Rona Bennett and Lan Chung, designers of the popular local fashion brand Fighting Eel, have introduced their first bridal collection. The simple, chic and romantic dresses and gowns are inspired by the thousands of out-of-state and international brides who come to Hawai'i for their dream wedding.

"We get so many requests for gowns because of the popularity of destination weddings," Bennett said.

The collection is suitable for both brides and bridesmaids. The simplicity of the designs and wearability of the modal fabric make them appropriate for post-wedding streetwear, always a plus for the bridal party.

Fighting Eel bridesmaid dresses come in several colors, with multiple styles that can be mixed and matched to complement each individual. Dresses and gowns are priced at $150 to $250.

RECYCLED CHIC

PAPER BEAD ACCESSORIES FROM UGANDA AT SEVERAL ISLE STORES

The Ala Moana Center kiosk Pepa Lei, selling accessories made from recycled paper by Acholi tribeswomen in Uganda, has shut down. But the necklaces and bracelets can still be found at stores around the islands: Kai Ku Hale in Hale'iwa; Global Village in Kailua; Collections in Makawao, Maui; Biasa Rose in Pa'ia, Maui; Oceanside Jewelers in Lahaina, Maui; Jewel of Paradise in Hanalei, Kaua'i; Island Hemp and Cotton in Kapa'a, Kaua'i; Angela Headley Island Art in Hanapepe, Kaua'i; and As Hawi Turns in Hawi, on the Big Island.

'TWILIGHT' GARB

Nordstrom is about to release an exclusive fashion and jewelry collection inspired by the highly anticipated release of the movie "The Twilight Saga: New Moon." The collection is expected to be in store by Oct. 15.

Created by Awake Inc., the apparel collection centers around fitted screened T-shirts, tanks and tunics that reflect the mood and spirit of the film. "Twilight" fans can choose from designs that show their affinity for vampire Edward Cullen with a "Team Edward" logo, or werewolf Jacob Black with a "Team Jacob" design.

Other T-shirts feature film-related lines such as "Bet you can't read my mind" and "Forks High School Phys. Ed. Dept.," or the tattoo design worn by the werewolf pack. Plaid tunics and jackets round out the lifestyle collection. Prices range from $32 for a T-shirt to $58 for a jacket.

The collection of silver and gold-plated jewelry includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings and key fobs. "I love Edward" and "I love Jacob" heart pendants hang from the chains; and key fobs feature film-related charms such as Bella's truck, Jacob's motorcycle and vampire family crests.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com or 595-4904.

ON OUR RADAR

BIG ISLAND ARTIST DESIGNS REYN'S FATHER DAMIEN SHIRT

With the upcoming canonization of Father Damien, Big Island artist Dietrich Varez has created a textile design in honor of the Belgian-born Sacred Hearts priest who dedicated his life to the care of Hansen's disease patients on Moloka'i more than a century ago. Reyn's Spooner Kloth pullover style shirts in navy, red, tan or black are $79 ($82 for size 3XL), and are available at Ala Moana Center and Kahala Mall.

Varez will be at Reyn's Ala Moana Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow to meet customers and sign shirts.