Happily ever After
April - May 2011
Happily ever after: On Kate, a Gaultier Soleil bodysuit, $425, from Neiman Marcus
The honeymooners: Mike and Kate prepare to jet off with a collection of Rimowa luggage and Louis Vuitton Epi Mandarin hatbox ($3,550). She wears a Roberto Cavalli halter dress ($1,635) from Nordstrom. He wears a Burberry sport jacket ($895) with Façonnable slacks ($165) and Calibrate shirt ($69.50), all from Nordstrom. His Ocean Zalium Chronograph 18K white gold timepiece with sapphire crystal is $41,500, from Harry Winston.
Taking a breather: Daniela celebrates with Kate, Daniela wearing a Louis Vuitton dress ($2,800), while kicking off her Vuitton Flower Field kitten sandals ($870). Kate wears a Roberto Cavalli floral caftan ($695) with Jil Sander capri pant ($595), both from Neiman Marcus. Her Louis Vuitton Flower Field pumps are $925.
Gown shopping: Kate tries on a Pronovias La Sposa gown ($2,106) from Casablanca Bridal & Formals, with Daniela delivering her yea or nay. Daniela wears a Dior scallop-detailed jacket ($2,400) and matching skirt ($870), with Fendi sunglasses ($275). She carries a Fendi Zucchino duffel ($765). Shoes by Ivanka Trump and Badgley Mischka, from Nordstrom
The phone call: Kate dials up her BFF to break the good news. She wears a Fendi dress ($1,680), paired with Fendi’s roll bag ($855) and color-block shoe ($740).
The proposal: Kate wears a Valentino Red knit top ($295), from Neiman Marcus. Her micropave diamond engagement ring ($175,000), from Harry Winston, has a cushion-cut center stone at 3.08 carats, E color, VVS1 clarity with 88 colorless diamonds at .52 carats. Her earrings are from Tara’s Secret Closet. Mike wears a Calibrate dress shirt ($95), from Nordstrom.
The big day: Kate wears a Monique Lhuillier gown ($6,000) and accessories, from Casablanca Bridal & Formals. Mike wears a Paul Smith tuxedo ($2,395), with Armani Collezione shirt ($295) and bow tie ($125), all from Neiman Marcus.
The royal marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton has set romantics abuzz, and no wonder. Consider the centuries of tradition, the grandeur of Westminster Abbey … even the speculation over whose gown Kate will wear, all of which adds to the allure of royal nuptials. Nary forget that this real-life fairy-tale fantasy-the commoner marrying a Prince-is every girl’s dream come true. But true love isn’t reserved for royalty. It’s a story that plays out every day in the most ordinary circumstances: Boy meets girl. A ring is offered in proposal of never-ending love. Friends are told. The search for the perfect gown begins. Another love story is set in motion…
ABOUT THE SETTING
Towering 38 stories above Hawai’i's most storied beach- and bathed in golden sunlight-the Grand Waikikian penthouse suite that stood as our “set” was a big departure from last issue’s stark concrete slabs.
Although steeped in fantasy, this realistic setting saw our “bride” as she celebrates all the milestones in planning her “wedding.” The Waikikian’s elegant décor, accented by dark wood furniture, crown molding and meticulously cu-rated art (itself an extension of the property’s noteworthy art collection), made for picture-perfect vignettes. (It’s no wonder that Hilton Grand Vacations Club members from all over the globe-as well as “stay-cationing” kama’aina- scramble to secure one of the Grand Waikikian rooms for a getaway.)
Yet, it isn’t often that you are invited to “come along” for a pictorial essay that follows a couple through engagement, the planning, the inevitable “girl time” that ensues, and ultimately, the wedding and honeymoon. Our team carefully sketched each scene prior to casting our model couple (and gal pal); just to give you an idea of the time that goes into these shoots.
Making use of all three bedrooms and the fully equipped kitchen, our creative and fashion teams noted the ease of making the scenes feel “real” when the backdrops included the liberal use of huge flat-screen T.V.s, oversized tubs (especially in the master suite), and touches like Crabtree and Evelyn bath amenities and in-suite laundry.
Toss in direct access to the Duke Kahanamoku saltwater lagoon, Mandara Spa, all the Hilton Hawaiian Village restaurants, the on-site wedding chapel and so on, and you’ve got the perfect one-stop betrothal destination-or fantastical photo shoot, as it were.
FASHION EDITOR & WRITER: NADINE KAM
PHOTOGRAPHER: LEAH FRIEL
MODELS: MIKE HSIA, KATE SCHUETTE, DANIELLA ABE
HAIR & MAKEUP: CHRISTINE GARDNER OF FLAUNT
