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Obama chic
Inaugural galas call for classic sophistication with a modern touch worthy of the stunning first couple
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 15, 2009
IT'S rare for politics and fashion to share a news page, but get used to it. That's what happens when you have a relatively young, tall and fit president and first lady, who happen to look good in clothes.
INAUGURAL GALADemocratic Party of Hawaii» Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday » Place: Royal Hawaiian Hotel » Tickets: $250; $1,000 VIP » Notes: Dinner will reflect Barack Obama's roots, with food of Hawaii, Indonesia and Chicago. Entertainment by Willie K, Jimmy Borges, Nina Kealiiwahamana, Jordon Segundo, Jasmine Trias and Azure McCall. A taped message from Obama and screening of parts of his swearing-in ceremony and inaugural speech will be shown.
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There'll be a lot of pressure on Michelle Obama especially, because the inaugural gown -- beyond being mere eye candy for the masses -- telegraphs internationally the state of our nation. Ideally, she will choose an American designer who can come up with the right mix of sophistication, intelligence, modernity and creativity that sets the tone for the new administration.
The excitement over "the change" can be seen in the number of inaugural balls planned nationwide, and it presents a small boon to designers and retailers during the January lull.
The biggest event locally will be the Democratic Party of Hawaii Inaugural Gala, which also marks the grand reopening of the renovated Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Former Hawaii Democratic governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano, and first ladies Jean Ariyoshi, Lynn Waihee and Vicky Cayetano are honorary co-chairs.
Others from the Democratic Party are heading to Washington for the swearing-in ceremony, the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball and Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball on the 20th, and the Aloha Inaugural Ball and Hawaii for Obama Inaugural Gala on the 18th.
No other incoming president has stirred this much inaugural fervor from Hawaii. "We've never had a Hawaii-born president before," Vicky Cayetano said. "Many people worked very hard to get him elected and we should be proud."
Political fashion is generally conservative, so the look won't have to be fashion forward, but those heading for any of the balls should think classic and sophisticated. Tuxedos and gowns or elegant pantsuits will be a must for the mainland formal events, although there is leeway for "national costumes," such as elegant holoku representative of Hawaiian-style formal.
Gentlemen in need of tuxedos will find a $44 Inaugural Tuxedo Package awaits at Celebrity Tuxedos. It includes select styles of coat, pant, basic shirt, bow tie, cummerbund, studs and cufflinks. The only thing you'll have to provide yourself are the shoes. The company will waive its extended rental fee up to 10 days for those headed to our nation's capital.
The deal also applies to local inaugural events, excluding the extended rental fee waiver, although an extension can be worked out for neighbor-island celebrants.
"We're trying to do what we can to help people and make it easy for everybody," said Toni Akana-Nickens, director of marketing at Celebrity Tuxedos. "A lot of people are going because they want to be a part of history or watch history being made. It's an exciting time for everybody.
"It's a cool thing and fun to be a part of, even in a small way."
IT'S rare for politics and fashion to share a news page, but get used to it. That's what happens when you have a relatively young, tall and fit president and first lady, who happen to look good in clothes.
INAUGURAL GALADemocratic Party of Hawaii» Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday » Place: Royal Hawaiian Hotel » Tickets: $250; $1,000 VIP » Notes: Dinner will reflect Barack Obama's roots, with food of Hawaii, Indonesia and Chicago. Entertainment by Willie K, Jimmy Borges, Nina Kealiiwahamana, Jordon Segundo, Jasmine Trias and Azure McCall. A taped message from Obama and screening of parts of his swearing-in ceremony and inaugural speech will be shown. |
There'll be a lot of pressure on Michelle Obama especially, because the inaugural gown -- beyond being mere eye candy for the masses -- telegraphs internationally the state of our nation. Ideally, she will choose an American designer who can come up with the right mix of sophistication, intelligence, modernity and creativity that sets the tone for the new administration.
The excitement over "the change" can be seen in the number of inaugural balls planned nationwide, and it presents a small boon to designers and retailers during the January lull.
The biggest event locally will be the Democratic Party of Hawaii Inaugural Gala, which also marks the grand reopening of the renovated Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Former Hawaii Democratic governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano, and first ladies Jean Ariyoshi, Lynn Waihee and Vicky Cayetano are honorary co-chairs.
Others from the Democratic Party are heading to Washington for the swearing-in ceremony, the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball and Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball on the 20th, and the Aloha Inaugural Ball and Hawaii for Obama Inaugural Gala on the 18th.
No other incoming president has stirred this much inaugural fervor from Hawaii. "We've never had a Hawaii-born president before," Vicky Cayetano said. "Many people worked very hard to get him elected and we should be proud."
Political fashion is generally conservative, so the look won't have to be fashion forward, but those heading for any of the balls should think classic and sophisticated. Tuxedos and gowns or elegant pantsuits will be a must for the mainland formal events, although there is leeway for "national costumes," such as elegant holoku representative of Hawaiian-style formal.
Gentlemen in need of tuxedos will find a $44 Inaugural Tuxedo Package awaits at Celebrity Tuxedos. It includes select styles of coat, pant, basic shirt, bow tie, cummerbund, studs and cufflinks. The only thing you'll have to provide yourself are the shoes. The company will waive its extended rental fee up to 10 days for those headed to our nation's capital.
The deal also applies to local inaugural events, excluding the extended rental fee waiver, although an extension can be worked out for neighbor-island celebrants.
"We're trying to do what we can to help people and make it easy for everybody," said Toni Akana-Nickens, director of marketing at Celebrity Tuxedos. "A lot of people are going because they want to be a part of history or watch history being made. It's an exciting time for everybody.
"It's a cool thing and fun to be a part of, even in a small way."
Today’s Edition
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- Prep World: Athletes of the Week
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