CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Corinne Owen is wearing Club Monaco's Maya dress ($189), with Kara python belt ($95) and a snakeskin clutch ($129). Photographed at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

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International retailer Club Monaco opens its first Hawaii store

It's usually easy to separate fashion sophisticates from the wannabes. The former know how to build wardrobes around timeless essentials and a few seasonal must-haves. The latter just can't say ixnay to disparate pieces in chartreuse, deep purple and burnt orange, leading to the full closet with practically nothing to wear.

Club Monaco might turn out to be the great equalizer when it opens its doors in the new wing of Ala Moana Center tomorrow. The international retailer is noted for its chic, yet affordable, wardrobe classics in black and white, with seasonal color splashes.

Now that money is tight, consumers will likely be demanding more from their wardrobes, seeking out pieces that play well with others. If there were such a thing as a Match.com or eHarmony for clothing, Club Monaco would have dozens of suitors due to its compatibility with everyone's favorite luxury and designer brands, to the most functional and practical apparel. It would not look out of place worn with the Old Navy to Chanel to vintage pieces.

Tina Gershoff, Club Monaco's vice president, retail, said, "Our customer is not limited to a certain age, income or style. I love the lifestyle we represent, where a person can dress from high to low, whether blending with other lines or within the store."

Gershoff epitomizes that lifestyle, having traveled here for the grand opening with a carry-on full of Club Monaco pieces. For our meeting, she wore a Club Monaco women's T-shirt with men's cargo pants and YSL shoes.

"We pair very well with Prada and Theory, and it has created a loyal following," she said.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A few of the pieces from the Club Monaco Fleur de Lys capsule collection of jewelry debuting at the new store.

"Dressing-room experience is where we create loyalty," Gershoff said. "We show people how to take all the pieces, blend them in their own way and build on their entire wardrobe."

Free in-store tailoring is another plus for our petite population.

Club Monaco was founded in Toronto in 1985, and has 110 stores internationally. The Hawaii flagship will be its 66th U.S. store, geared toward local customers as well as international travelers. The opening summer collection will feature casual dresses, classic knits and white shirts with splashes of Caribbean blue, tropical coral, red and melon, and the pop of yellow and metallic hues for women.

For men there are summer suits in linen and tropical-weight wool, cotton Henleys and grosgrain ribbon belts in colorful stripes and solids.

The Ala Moana store also will be the first to debut Club Monaco's Fleur de Lys accessory capsule collection of limited-edition pave and gold jewelry, statement cuffs, charm bracelets and pendants starting at $79.

To celebrate the grand opening, shoppers who spend $500 or more will receive a Club Monaco engraved iPod Nano, while supplies last.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Corinne Owen wears Club Monaco's Rosa top ($99), with Veronica patent belt ($69), Jade shorts ($69) and a zebra-print clutch ($129). Craig Gamble is wearing Club Monaco's Alperton shirt ($89), Bryson dress pant ($129) and cotton knit tie ($69).

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Craig Gamble changes up his ensemble by adding a Sadie tie-dye scarf ($129) and Oliver grosgrain belt ($39) to Club Monaco style. According to Tina Gershoff, Vice President, Retail, "Your No. 1 piece doesn't have to be a piece of clothing. It could be your bag, a piece of jewelry or other accessory."

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Corinne Owen pairs Club Monaco's Aviva Dress ($169) with its Trina vest ($89).