First Lady: The Movement Expo 2014

This was the third time I've attended the FirstLady: The Movement (FLTM) expo, with this year marking their 5th annual expo.  The annual event, which is usually held in the summer, was held on November 14th this time around.  It was once again held at the romantically beautiful YWCA Laniakea courtyard, alongside Cafe Julia.  If I've never mentioned it before, the FLTM expo is a culmination of talent and a celebration of women, where their works are showcased as vendors at the event.  In addition to the general expo, there was also a fashion show with pieces from Patty's Closet this year, which I again helped to produce.  This year's fashion show was the second one the event has ever hosted, that turned out to be even more spectacular than the last.  I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the people who helped to make the expo and the fashion show spectacular.  Below are glimpses that I snapped from that night, although I wasn't able to take any shots of the fashion show, since I was helping backstage at the time.  =]

Entrance arch into the YWCA Laniakea courtyard.

Another view into the courtyard.

Table view of featured vendor Mixe Medium.

Detail shot of Mixe Medium's beautiful table display.

View of a couple of the vendor tables and the check in table.

Shots of featured vendor Melody's Treats HI.

Shots of featured vendor Gold Cvltvre.

Courtyard view + shot of Cafe Julia.

DJ Tittahbyte provided the evening with high energy beats.

With the FirstLady founders Rachael & Donna, and Riana (DJ Tittahbyte).

Models getting ready to head out for the fashion show backstage.

Adding finishing touches to models in their lineup before heading out.

First and second looks worn by models of Top Model Hawaii.

Some of the models backstage after the show.

Models in their first looks.  From left to right: Tjan Hall, Markie Reichman, Meghan Van Ness, Sheville Lee, Charyse Christi-Marie, Emmy Agustin, China Kelly, Lia Jamerson, Sammie Shiroma, Lheo Egalin-Ingco, Jennifer Portalatin, Easter-Lily Smith, Loryn Guiffre. 

Backstage shot of the fashion show, where the models are wearing their second looks.

HFM: Fashion ForWARD

Get excited, it's that time of year again.  No, I don't mean the holiday season, but something hopefully just as exciting...Hawaii Fashion Month!  This will be only the second time Hawaii Fashion Month will take place, but by no means should it be considered something to take lightly.  Tons of fabulous events have been in the works, most of which I'm hoping to attend, so be on the lookout for my posts from those to come.  This past Saturday (November 1st) meant the official start of Hawaii Fashion Month, and was appropriately kicked off in style.  To start off Hawaii Fashion Month, the Fashion ForWARD event was held at the ultra swanky IBM courtyard in Ward Village, where a plethora of Hawaii's fashion scene gathered to mingle and commemorate the start of the month-long series of events.

The evening played out to be quite the lively ordeal, and was definitely the place to be and be seen.  Aside from the sleek courtyard environment, the event also presented a sampling of delectable small bites provided by Kakaako Kitchen and Ono Pops, as well as cocktails by Martini & Rossi Prosecco and Grey Goose Le Melon (really wishing I snapped photos of the fabulous food served).  The scene also consisted of models dressed in ornately constructed gowns by designer Randy Leano, that waltzed around the event, and posed for many pictures.  In addition to kicking off the start of Hawaii Fashion Month, the event also celebrated the launch of Hawaii Fashion Exchange (HFX), and the HFX month-long photo exhibit displayed around Ward Village.  Below are shots I snapped from that evening, aside from the one I'm in (of course) - Photo Credit: Ericka Bueno.  For more information on Hawaii Fashion Month, check out: hawaiifashionmonth.com  =]