I received a phone call on Tuesday from a friend in LA asking for a favor to re-vamp the image of his buddy, a Hawaiian musical artist by the name of Makana.

I took a look online, and I must say there was definitely more potential than a grass skirt and crazy fern head wreath.

He has a very natural sound, hence the image- but that's just not what people want. Bottom line, sex sells. He flew in to Chicago, a whole 14 hours of traveling just to get the glamorous touch from moi...

As soon as he flew in, I whisked him to AKIRA Men for a quick styling session which included the latest looks from Dorsia and J. Lindeberg. He proceeded to look at me funny when I pulled out the patent shoes, but when you come from the island shores- I guess the shiniest thing you got is your surfboard.  Basically they don't wear too much patent out there, sand sticks to it!

Surprisingly, I was able to get him in for a haircut at the Kelly Cardena's Salon where my favorite stylist, Beau, transformed his curly locks into an a-symmetrical, sculptural masterpiece a top his head.

He was a new man upon walking onto set at 8:30 AM Saturday morning- not bad for a days work.  Starting in studio with some fern accessories and brooding looks (yes he had to fly to me to build a set that made it look like he was in Hawaii, go figure) We shot some looks on location as well in a more industrial setting with some very intense natural lighting, can't wait to share the after pictures with the world- quite a transformation. I think he is ready for Letterman now.

The weekend began with grooming Makana www.myspace.com/makanaworld.

It ended however with a sighting of already groomed mini-ponies with bangs, quite an oddity in a metropolis like Chicago. They were chained to this weird medieval structure walking in circles like some strange Fellini film. Just goes to show that inspiration comes from anywhere.  Mini-ponies with bangs are a must-have for the summer season. 

Until then.

Marsha