Assymetry is a signature of Lovelessizm. Photos by Jerry Mayfield

Lovelessizm, the line designed by Honolulu’s multi-talented Richie Miao, has already earned an avid following in Asia. Last night, in its premeir fashion show in Hawaii at Ala Moana’s CenterStage, the line got its big introduction to an appreciative Honolulu audience. I don’t think anyone expected such an extensive line to come down that runway. Some of us had seen a few pieces of Lovelessizm in Blue Buddha and on Richie himself, but no one was prepared for dozens and dozens of looks. Even makeup artist Liz Dahl (“Hawaii 5-0,” “Just Go With It,” etc.), who works in Etch Salon with Richie, said “He’s been holding out on us!”

Well, he didn’t hold out last night. It was a spectacular show and did the city proud. My husband Jerry, who isn’t always thrilled when I ask him to help me photograph fashion shows, loved every minute of the show. “Imagine all those people at Ala Moana Center who are just visiting Hawaii. If they were to see that show they would have a whole different idea of what fashion in Hawaii is all about,” he said with obvious pride.

The palette: Black, white and gray.

The collection is beautifully crafted with a plethora of details that would be a nightmare for most seamstresses. But Richie, ever the perfectionist, has found fabulous people in Asia who can do anything he asks, even multiple zippers, complex deconstructions and other baffling details. Even with my deisgn background I cannot figure out how he has engineered some of these garments!

Although originally conceived as a men's line, Lovelessizm can often be worn by women.

The versatility of Lovelessizm was made evident throughout the show. Models morphed their garments right on stage. Many of the pieces have functional zippers that can change the entire character of the garment.

Model Forest Gorham morphs his jacket.

Richie has taken some iconic men’s garments, such as motorcycle jackets, utility belts and jodphurs, and turned them on their heads.

Do these pants remind you a little of WWI?

Models were provided by Wilhelmina Models and styling was by Ryanjacobie, a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon.

Yes, it works for women.

There's an edgy side to Lovelessizm,

The music, by L.A.-based vocal percussionist (beatboxer) Jake Moulton  and violin player Jason Yang was fantastic.

Jason Tang, left and Jacob Moulton

Hats off to Malie Moran and Hawaii RED Magazine for a job well done in putting together the show. Mahalo to Jerry Mayfield for the photos.

– Paula Rath

At the After Party in the Hifi Pop-Up Incubator, L to R: Jake Moulton, Richie Miao and Jason Yang