Holiday Splendor
December - January 2011
Anya wears a Marchesa navy jeweled one-shoulder gown ($990), from Neiman Marcus, with Prada fox cape ($1,630) and Prada Piex Crystal and earrings ($320).
A one-shoulder Teri Jon gown ($795), from Neiman Marcus, is accessorized with an amethyst necklace from the Kensei Collection (price upon request).
Austin wears a tuxedo ensemble from Dior. Price upon request.
A Bernard Foong gown ($595) is accessorized with a stone necklace from Kensei's jewelry collection (price upon request). The Stuart Weitzman antique gold sandal is $365. On Austin, an Armani Collezioni cashmere jacket ($340) with Armani Collezioni pant ($2,145), Ermenegldo Zegna shirt with French cuffs ($395) and Charvet tie ($195), all from Neiman Marcus.
Anya's gilt and green Aidan Mattox gown ($440) is accessorized with an Alexis Bittar ring ($355) and matching bracelet ($495), gold textured bangle ($365). All from Neiman Marcus.
Austin in an Ermenegildo Zegna black peak-lapel tuxedo ($2,145) with Giorgio Armani tie ($145), from Neiman Marcus.
Anya wears an Escada sequin shift ($3,995) with Escada fur bolero ($1,550). Her ensemble is accessorized with an Alexis Bittar cuff ($375) and Stuart Weitzman black satin peep-toe pumps with bow detail ($345), from Neiman Marcus. The Prada Nappa Gauffre Cammeo clutch upper left is $1,095.
The sophistication of holiday dress lies in the simplicity of confident, clean lines that define European chic. For women, Grecian-inspired draping in soft silks complements curves, while one-shoulder details add a touch of bare-skin sensuality. JUST ADD MISTLETOE.
About the setting
Christmas started in September for Kensei Takeda, owner of Chez Kensei Salon, who graciously allowed our crew to commandeer his home for our holiday photo shoot.
“I love Christmas decorations,” he says, taking the advice of a friend by putting up Christmas decorations early to stretch out the season.
A far cry from clichéd red-green-gold, Kensei brings an elegant, gilded European sensibility to his work.
“When I came to Hawai’i and I saw people decorate with snow (images), it didn’t make sense. There’s no seasons here, only summer.”
Over the years, he’s amassed countless antiques and figurines that he displays throughout his home.
“Holiday décor must blend in,” he adds, motioning to carved, wooden elephants from India, adorned with jewels he has collected over 15 years.
Jewelry pieces are reassembled and repurposed with miniature chains appropriate to the scale of each figurine. Hundreds of vintage and antique brooches are combined to dress conical tabletop Christmas trees.
None of this was planned when he first started collecting. Years later, he opened one of his storage drawers, and was inspired to incorporate them into his décor.
He says decorating a home for the holidays need not be a lavish affair. “Just to make yourself happy,” Kensei says.
FASHION EDITOR & WRITER: NADINE KAM
PHOTOGRAPHER: MARK ARBEIT
MODELS: ANYA KOP, AUSTIN KINO
HAIR & MAKEUP: CHRISTINE GARDNER OF FLAUNT
ASSISTANT STYLIST: KYLE KAGAMIDA
