Valerie Joseph's FRESH take on winter prom

Nadine Kam photos
From left, Olena Heu with FRESH Fashion founder Valerie Ragaza-Miao and her husband Joseph Miao.

BY NADINE KAM

The Valerie Joseph boutique presented its annual FRESH Fashion Event fund-raiser, “Cirque de Couture,” Oct. 3 at M Nightclub, with fashion enthusiasts pitching in via ticket sales and silent auction to raise funds for Community Helping Schools.

The masquerade ball-themed event featured an encore fashion show by newly graduated designer Asia Joan Mateo, along with about 40 upcycled prom dresses, thanks to an anonynous benefactor who donated them to Valerie Joseph boutique owner and FRESH founder Valerie Ragaza-Miao, in hope that they would be used in one of her fashion shows.

The donated prom dresses, remade with the help of stylist Rebecca Janette, were numbered and auctioned off after the show to help provide classroom supplies to cash-strapped public schools.

Guests were invited to pose for giant "Instagram" shots at the masquerade event.

Mark Ramelb courtesy photos
For the show, Valerie changed into a dress by local designer Asia Joan Mateo, worn over a tutu by Rebecca Janette, who styled the show.

Boys aren't the only ones who can wear pants to the prom.

Keeping shoulders covered will make parents and chaperones happy.

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage is in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.