Takeo Photo by Marc S.

TAKEO Co-Executive Director   A well-known fashion designer and art director with impressive credentials, Tokyo-born Takeo has made a name for himself and the clients 2Couture represents in Hawai'i, the U.S. Mainland and abroad. His gowns have graced the glamorous from actresses Jennifer Love Hewitt, Rosie Perez, Vivian Wu, Elizibeth Lindsey and Kelly Hu- to Hawai'i's own Miss Universe '97, Brooke Lee and Former First Lady of Hawai'i, Vicky Cayetano. A graduate of the Nippon Design School, Takeo finished third in his class of 450, going on to attend the prestigious Art Center in Los Angeles. During the course of his career, the artist has applied his talents in the fields of painting, graphic arts, textile design and couture fashion. Takeo, nominated three times for Manufacturer of the Year, has staged fashion shows in London, Brazil and the U.S. Takeo has also been listed among top U.S. designers in publications here and abroad. He estimates more than 50 young women have worn his gowns in pageants worldwide. After teaming up with Eric as 2Couture, the pair went on to design work for Ala Moana Shopping Center, Louis Vuitton, Liberty House, Shirokiya and Shisheido, winning numerous Art Directors Club awards. 2Couture is particularly proud of the proclamations citing their achievements from Govenors Ariyoshi, John Waihe'e and Benjamin Cayetano.

Eric Chandler Photo by Marc S.

ERIC CHANDLER Co-Executive Director   Kamakahia'ai: "the eyes that see beauty." It is quite fittingly, the Hawaiian name bestowed on Eric Eugene Chandler by Kaipo Hale of The Kamehameha Schools. As a haole from Washington state, Eric made Hawai'i his home more than 20 years ago. He attended University of Hawai'i at Hilo and continued his education at Hawai'i Pacific University. That flair for design led to ongoing assignments bedecking seven Hawai'i hotel properties each holiday season. With the start of 2Couture, Eric and Takeo successfully merged retail design projects with pageant production, including several years directing the Miss Narcissus and Miss Cherry Blossom competitions. They assumed the helm of the Miss Hawai'i USA and Miss Hawai'i Teen USA pageants in 1998. Another professional high point for Eric has been his work on behalf of teh Hawai'i Convention and Vistors Bureau, winning every design award possible during travels to 15 countries. Also a fashion designer, Eric has won the Manufacturer of the Year award and is known for elegant and elaborate creations. Eric is particularly appreciative of the associations and experiences that arise from his career, supporting aspiring pageant contestants and young talent and working with the team who make the pageants happen.