Anne Namba Designs

Ms. Anne, herself, provided exemplary customer service. She personally assisted in recommending her designs suited for our daughter's wedding. Double Thumbs Up!"

I've been a fan of Anne Namba's "kimono couture" from the early 1990's. Her clothing lines incorporate vintage fabrics into contemporary designs that are wearable and relevant in today's World. The reason that I went into her boutique was because I needed some alterations done on two pieces that I wanted to wear for a special occasion during an upcoming Thanksgiving trip to the Mainland.

Anne Namba's designs draws me in because I feel that I can "relate" to the styles. The way the garments are cut gives me a feeling of simple contemporary elegance. I'm not tall nor thin nor young in age but her styles can be tailored to fit (ALL women) so I've not felt intimidated into thinking that I should look like a model. Even the vintage fabrics are meticulously put together that you can accessorize to dress up or down. There's a line of EuroAsian-inspired printed silk if you're not into vintage kimono or obi based clothes. The clothing here can be custom designed or fitted for men and women.

Before stepping foot into the boutique, I called and spoke to one of Anne's staff, Mary. I wanted to make sure that I could just drop by to get my silk duster fit and to replace the elastic in a pair of silk pants. Her voice effused friendliness and warmth over the phone. I brought in my pieces, she fit (measured) my garment, gave me an estimate for alteration and said their seamstresses would do their best to get the items done within 7 days. I asked her for home silk care and cleaning tips as I had a garment that had been badly "age or rust" spotted. While waiting for the alterations, I tried Mary's recommendations. Within minutes, my damaged garment was sparkling clean!

Oh boy, I just had to tell Mary about the success of her tip! To my surprise, my alterations were completed within 4 days (including a weekend) so at first chance, I rushed back to the boutique. We chatted for a few minutes and I got a couple of more tips from her. My eyes danced with glee just looking around at all the new styles, fabrics and colors. I even zeroed in on an outfit that I'd love to have but, my retired person conscious got the better of me.

I would encourage men and women of all ages to visit this boutique...you will be amazed by the quality, beauty and wearability of the garments. You'll support a local designer whose one-of-a-kind designs are classic and timeless. You'll also be treated to personable, non-intimidating, knowledgeable and helpful staff...Mary, this is about YOU.

Huge fan! Bought a number of things recently as a gift to myself for achieving a bunch of goals this year. I bought evening wear and things I will wear to work. I get tons of compliments on every single outfit each time I wear it. But, most importantly to me, these are the most elegant, comfortable, great for travel, great for any occasion clothes I own! (Plus, they sell fabulous, one-of-a-kind costume jewelry that compliments their clothes perfectly.)

Me: I think I want a wedding dress that is versatile. Something I can use beyond our special day.

Hubby, then fiancé (HTF): Good idea. Go to Anne Nama's.

Me: Ummm I was thinking more like separates from Macy's...but twist my arm a teeny bit more:)

Anne Namba is my favorite designer. Classy, local and extremely talented. HTF has blessed me with several pieces from her collection - and now I am going to see if she has a dress that will take me from wedding to other occasions. In a matter of 20 minutes I find THE outfit! A stunning bustier made from a cream colored obi and drizzled with teensy pearls and other delectable beads on the top and a simple a-line floor length organza skirt. Wow...Anne's design made me feel like Cinderella.

But wait. Wasn't I supposed to find something versatile? No worries. Anne demonstrates how this one ensemble can carry me through the next two Tuxes and Tails events with a simple addition of (gulp) two more pieces. In the end we take all four pieces and HTF's wedding shirt. Expensive? No. These are investments ;).

If you are looking for the perfect gown. If you are looking for elegance. If you want a perfect go-to outfit that is comfortable. If you need a classy gift. Go. To. Anne Namba's. With her wide array of separates, scarves, men's wear and formals you will find something that fits your need.

Service: 5
Merchandise: 5
Studio: 5
Overall: 5

My co workers and I have been coming here to buy scarves for mainland guests for a few years.

We love to come here because
1) She's a local designer
2) Pieces are one of a kind (especially the scarves)
3) Staff are nice, so willing to help you if needed

The last time I was here, I met Ms. Namba herself. She was great! After seeing there weren't very many scarves for me to choose from (there were about 5), she actually went into her workspace to make more!

The missing 5th star is because of the price. I'm sure there are other places (with different products) that meet the three points above with lower prices

Anne Namba & her staff (including her rockstar daughter, Roxy) are simply the best! If I'm being honest, I've never been into high-end fashion...but recently while my mom was visiting the shop in Kaka'ako for the annual 50% off sale, she saw a dress that I might like in the bridal section (note: not included in the 50% off sale). I had been down on my luck with my wedding dress. To be clear, my wedding is within a month so I already had a dress I bought on Etsy. But I wasn't having the bridal bliss with that dress. So, I was open to perhaps finding THE dress, if you know what I mean. My mom texted me about seeing something in-store I might like, and, again, if I'm being honest, I'd never bought nor tried on Anne Namba-anything before. Since I was in the area, I thought I'd stop by...why not, right??
When I got to the store, Roxy (Anne's daughter) quickly approached me and assisted me. She let me try on a few things - even dresses that weren't on the floor at the time. My wheels started to turn and the excitement was building. Then she suggested I give the corset/skirt a try. Immediately, the corset "spoke" to my heart. I loved it! I tried on a short skirt, a flirty skirt, a long skirt...I was totally feeling the bliss. Anne & staff were so honest and helpful. I had finally felt like a bride-to-be (I could cry right now!) I knew I was getting something, but I wanted my mom to see it, so we decided I'd come back the next day with her.
The next day, I tried on the corset again, but this time with a more elegant satin skirt with a small train (that somehow I didn't try on the day before...what's the chances? I tried on all the skirts, at least I thought I did!) Mom walked in...and literally in a heartbeat, she looked emotional and said, "That's the one." I had found bridal bliss and found my wedding outfit (corset, skirt, and pearl necklaces).
Sorry for long-winded story, but I just know that others will feel my "pain" and "bliss" of searching for the perfect dress, outfit, whatever when it comes to such an important event.
Honestly, the icing on the cake for me was the kindness and honesty displayed by Roxy, especially. It was like having my sister with me and, for being someone who hates when people look at me while I'm trying on something, I was totally ok with looking gorgeous and blissful. Anne who's talented and so kind, too, gave me feedback and always looked at everything I wore with her designer eye on me. Mary, another awesome member of the staff, was so encouraging and sweet. I love them!
Call it serendipity, kismet, whatever...my adventure into Anne Namba's store was meant to be. The experience and the staff was priceless. So, yes, Anne Namba Designs aren't cheap, the price you pay is in the product, the service, and the moments where you feel like a princess.

VERY disappointed... I have always admired Ms. Namba's exquisite work and contributions to local events here in Hawaii. However, on a recent trip to Ms. Namba's showroom with friends, and after my friend purchased an astounding price on a dream outfit for a special occasion... Ms. Namba not once stopped talking to her friends to thank my friend (the customer) for her business or acknowledged our presence. Her saleswoman was very helpful and professional... Perhaps, Ms. Namba could learn a few tips from her own salespeople and learn some customer service herself. I believe Ms. Namba needs to look on the cutting room floor for some aloha!

I've been shopping here since post spring of 2000, when they were still located in Manoa, and always helped by Connie. She sends me postcards to their sales and other events, like their fashion shows. I've been eyeing a black satin duchess Sabrio gown that I saw on their website recently. $2000 without tax included.

Beautiful, unusual, elegant, timeless... designer with an Asian vibe. The fabrics are exquisite! 4 stars only because it's pricy; on the other hand, you can wear these beauties for year

This place is still one of my favorites. First, the service: Where else nowadays can you walk in after years of absence and be told by the salesperson what size you wear? (In most other stores, I can't even find a salesperson!) Namba's salesperson--I'm sorry that I've forgotten her name--provided outstanding service and helped me to find several items, all of which I liked. She figured out my taste in minutes. Second, the products: After trying on six very comfortable blouses yesterday, I bought two of them, and I can honestly say that nowhere else are there blouses like the ones I bought. One of them is cut in a very unusual way that is so flattering I actually don't look short and fat! MAGIC! Last, the price: Who cares? Did you read the part about my usual self being transformed from being short and fat?! I love Anne Namba creations, and I've loved them since I was a rebellious teenager being dragged to yet another fashion show by my obnoxious mother. In the midst of my incredible BOREDOM (I would've preferred to be playing basketball), Namba's designs caught my eye then and they still have a hold on me.