The Place For Beautiful Weddings
By Kumiko Okimoto
Owner of Masako Formals
Masako Formals has been dressing Hawaii’s most beautiful brides since 1977.
In nearly four decades, the bridal gallery has grown to become Hawaii’s largest collection of current and vintage designer wedding gowns, with dresses representing top designers from around the world.
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At the brave age of 50, my mother, Fumiko Yamamoto, and I first opened Masako Formals in Ala Moana Center. My mother and I moved from Japan with the dream of serving local people with their wedding needs. Now, the business is jointly operated by my husband Donald, who grew up in Waianae, and me. Our store is located on Cooke Street in Kakaako, and includes a complete inventory of wedding dresses, bridal accessories, bridesmaid dresses, men’s formal wear, formal gowns and a kimono photo studio.
My passion for fashion allows me to travel the world and select gowns for Masako Formals.
I also love working with young people, and I encourage and seek new opportunities for budding makeup artists, photographers and designers to pursue their dreams.
These same people also allow Masako Formals to continue to evolve.
In order to respond to the differences between local and Mainland styles, moving into 2015 Masako Formals will launch a signature line of wedding dresses exclusively sold in Hawaii. The store also will be expanding in three areas: the Vintage Shop (past, but not pre-owned, designer wedding dresses under $600); providing more maternity gowns for Hawaii’s pregnant brides, and supporting small, artisan designers in our new selection of “something blue” accessories.
For more information, visit masakoformalshawaii.com.
