The annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards is a night for local musical artists to celebrate their albums, enjoy great live performances and congratulate one another on all of their hard work. And for those recording artists who have an interest in fashion, the night is also a chance to express themselves through clothing.
Bold Polynesian prints, traditional looks and beautiful lei will always be a part of Na Hoku pageantry, but the Hawaii fashion scene has been ascending to couture status thanks to Hawaii Fashion Month and the MAMo Wearable Art Show, as well as the national TV exposure given to “Project Runway” designers Kini Zamora and Ari South. All of this has inspired others to push the envelope in both couture and casual modern Polynesian styles.
The 39th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards tonight at the Hawai‘i Convention Center is encouraging a fashion-forward attitude in the music industry with a new Style Award for the most stylish wahine and kane attendees. The contest will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. in the foyer of the Kalakaua Ballroom, where participants can model their fashions before a panel of judges: Georja Skinner from the state’s Creative Arts Industries, designer Allison Izu-Song, and Carol D’Angelo and Dexter Doi of Ecolicious. Prizes include a weekend stay at the Ala Moana Hotel; clothes and accessories by Manaola, Allison Izu, Reyn Spooner and Ecolicious; hair services by Dayna Okuma-Mau of Dada Salon; and plaques by KoAloha Ukulele.
So what goes on behind the scenes for Na Hoku nominees as the nominees put together outfits for their big night? Three of my favorite local female artists — and fellow 2016 Hoku nominees — agreed to walk readers through the thought process and preparations for awards night.
Lily Meola
Meola is a Maui-based contemporary recording artist who released her debut album, “They Say,” this year. Meola has been championed by country music great — and part-time Maui resident — Willie Nelson, and her album has gotten attention from Rolling Stone magazine. I’ve known Meola’s family for years (her big brother is big-wave surfer Matt Meola) from my time living on the Valley Isle.
“This is my first Na Hoku Awards, so I’m not too sure what to expect,” said Meola via email from the Virgin Islands. “But I’ve learned double-sided fashion tape can be a girl’s best friend.” (Amen to that, sis!)
As to what she might wear tonight, Meola said, “I love RVCA brand, and I am checking in with their designers to see if they have anything that would work for such a special night.”
Meola is nominated in three categories (best female vocalist, most promising artist and best contemporary album) and will be performing at the ceremony.
Kimie Miner
Miner is known for her mix of rich R&B vocals and modern-infused Polynesian and bohemian style. Her self-titled album is nominated for two awards: best female vocalist and best contemporary album. She will be releasing a new video for her song “Trouble” right before the Hokus.
Checking in from the road, Miner said via email, “I am planning to wear a couture gown because I know what an honor and special occasion this event is. You may spot me in Hawaii’s first Native Hawaiian stilettos by a friend of mine and fellow Big Island native Manaola Yap of Manaola Hawaii.”
When asked about her favorite designers, Miner listed Oday Shakar and Zamora. “(Shakar is) an incredibly talented designer and dear friend whose dresses make a woman feel like a goddess,” she said. As for Zamora, Miner said he creates gowns that are “elegant and sexy at the same time and a dream to wear!”
Mailani Makainai
Mailani Makainai is no stranger to the Hokus, having won for most promising artist in 2002 and best female vocalist in 2010 and 2015. This year her island pop album “Pacific Gem” has her up for best female vocalist once again.
“As a 36-year-old mixed Hawaiian-haole wahine, I love looks that are fun, outstanding and complimentary to my curves,” she said via email. “Sometimes I’m nervous about certain looks, but beauty comes from within and projecting it. Sometimes it takes work and sometimes it’s effortless for me. I have to get my game on the morning of the Hokus so that it’s effortless.
“I think we are living in such an interesting time, a time in which our local island cultural visions are wearable and printable. Our artists locally are extremely talented. I think the main drivers of Hawaiian fashion on a red carpet level are Kini Zamora and Manaola.”
Personal style
So where do I weigh in on fashion for the Hokus? This year my album “American Boy” is nominated for alternative album of the year, and my band will be performing on the show. The last time I performed at the Hokus, I wore black Chuck Taylor sneakers that went up to my knees and paired them with a custom electric-blue, ruffled Koa Johnson gown. (Nobody has time to fall over in heels while strutting around on the Hokus live television broadcast, am I right?)
I’m more of an over-the top, Gwen Stefani type of rocker girl. I love mixing things like spiked cuffs with an elegant, couture dress. This year has been all about sequins for me. I wore a blue ombre, sequined Badgley Mischka dress in our music video for the radio single “Love Long Distance,” and I’m considering wearing Mischka tonight. There is one in my closet right now that is stunning.
I’m also loving Parker New York and have been drawn to a dress by designer David Koma because I love the angles and the sheer black paneling of the skirt. It’s really modern looking and classy yet rock ’n’ roll.
Tune in to the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at 7 p.m. tonight on KFVE to see who we’re wearing.
