Nina Kuna Designs

Pinch Me

2011-09-22T12:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when I grab my camera and jump in the car, I have to pinch myself at the beauty just steps away. This is my all time fav place to shoot. I took this last week. Unfortunately I'm not gonna tell where it is! I know, selfish. But I bet most of you Maui lovers know where it is (hint: North Shore)!

Another Day in Paradise....

2011-08-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

And another amazing shoot with Uilani Davis, a beautiful Molokai born model. Not only is she the perfect face to represent the jewelry collection, she is also the sweetest person in real life! Here we shot at 7am at Ho'okipa beach, Maui. A well known surf break, an older gent done with his morning session stopped to watch the shoot for a second, dripping with salt water with his board under his arm. "Thank you for being so beautiful!" He said smiling. It was awkward yet sincere, and now I think as well, "Thank you Uilani!"

Beautiful Model Uilani Shot in Makena Maui

2011-08-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

I feel sooooo lucky to have connected with model Uilani. There couldn't be a more gorgeous and easy going person to model the latest collection! This was shot in Makena, one of my favorite places on Maui. I was being challenged by the end of the shoot, as the sun had already disappeared behind the horizon. But luckily I kept the camera going to get the beautiful soft light photo on the left. Breathtaking! We will be seeing more and more of Uilani as the collection grows.... model: Uilani / Hair & Makeup: Kahulani

Hapa Hale writes about Nina Kuna Designs!

2011-06-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announced that Leigh has written the most complimentary post on her fabulous island blog Hapa Hale. She is conducting an exciting Give Away for the Armored Ocean Bangle.
Be sure to visit her blog to enter and win this stunning piece! Winner even gets to choose gold or silver!

The New Collection is Now Available!

2011-06-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce the new collection is available online at www.ninakuna.com.
To celebrate, there is a 20$ Sale on all orders with promo code: summer2011. International shipping is always free. The only question is: which one will you choose? Pictured here is the Sea Urchin Ring, on sale now for $44! A steal to bring you fashionable island bliss!

Gold Much?

2011-06-24T13:21:00.001-07:00

Here is a grouping of some of the latest pieces! Get ready for the launch this weekend :)

Photographing the New Collection at Home

2011-06-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

So I've been on cloud 9 all day photographing my new golden and silver beauties. The new collection is a culmination of all my passion for design and nature. I will be thrilled to post them on the web store! Get ready for the launch! :)

For lighting, I used simple window light in my little Up Country Ohana. I knew I wanted the jewelry to pop against a dark back drop, so I drove myself down to Red Sand Beach in Makena (does anyone know the actual name of that beach?). As I shoveled a handful of gorgeous red/black sand into a plastic bag, I discretely promised to return it after I was done borrowing it! I love the results! Stay tuned for the big launch.....

Upcoming Shoot

2011-06-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

I'm getting ready for an upcoming photo shoot for my new jewelry collection! Here are some props that may be used. Natural elements, distressed wood, some fabric... I'm excited!

Homefrocks Photoshoot in Maui

2011-06-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

I recently worked with wonderful Nancy Traugott - owner and designer of the clothing line Homefrocks. Based in New Mexico, Nancy recently graced her artisanal collection to Paia, Maui and needed photographs to celebrate that! We did an amazingly inspired fashion shoot just yesterday starring gorgeous Ashana owner of Paia's botanical perfumery, Agua de Flora. It was a fabulous shoot, the three of us ladies chasing the sun all over Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua, and even Kaupo. (For those of you that don't live in Maui, I dare you to pronounce even one of those!) The sun set in a blaze of golden glory and we all knew that it was a spectacular shoot. Here are some peeks!

2011 'Aipono Awards

2011-06-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

Each year, Maui residents have a say in who is top dog in the culinary world. Anyone planning on a trip to Maui should check out this year's list of winners here. With categories from Restaurant of the Year (Capische) to Best Kept Secret (Cuatro), a quick peek can make or break your island evening! Pictured above is this year's Chef of the Year winner, local boy Chef Sheldon Simeon. Lead chef at the new Star Noodle Restaurant in Lahaina, it's no wonder that they also won Best New Restaurant!

Follow the Trail of Delish on Maui...

2011-06-05T12:40:00.001-07:00

I have been fortunate enough to bounce around Maui to photograph (and somtimes to sample) various delicious culinary delights & libations of all kinds, care of Maui No Ka Oi magazine. Their website has an archive of featured Dining Highlights accompanied by my photographs and Shannon Wianecki's colorful reviews. Click here to follow the trail of where and what to eat & drink on Maui!

Pulehu Restaurant at the Westin Ka'anapali

2011-06-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

I think desserts have been a theme as of late. I was sent to Pulehu Restaurant at the Westin Ka'anaplai to shoot desserts and cocktails. They recently were awarded the 2011 Aipono award for best Italian cuisine. Talented Cecilia Fernandez Romero of 'Iwi Design, designer, photographer and artist extraordinaire always does an amazing job of laying out Maui No Ka Oi magazine. Did I mention that she is talented? Her website is proof positive!

Ice Cream Anyone?

2011-06-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Maui Guestbook (Morris Publication) also had me shoot a story on frozen treats on Maui. Here are some of my favs. The top two are gelato cones at Ono Gelato in Lahaina where they use only organic whole milk for their gelatos. The bottom photos were shot at my home studio and feature Hawaii's own Roselani Ice Cream. The foreground flavor is Mango N Cream and is crazy good. As my nephew says in his deepest possible 6 year old voice: "Yum."

Little and Big Paniolo

2011-05-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

I've made a now not so private resolution to blog more frequently, and what better reason than this weekend's photo shoot. Quite possibly the most inspiring shoot I've done in Maui so far - it's one of those things that make me feel so blessed. The shoot was for the Maui Guestbook (from Morris Publication) and this particular story is about local organic beef on Maui. As a true red meat lover, I do enjoy what these amazing ranchers produce. I shot these yesterday at one of many pastoral settings care of Haleakala Ranch. Greg Friel is a bona fide Paniolo, pictured with his Grand Daughter Cowgirl in training. Both displayed true grit dedication to the Paniolo life, and both stole my heart.

Spring Cleaning Sale!

2011-04-19T14:44:00.001-07:00

Help Nina Kuna bring in the new collection with a 40% off Sale on the current inventory!
CLICK HERE to start shopping! (Sale ends on Mother's Day)
Promo code is: spring2011

Personal Favorite from Webbedware NYC

2010-06-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

I just had to point out my favorite piece from the collection. Of course there is only ONE left! It is the Ogiku Fabric Cuff Bracelet (Japanese Chrysanthemum). Handmade in NYC by Courtney Webb of Webbedware, this to-die-for vintage fabric is lovingly wrapped around a metal cuff, coated with clear acrylic to enhance color and texture and protect the fabric. Did we mention is is lined with luxurious hand cut tan leather?

Summer 2010 - Presenting Webbedware

2010-06-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Nina Kuna is pleased to present summer Guest Artist Courtney Webb of Webbedware who handmakes unique, cuffs from gorgeous vintage fabrics in New York...
Just in time for summer! Shipping is always free - order today for dibs on these styles & more!

The Gals at the Show

2009-10-11T16:59:00.001-07:00

Jewelry party in Kihei was too much fun... We are hoping to do it again in November. I'll post deets as soon as possible... see you there! :)

Jewelry Party at Diamonds Ice Bar in Kihei!

2009-10-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

If you want to get your party and jewelry on this weekend, come to Diamonds Ice Bar in Kihei this Saturday. I'll be showing my new Tahitian pearl necklaces while sipping on martinis. I'll have all the classic designs for sale as well!

Wedding Collection Featured in Maui No Ka 'Oi Magazine

2009-06-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

We are proud to be a part of Maui No Ka Oi's wedding section in the "Best of Maui" issue which released in June 2009. The gowns featured were by Maui designer Tamara Catz and jewelry was created by Nina Kuna Designs. The pieces featured were the Promise Earrings, the Wedding Chandelier Earrings, the Single Pearl Necklace, and the Opihi Shell and Limu Set. There are more sumptuous photos on the website under "Wedding Collection" where everything is currently 20% discounted with the secret promo code "maui".

2009 Hawaii Theatre’s Chinatown Chase

2009-02-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

I've just completed this sparkling set to be donated by Modern Luxury Magazine to the Hawaii Theatre’s Chinatown Chase, a fundraiser for Hawaii Theatre. They are hand sculpted sterling silver wire encrusted with champagne and crystal colored Swarovski Crystals. They are a one of kind set by Nina Kuna Designs. May the best woman win these beauties!

Nyna and Nina and the Paisely Necklace

2009-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

We just shot this gorgeous photo of Nyna in Haiku, Hawaii just as the sun was setting. She looked so peaceful and stunning - I love how the slope of her shoulder and neckline compliment the very linear Paisley Necklace and Drip Earrings. Thank you Nyna for representing the jewelry with such grace!

Burning the Midnight...

2008-12-18T20:28:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I've posted - somehow, I haven't even been to the beach in 2 months. Really. Now for living on Maui, that is pretty sad. But not so sad because I've been making, yes, jewelry. I wanted to share images of my not so tidy work space, as I'm in the throws of preparing for two trunk shows. As my sister calls it, I'm "Burning the midnight tiki torch". The trunk shows will be tomorrow at Macy's Hyatt Regency in Maui and for Saturday, December 20, a trunk show at the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center.

Decadent Minimalism

2008-09-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

We are excited to present new pieces at Nina Kuna Designs! The Buttercup Ring and Necklace and the Blue Pool Ring and Necklace. Both are sterling silver and hand forged in Maui. Minimalism meets decadence! Each piece is carefully encrusted with gems such as AAA Grade Blue Topaz, Golden Citrine and Aquamarine.

Hapa Hale

2008-07-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you Leigh for the extremely complementary blog posting this month! Hapa Hale talks of all things design savvy in Hawaii and then some. I was so happy that she showcased so many photos of Nina Kuna Designs jewelery with such great words regarding the line. Cheers Leigh!

Macy's Trunk Show

2008-06-28T19:31:00.001-07:00

Today was our first of many to come trunk shows at Macy's. This one was at Macy's Queen Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center. Thank you Macy's for all of the support behind in the collection and all my friends who came to show their support!

Jen Helping at the Trunk Show

2008-06-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Jen came and helped me for most of the show. Thank you so much for all your support Jen! :) She now has a pair of the Winter Seas Earrings to show my thanks!

Evonne at the Trunk Show

2008-06-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

My friend of Events by Evonne and her husband Darren came and showed their support! Thank you guys for your visit and for helping me at the end of the show!

Press in Modern Luxury Magazine

2008-06-26T23:14:00.001-07:00

Our first press has been published in the Summer 2008 issue of Modern Luxury magazine. The piece featured are the Winter Seas Earrings. Thank you Margie Jacinto, Editor in Cheif at Modern Luxury Magazine!

Finally - The Wedding Collection is Coming Soon!

2008-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've been brainstorming and fantasizing creations for Nina Kuna Designs Wedding Collection. Here is a sneak peek at one of the works in progress. The line will have unique pieces ranging from ornate and bold to innocent and sweet! The Collection will launch in July 2008.

New York Make Up Artist Prodigy Sara Glick

2008-06-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Sara Glick is an incredibly talented young make up artist based in NYC. Check out her work here to see the latest make up trends from New York. You go girl!

Ni'ihau Shell Lei Photoshoot

2008-06-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

I shot a cover photo for Maui Noka'Oi Magazine of a beautiful French Polynesian model wearing Ni'ihau shell leis which sell for thousands if for sale at all. It will publish in July. These tiny shells are collected and handcrafted by artisans on Ni'ihau, the only Hawaiian island populated by pure-blooded Hawaiians and their caretakers.

Dolphins

2008-05-23T00:00:00.001-07:00

Wild dolphins are the best. Here is a photo of some wild dolphins that hung out with us. I know you're jealous!

Lost At Sea Necklace

2008-05-12T21:55:00.001-07:00

Our newest necklace at Nina Kuna Designs. "Lost at Sea" features various shapes of Mother of Pearl, Fresh Water Pearl, and a single champagne colored CZ briolette artfully wire-wrapped and hanging from a 16 inch 14K Gold-filled chain. A 3 inch extension with lemon quartz accent create versatility.

Events By Evonne

2008-05-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

My friend Evonne is a very accomplished and just plain awesome event coordinator here in Maui. View her website Events By Evonne and her Blog - both incredible venues where you can view the lastest and greatest in Hawaiian event planning.

Photo Shoot in Honolulu, Oahu

2008-04-28T17:21:00.001-07:00

We shot a portrait of novelist Jane Porter in Oahu commissioned by MORE magazine NYC. Look for her new film Flirting With Forty starring Heather Locklear which will premiere in December 2008. From left to right, my fabulous husband Stepan, Kai, myself and my Canon, Jane Porter, and hair & makeup artist Dorys Foltin.

Maui Based Model Nina Hupp

2008-04-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Two more photos from my own photo shoot for Nina Kuna Designs (see 2 posts below). Nina Hupp (the model) is so gorgeous, she didn't make the editing process easy for us!

2008-04-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

The two most fabulous beach assistants ever! My good friend Alyssa and husband Stepan making sure the light on the model was just right!

Our First Photo Shoot for Nina Kuna Designs

2008-04-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

We just shot a new ad that is set to release in Modern Luxury Hawaii Magazine for the June Issue. The ad will be 1/3 page so it will be significantly cropped. Since I am a photographer as well as jewelry designer, I shot the ad myself. Nina Hupp was the gorgeous model and we shot on a crystal clear day at Sprecksville Beach on Maui, Hawaii. She looked great!