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Malie Moran
>> Age: 40
>> Occupation: Freelance publicist and event consultant
>> Residence: Palolo Valley
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Growing up in Hawaii Kai, Malie Moran knew her interests in art, fashion and food would one day lead her to the mainland. After graduating from Kaiser High School and earning a bachelor’s degree in communications and sociology from the University of Washington, she headed east to pursue a career in New York.
Inspired by the international shows she attended in New York, Sydney, London and other cities, she returned home after seven years on the mainland to apply her passion for fashion. She started a fashion blog, which she maintained for several years, and co-authored the 2014 book “Honolulu Street Style,” which spotlighted the clothes, hairstyles and accessories worn by inhabitants of the island’s diverse neighborhoods, and provided a history of clothing in Hawaii.
After closing Hawaii RED Style, her website and production company, Moran began doing freelance public relations and event consulting, while remaining connected to local designers and brands.
During this transition, she discovered the international Diner en Blanc event, hosted in cities around the world. When she was chosen to help launch the event in Hawaii in 2014, it combined some of her favorite interests: fashion, food and events. The outdoor dinner party, to be held this year on Aug. 27 at a secret location, requires all-white attire. Patrons pack their own food, drinks and table settings and are shuttled to a mystery destination where they dine with friends at a community table.
“Diner en Blanc is one of the largest outdoor sit-down dinners in Hawaii, and as with any special occasion, you will see people bring out their best plateware, glassware and silverware,” Moran said. “I have these Marquis by Waterford champagne flutes that are my favorite, and I will definitely have them with me at the event.
“I also have to mention that nothing adds that special touch to your table than flowers, whether it’s fabulous greens from Paiko (in Kakaako) or a tropical bouquet from your yard.”
>> Describe your style: “It’s funny because normally I’m in all black. It just stuck after living in New York City. … But what’s great about white is how fresh it is and how much fun you can have with layering.”
>> Dressing for comfort: “I love clothes that flow and have a lot of fabric. My current favorites are dusters, shawls, flowing dresses and skirts, and cape jackets. I also live in ballet flats or slippers. On the weekend I often wear XIX Palms maxi dresses. They have the best cut and colors, and you can wear them from brunch to beach.”
>> Must-have accessories for Diner en Blanc: “The perfect white hat, white Sunnies (sunglasses) and a fabulous picnic basket. ”
>> Favorite shop: “My go-to boutique is POSHd in Ward Centre, where owner Valerie Joseph never fails to select the perfect look for whatever occasion I am shopping for. It’s priceless to have a fashion consultant, whether it’s a fashionista friend, a personal shopper, stylist or boutique owner. You would be surprised how much of a difference an expert opinion makes.”
>> Favorite beauty product: “My absolute favorite beauty line is Honua Hawaiian Skincare. I use all of their products daily. ”
>> Wardrobe MVP: “Shawls — you can never have enough. Shawls are so versatile and I use them for everything. My collection includes different fabrics, and many of them I’ve found when traveling. My absolute favorite special-occasion shawl is an off-white silk one that was designed and made by Japanese silk master Akihiko Izukura. I wear it many different ways and love how lightweight and beautiful it is.”
Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.
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