LIHUE — Natasha Kertes, the Kauai Fashion Weekend photographer who ended the last event with a cover and multiple page layout using Kalalau Valley as a backdrop, has already done work at the Kaneshiro farm with Darryl Kaneshiro and Michelle Emura.
Kertes was also available for a free talk-story event presented through the efforts of Jaclyn Kaina of the Kauai Economic Development Board at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School library where people could learn more about her work.
“This is what Kauai Fashion Weekend is about,” said Marynel Valenzuela, co-founder of the event. “People can learn and become inspired through the various stages and events leading to the 6th annual Kauai Fashion Weekend showcase. Kauai Fashion Weekend showcases and celebrates the creativity of Kauai.”
Tickets for the 6th annual Kauai Fashion Weekend are already on sale online at www.kauaifashionweekend.com, or EventBrite, Inkspot Printing in Lihue, or through any of the 2018 Kauai Fashion Weekend models.
“Sha Ali Ahmad of Ahmad Couture, another of the founders of Kauai Fashion Weekend, is scheduled to start casting for models,” said Edie Ignacio Neumiller, the KFW communications officer.
“Kauai Fashion Weekend is looking for models to feature this year’s fashion offerings on the catwalk and for some of the photo shoots.”
The Kauai Fashion Weekend brings all of the efforts of fashion designers, support staff, and everyone involved in fashion and design together for a gala evening at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
“This is great,” said Ahmad. “Last year, we landed a cover on one of the most prestigious fashion magazines using the Grove Farm Homestead Museum as a backdrop. Additionally, there was a multiple-page layout featuring more Kauai location backdrops. This promotes the island as a setting for fashion photography. People spend a lot of money trying to get that cover space.”
A pre-event show featuring fashion, accessories and other related items will be open from 4 p.m. on June 23 in the lobby area fronting the Kauai Marriott ballroom. Doors open for the VIP dinner guests at 6:30. Patrons who appear for the show only will be allowed entry from 7:15 p.m.
Joining the mix of fashion and design, some of the local designers include Gypsy Rain with Desiraea Aguinaldo, Definitely Baba with Barbara Green, and Iris Viacrucis from the Big Island.
Abel Iloko of Manila will feature native handwoven fabric inspired by the 1950s. He joins Edgar Madamba Designs and contemporary Filipina ternos by Richard Papa.
Sha unveils his newest Adhmad Couture offering in evening and special occasion wear.
New to this year’s designer lineup is Ehmad Kaky of Lebanon with his line of international fashion.
Dickie Chang, the king of Walaau, returns as the celebrity host.
Chang will be joined this year by Instagram sensation Howsdisguy Zavier Cummings.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com
