Best of Lei Chic 2011: No Prints Charming
As we get set to ring in 2012, Lei Chic is taking a look back into our archives and bringing you some of the best stories we published during 2011. Enjoy and see you next year!
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Originally published June 21, 2011
Wanted: Hawaii woman desperately seeking her urban edge.
Me: Worldly city slicker who’ll trade candlelight dinners and long walks down the beach for a dark nightclub, hip new restaurant, and anything with surprise turns.
You: Minimalist, quirky, with just enough unusual details to get my heart off-beating.
Sundresses, flippy skirts, and beaded sandals need not apply.
Stop the presses. You’ll find the unique fashion you sleek at I Am shop.
The new store in the former Blue Buddha space on Kapiolani Boulevard is the vision of Lovelessizm clothing creator Richie Miao and designer Kara Matsunaga. Steel pipes and aluminum ladders hold scads of bestselling Asian fashions never before seen in the islands, Lovelessizm’s detailed, deconstructed pieces, and the debut of Miao’s more affordable womens’ line, Lava Roses.
The name is a nod to the contrast between hard and soft and aptly describes the mainly black-and-white basics with an unexpected urban twist. A pencil skirt in striped cotton jersey features an angled front seam, drawstring waist, and flippy hem. Soft, white t-shirts sport patterned shawls, gathers, or vertical, adjustable drawstrings perfect for showing off streamlined bloomer shorts with a ribbon waist tie.
Finish your look with accessories handpicked in Asia just for I Am: a skull-embossed leather bag, zipper pull necklace, and studded slip on shoes. And just try to leave without one of Matsunaga’s bold, hand-crocheted scarves or local girl Bliss Lau's delicate but striking leather-and-chain body jewelry.
It’s just what you’ve been looking for to make you feel like a C.Y.T-City Young Thing-again.
I Am is located at 1221 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 111. Hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Call 808.593.2767 for more information, or go to I Am's website to check out what's in store.
While you're there, check out the origami-inspired leather wallets by HYS , exclusive to I Am.
