Project Runway

 
When fashion designers unveil their collections in New York or Paris, it’s a weeklong affair of parties, celebrities and paparazzi − just to see a lot of clothes no one can wear in real life anyway.

But when Hawai‘i-based designers show their latest collections – as many of them are doing this week – it’s easy to imagine yourself in their outfits.

Starting tonight, 11 local fashion designers will show their newest collections during the four-night Ready to Wear Fashion Week at Pearl Ultralounge at Ala Moana Center. The front bar of the club will be converted into a sort of elevated runway, and each night two or three designers will send models sashaying down the catwalk wearing their latest looks.

Tonight, check out shows from Mu‘umu‘u Heaven and Recycled Sweetheart, which both create eco-friendly tops and dresses from found or recycled fabric. Thursday night, it’s Roberta Oaks, resortwear line Martinique, and Indah. Friday, check out Fighting Eel and three other independent lines. Saturday is petite denim line Allison Izu, and Maui-based Maggie Coulombe.

And on the fifth day, you can shop. On Sunday the club converts to a full-on boutique with all the looks featured throughout the week.

There are other local fashion shows this week too, featuring both well-known and up-and-coming local designers at events around town. (Read Thursday’s Weekend Picks for all the details).

Because the biggest trend this year is buying local.

Details on the Ready to Wear event are at www.pearlhawaii.com