I love August (being a Leo, you can’t really blame me). It’s the last full month of summer before the “ber” months take over and everyone’s gears shift towards school and holiday planning. It’s the month where I can squeeze out the last bits of free-flowing traffic and embrace a sweater-free existence. 

However, when fall does arrive, I’ll be ready for it. And with this issue of HILuxury you now hold in your hands, you’ll find that there are those who are more than ready, having spent their summer in high gear. Whether it’s Holey Grail Donuts’ Nile and Hana Dreiling opening their first Honolulu flagship (“Making Rounds” on page 42) or Kazutomo Robert Hori bringing his lauded truffle-centric restaurant to Hawai‘i (“Rare Origins” on page 114), the rest of us have a chance to experience the results of all the hard work they’ve put in these last months to make it all happen.  

Additionally, we also highlight several personalities with backstories you may not have known about. First, we have chef Vikram Garg. Apparently, he dabbles in musicals without even knowing it! Writer Karyl Garland speaks with Garg on how he inspired a character in a Broadway hit. Turn to “Untold Story” on page 54 to find out why sometimes being in the wrong place at the wrong time can change your life for the better.   

In contrast, we also feature world-renowned artist/photographer Clark Little, whose powerful images of some of the fiercest waves around continue to mesmerize. In Little’s case, he was at the right place, at the right time — getting barreled with camera in tow. Fellow photographer Marco Garcia puts his lens down to see life through Little’s and discovers how some of his outstanding images were created. Find out more in “Wave Collector” on page 48.   

Of course, let’s not forget art in the form of fashion. While each season has its share of wearable hits, fall fashion is arguably the most fun to experiment with since there’s a distinct jump from the breezy looks of spring/summer to the more structured, textured and richly hued looks that typically take over come autumn/winter. (Except the white tank top. Stylist Kim Smith makes a solid argument for that summer piece carrying on throughout the rest of the year on page 33.) You’ll see exactly what we mean in this issue’s fashion feature, “Candy Crush,” on page 96 where we showcase the season’s upcoming trends against the sweetest of backgrounds.

Aloha and enjoy the issue,
Margie Jacinto, Publisher