LIHUE — Alison Furderer said after wearing a design by international designer Sha Ali Ahmad of Ahmad Couture, she felt empowered.
Those words captured Edie Ignacio Neumiller of the Kauai Fashion Weekend steering committee.
“You know me,” Ignacio Neumiller said. “That word ‘empower,’ it’s so International Zonta.”
Furderer is one of the models who will be on the catwalk tonight when the Kauai Fashion Weekend opens its doors at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. She was on hand for a fitting of Macy’s fashions that will be part of the show described as Kauai’s signature red carpet event.
“Macy’s stands for fashion,” said David Reifenberg, Macy’s at Kukui Grove store manager. “We bring new and fun looks with quality and great values for the everyday shopper. In Hawaii, the fashion look is localized with great private labels. We also have big-name brands providing pieces exclusive to Macy’s.”
Reifenberg said he became involved with Kauai Fashion Weekend after meeting Marynel Valenzuela, one of the KFW co-founders.
“A lot of the fashion is focused on business,” Reifenberg said. “But Macy’s also features nice summer, casual, and day wear from our designers.”
Furderer has been modeling since she was 16 years old.
“Modeling is a way to build confidence, overcome fears, and grow,” she said. “It allows you to transform — I’m a chameleon.”
Furderer said both her grandmothers were involved in modeling and fashion, one becoming Miss USO, Florida in 1944.
“After doing those pieces with my husband, I could look back and say, ‘I did that,’” the Wailua mother said. “I accomplished something for myself.”
Furderer recently recovered from a hiking accident that left her in constant pain.
“I had to relearn how to walk,” she said. “But I wasn’t going to let it set me back.”
Furderer said when the show starts, her parents will be there.
“They didn’t think I was going to do this,” she said. “They never saw me in the wheelchair. I’ve come a long way, and I’m honoring myself.”
Tickets to the show pnly are available at the door which opens at 4 p.m. for the vendor booths. The runway fashion show, 6:30, will feature designs by Gypsy Rain Designs, Definitely Baba, Ainofea, and Iris Viacrusis and a surprise appearance by violinist Kimberly Hope McDonough.
Guest stars include Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala with Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin and Jeremiah Garcia.
