diamonds in 18-carat white gold, is valued at $5,500 and will be raffled off at the 2007 HOT Opera Ball Nov. 10. Raffle tickets are $25.