Writing for Huffington Post Weird News! Maui fashion video on HuffPost Travel: Hawaiian tropical jewelry.
It’s been a good week… I’ve begun writing for Huffington Post Weird News, and my Hawaii video is published on Huff Post Travel!
My film team and I jumped at the chance to interview Maui’s chefs and designers. But what awaited us? I had daunting visions of eating a roast pig while wearing a coconut bra.
The island, it turns out, has open-air restaurants influenced by Asian plantation culture, and a surprisingly forward fashion scene. Watch my travel video on Huffington Post to see what I uncovered.
I hope the “dressing room montage” made you smile! I’ve always wanted to film one.
If you’re enjoying my work, please support with a Like below. Thanks for sharing the article on your social networks.
So, what did I learn in Maui? This “shaka” hand sign. Shake it to say “hang loose.”
I also found out that Maui designers are a talented bunch, warm and influenced by their beach-and-wave surroundings.
My crew and I filmed with a young jewelry designer. She visited Maui, fell in love and made it home. Her design’s colors and materials reflect her love for the island.
Nina turns natural found materials, such as shells washed up on Maui shores, into jewelry castings.
Her braided wrap bracelet, strung with a gold-cast cowrie shell, is one of her most popular items. She generously gave my filmmaker and me a bracelet each! Nina also sells rings, earrings, necklaces, and bangles.
La Carmina’s outfit…
Floral printed soirée silk skirt: gifted by Nanette Lepore — get it here
Black and white sunhat: from Hong Kong (similar to this hat by Emma Fielden). I decorated it with a fresh yellow protea flower.
White layered top: vintage
Lace jacket: handmade
Skull leather bracelet: gifted by Good Art
Nina’s work space, strung with bangles and beads.
On the wall, a mood board plots her next collection. Nina’s also a professional photographer, whose food images often appear in magazines.
Whenever I wear her bracelet, I’ll think of Maui.
We also filmed the Maggie Coloumbe boutique in Whaler’s Village, Lahaina. Corsets — yes!
Many of Maggie’s silk designs are inspired by her Korean heritage, such as the deep sleeves and gold prints. She first became interested in fashion as a child, playing in her grandmother’s suits.
On this Maui press trip, I wore leather rock star accessories by Good Art Hollywood. Basil Farrow appreciates the bubble wrap they sent us.
Mahalo also to Nanette Lepore, who dressed me in florals.
In addition to the Travel section, I’m now also writing for HuffPost Weird News. Here’s my first article, deflating the rumors about Japanese bagel head inflation.
I also posted a video clip: the complete National Geograhic “Taboo” segment about bagelheads! This is the only place where you can watch it in full, so take a look. (Behind-the-scenes photos by Chiara Mischke.)
PS: you can keep up with all my Huffington Post articles by following La Carmina’s author page.
I leave you with the incomparable Hawaiian sunset under palm trees. Ahh…
Are you surprised by Maui’s local fashion scene? Did you drool over the sushi and bentos in my Hawaii video?
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Pop tART Gallery Los Angeles: alternative art of Franz Szony. Crazy Hook pirate theme restaurant, LA Koreatown.
I’ve been Art Nouveau obsessed ever since my travels to Berlin and Prague. In Los Angeles, I nearly lost my head over this gilded corset!
Pirates, Rococo, and death? What is this marvelous place?
Pop tART Gallery, an experimental arts venue owned by the illustrious Phyliss Navidad. Last year, photographer Austin Young had an exhibition in this LA space.
I went to the opening of “Hapenis: The Art of Franz Szony.” I was captivated by his conceptual photography, which drew me into a world of theater. Themes of death, androgyny, grandeur, hedonism — all my usual favorites.
Pirate top: Spider (Hong Kong Goth brand)
Scalloped bow shorts: KiLaRa Hello Kitty collection (Japanese brand but bought in Hong Kong)
Hair flowers: provided by Angelica Brigade
Closeup. Franz spends months on each piece, and it’s a treat to examine the intricate detail.
“Hapenis” runs until Nov 30; don’t miss it, LA friends. For upcoming events and info, visit the Pop tART website and Facebook.
In the words of my tshirt, “Time flies when you’re having RUM!”
I’m appropriately dressed for Crazy Hook, the pirate restaurant in LA’s Koreatown. I swung by with Liz Ohanesian: journalist, DJ and writer of Beatique.
Tharr be mateys in the window.
The Korean menu had us hooked.
I’m not sure where “mahalo” fits in… perhaps the pirate ship sailed to Hawaii?
Crazy Hook is a great place to gather friends for a feast. Liz and I sat beneath the sails, drank soju and feasted on the kimchi pancake.
Thanks Liz O for the photos. She’s an LA-based journalist currently working on a webcomic and screenplay — check out her site for music and underground reports.
Since you keep requesting more Basil Farrow, here’s a new Scottish Fold cat video. Watch my squish-faced kitty get groomed with a Furminator, enjoying every moment. Isn’t it incredible how much he sheds?
What’s on your mind today? Did you cast a vote? Are you into pirates and decadent art as much as I am?
LA CARMINA
