Something new: Magnolia White couture bridal salon

Illusion backs, cascading silk tulle skirts, Italian ivory lace and body-con silhouettes: designer Galia Lahav’s haute couture bridal and evening gowns starred at a preview of Magnolia White, a Tokyo bridal salon opening April 1 at Hokua Tower. If the look is familiar, you may have seen some of Lahav’s creations on the red carpet at the 2016 Academy Awards.

Michelle Rodriguez wearing Galia Lahav – photo courtesy of galialahav.com.

The staircase at 53 by the Sea was the runway. It was a great location for a Friday night fashion show. A posh seated dinner followed, and when Waikiki’s weekly fireworks started, lights were dimmed so the capacity crowd could enjoy the view. The restaurant also has two chapels, a groom’s room, a bride’s room and a fab ocean backdrop for on-site weddings.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

An item from the celebration menu: chilled mix of Waipoli Farm greens, Nalo Farm micro greens, Big Island grapefruit and fennel, toasted macadamia nuts, hearts of palm and citrus vinaigrette.

An item from the celebration menu: J. Ludovico Farm roasted chicken with local red beet consommé jelly, Sumida Farm watercress puree, roasted Ho Farm tomatoes, braised green island papaya seasoned with chili sansho.

Steamed Kona lobster with sautéed Kona abalone cooked with truffle butter sauce from Naked Cow Dairy, Big Island kabocha puree, Aloha Tofu soy milk emulsion with grilled local sweet onion, green beans and Hamakua ali’i mushrooms.

An item from the celebration menu: Island lilikoi mousse and jasmine infused jelly, Hawaiian salted caramel sauce with a Kona coffee cookie and an assortment of seasonal island fruits.

Photos by Melissa Chang and Amanda Stevens

Magnolia White will showcase haute couture and ready-to-wear gowns from international designers exclusive to the Hawaii store including Lahav, Delphine Manive, Rue de Seine, David Fielden, Emmy London and Paris by Debra. The new Hawaii spot is only its second after its flagship in Minami-aoyama, Tokyo.