TIFFANY & Co. at Ala Moana held a reception Nov. 15 to showcase its renovation, an upgrade that has the sparkle of a prized gem. Guests were greeted by John Geppert, director of Tiffany’s Oahu market. The renovation has increased the store’s size, and a dazzling floor-to-ceiling crystal chandelier is the centerpiece. Architects and interior designers utilized carved glass and marble, stainless steel and the glow of Tiffany Blue to produce a luxurious environment.
The renovation party coincided with Tiffany’s 175th anniversary and its leather collection, designed by John Truex and Richard Lambertson, who came here for the event. Beverages and light pupu were provided by Current Affairs. Guests included filmmakers Rann and Gina Watumull, who brought us "You May Not Kiss the Bride." Before taking on another project, they are waiting to see how "Bride" works out. Other guests included retired Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Steven Levinson, a personable guy, and his wife, Cathy; Kathy Inouye, COO of the Kobayashi Group and the dedicated chairwoman of Child & Family Service; and dog lover Elyn Kekua. She has six pooches. …
BALENCIAGA is another bright and beautiful luxurious store that opened recently at Ala Moana, next to Hermes. The marble flooring is cool, and the store has cushioned seating, something rare at Ala Moana shops. The GM is friendly Sharleen Perreira. …
PBS HAWAII is gearing up for season three of the hit show "Downton Abbey," which gets under way Jan. 6 with Shirley MacLaine in the cast with all those Brits. "Downton Abbey Revisited" will be shown by the station Sunday at 8 p.m. The revisit will prepare fans for season three: It will recap previous seasons and present a sneak preview of what’s ahead. Repeats of "Abbey" episodes will be shown during December on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. … Sunday night at 7 the station will repeat "Na Mele: Treasures I," with a new intro by Robert Cazimero. The program features Bill Kaiwa, Iwalani Kahalewai, Nina Kealiiwahamana, Kawika Trask and Emma Veary. It premiered in 2006, and two of the treasures, Iwalani and Bill, have died. This encore program is dedicated to their memory. …
THE MUSICAL "Wicked," presented by a touring company, opened Thursday night at Blaisdell Concert Hall and will run through Jan. 12. For tickets, call 800-745-3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. … The rock band Chicago returns for dates at Blaisdell Arena Jan. 11, Waikoloa Bowl on the Big Isle Jan. 12 and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Jan. 15. …
TOWN & COUNTRY mag calls billionaire Larry Ellison "a born-again surfer." The Style Spy section of its December issue lists "wardrobe selections every man needs on his own private island." Among others receiving T&C gift suggestions are Pippa Middleton, Brian Williams, Condoleezza Rice, Mark Zuckerberg, Vladimir Putin and Serena Williams. …
IN THIS MONTH’S Vanity Fair we learn that Honolulu-born Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, and his wife, Jean, are owners of the Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz. High-profile guests have included Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi, Usher and Martha Stewart. Steve is a 1976 Punahou grad. His cousin is former Hawaii Congressman Ed Case. …
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Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
