The Women of Our World festival takes place this weekend with two days of workshops, speakers, entertainment, fashion shows and seminars.

The multicultural event is aimed at empowering women to make time to take care of themselves, while finding their place in the world. Several workshops center on such personal issues as beauty and fitness, as well as career-oriented concerns such as ways to increase marketable skills and start a business.

Stephanie Matsumoto of 3Piece Productions will present “;All About Brazil,”; a carnival-inspired show of swimwear and streetwear by Brazilian-born designer Chris Barreto, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Later in the day, 2Couture designers Takeo and Eric Eugene Kamakahia'ai Chandler will present a show with a global perspective, encompassing designs inspired by China, Japan, Hawaii and France, including jewelry created by Jane Metcalf.

Matsumoto will also present a “;Dress for a Better You”; workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. tomorrow. She said it's natural to lose sight of dressing well now, given pressing economic issues, but that it may be more important than ever, especially for those who have lost jobs.

“;I don't think people realize how clothes are a reflection of how they see themselves. They may not know that what they're wearing may be telling others 'I'm tired,' or 'I don't care.' “;

She points out that dressing well need not be expensive, and will share tips, particularly for students making transitions to college or into the work force.

“;It's more important than ever for our kids to look like they're ready to participate the global economy,”; she said. “;If you can develop a sense of style so that you're not worried about how you look, it frees you to do what you need to be doing.”;