LIHUE — Jackie Kaina of the Kauai Economic Development Board had a new look Monday.
“I wish I could stay longer, but I teach hula on Mondays,” she said.
Kaina was the designated recipient of a facial makeup session by Alanna Agustin of Ecelon Beauty Kauai during the fashion boot camp free workshop at the Office of Continuing Education and Training at the Kauai Community College.
Agustin said when she does makeup, it is not about being pretty — it’s about feeling empowered.
The workshop, sponsored by the Kauai Visitors Bureau and the Kauai Economic Development Board, featured International Fashion Designer Sha Ali Ahmad of Ahmad Couture working with prospective models.
Natasha Kertes, an international high fashion photographer based in Miami, also visited the workshop. She offered insight into some of her more notable shoots, including a sitting with Donald Trump and his family done ahead of the presidential primary election.
“I came just to see her,” said Anna Baudouin of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. “I want to get a new camera and become more serious about photography so I can justify the new equipment.”
The free workshop heralds the launch of the Fifth annual Kauai Fashion Weekend which will culminate with a red carpet show June 3 at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Spa.
“Kauai needs a good red carpet signature event,” said Jhoiee Palalay, a Kauai Fashion Weekend committee member. “This is it — an evening of elegant dining combined with fashion and a fashion show featuring high fashion, and being done with people like Sha Ali Ahmad and photographer Natasha Kertes. Meghan King Edmonds of Real Housewives of Orange County was our celebrity model and liked it so much, she’ll be back on June 3.”
Marynel Valenzuela, co-founder of Kauai Fashion Weekend with Ahmad, said guests can enjoy a VIP dinner, or just take in the fashion show.
“This year, we are adding a men’s line,” said Ahmad, a co-founder of Kauai Fashion Weekend.
The high fashion lineup will also include local designers offering resort, evening, casual, and beach wear, including Krystl Apeles of Puka Surf, Barbara Green of Definitely Baba, and Nita Pilago of Kona on the Big Island and her Wahine Toa line.
Doors to the vendors open from 4 p.m. June 3 with registration starting from 5:30 p.m. for the VIP dinner and fashion show.
Advance tickets are available at Inkspot Printing in Lihue.
