We caught up with the creative masterminds behind the Kaua’i Katwalk fashion show in Hanalei last Saturday, Taryn Rodighiero of KaiKini and Angelique Ell of a. ell design. We asked them about pulling off such a successful event, and where we can get our hands on some of their gorgeous Kaua’i made pieces.

Purple Inc.: What was the highlight of this event for you?

Taryn Rodighiero: Seeing my suits on the runway—my suits in motion.

Angelique Ell: The actual show. From the minute the first model walked out, the energy between the models and the audience was intense.

PI: What about the whole experience in general?

AE: This was different from any other show I’ve been a part of. Everybody collaborated; everybody was so supportive of each other. There were no ego trips. It was a really strong team effort.

PI: What was the biggest challenge?

AE: The time constraints—putting together a thirteen piece collection in a small amount of time. There was not a lot of room for trial and error, which is hard because that’s part of the design process.

TR: Working with a lot of people—trying to get ahold of people and the communication between everyone. The design part was fun.

PI: Thoughts on next year’s event?

TR: To get more Kaua’i designers and artists involved.

Taryn donated all of her bikinis from the show (including all the fringe pieces everyone is going crazy about) to the models, but she is already busy making more. You can soon find them at the Bikini Room and a. ell atelier.

All of Angelique’s custom pieces from the show—including the hand-painted art pieces from Troy Carney, Kelly Keane, and Chanel Anderson—are available for sale at her atelier in Kapa’a.

Also available at her shop are:

Happy Earth Designs jewelry featured
in the show, designed by Coco Zickos

The leather and feather arm bands and hair
pieces designed by model Saisha Whitlock.