Award-Winning Violinist Tengku Ryo to Perform at Couture Fashion Week

Award-winning violinist and composer Tengku Ryo will perform at the upcoming 22nd season of Couture Fashion Week New York. The performance will be part of a showcase of top Indonesian fashion designers at 4:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, at the “Crossroads of the World.”

A rising music star in Indonesia, Ryo’s sound and compositions are unique and engaging, and live performances astound audiences with his speed and agility on the instrument. He has showcased ethnic music through the violin at prestigious international events throughout Asia and beyond. In addition to winning awards for his violin playing, Ryo has won 11 awards for guitar playing, and he is also a master of the flute and harmonica. He released his first album, Kecik, in 2007. The album is a distinctive blend of classical Malay music on violin and was a resounding success. His hit single, Journey to the Deli, was featured in the popular music album compilation, Indonesian Beauty, produced by MS Productions of Indonesia with Viky Sianipar. In 2011 Ryo released the album Spirit, which included a track featuring Canadian singer Janelle Thomas. With Spirit, Ryo pushes beyond the boundaries of his traditional and ethnic realm into contemporary world music. He is a keen student of multiple genres including Bluegrass, Ragtime, Blues, Cajun, and Celtic/Irish music, as well as Indian Gypsy, Mediterranean and Avant Garde music. Ryo’s inspirations include Nicollo Paganini, Stephane Grapelli, Roby Lakatos, Pablo de Sarasate, Ravi Shankar, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Tan Sri P Ramli, Said Effendi and AR Rahman. He has performed with such luminaries as Siti Nurhaliza, Amy Search, Fariz RM, and Lewis Pragasam.

Ryo is passionately dedicated to helping the homeless in Indonesia, and to date has mentored over 80 street musicians, ages 10 to 25, in Jakarta and Medan. Ryo’s recent projects include composing movie soundtracks with Alenia Pictures and directing several documentary films. His documentary directorial debut won second place for Best Documentary at the Denpasar International Movie Festival.

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August 1, 2015

Shafira Couture Set to Show at Couture Fashion Week New York

Iconic Indonesian fashion label Shafira Couture will present its latest collection during the upcoming Couture Fashion Week New York. Marking the brand’s premier showing at the prestigious New York Fashion Week event, now entering its 22nd season, the runway show will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015 in the Broadway Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, in the heart of the Big Apple.

Shafira Couture was founded almost 25 years ago by designer Feny Mustafa, who remains the creative force behind the label. Her vision has been to elevate Indonesian heritage into a vibrant and dynamic brand focused primarily on Muslim fashions including casual, semi-formal and formal wear for men and women, as well as unique accessories with the concept of a “total look” for their clients. The brand has become known for its exclusive high-end products and first-rate customer service sold through its 22 modern showrooms in 15 major cities throughout Indonesia, as well as through its online store. Along with Shafira CEO Deny Setiawan, Ms. Mustafa is now looking to expand the brand internationally with the theme “Beyond Borders.”

Shafira Couture has participated in numerous prestigious fashion events including Indonesia Fashion Week and Jakarta Fashion Week, and has been featured in many prominent publications.

With an eye towards giving back to the community, a portion of the company’s profits created and continue to operate the philanthropic Shafira Foundation which manages numerous programs including social and health services, scholarships, a foster sister initiative and more.

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July 23, 2015

Diana Couture Brings Mythically-Inspired Collection to Couture Fashion Week

Acclaimed Indonesian designer Diana Putri will present her latest collection for her Diana Couture label at Couture Fashion Week in New York City. Marking the designer’s first appearance at the prestigious event, the highly anticipated runway show will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday September 11, 2015 in the Broadway Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan.

Established from Diana Putri’s passion for fashion, Diana Couture was launched 7 years ago and has grown to be one of the most successful couture brands in Surabaya, Indonesia. The company’s clients include A-list Indonesian, Chinese and Korean socialites and celebrities.

Ms. Putri’s artistry is focused on the custom bespoke side of couture, catering to the exacting demands of her clients. She is known for her distinctive use of both elegant and daring concepts balanced in couture designs. Diana Putri herself is an A-list designer in Surabaya, Indonesia, and she is now looking to expand to a more global market. Her upcoming show in New York is a special opportunity to bring her designs to new audiences with the support of Hasanah Card BNI Syariah.

Diana Couture’s latest collection is entitled “Garuda”, inspired by the Garuda bird, symbol of the official philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state. The mythical creature, possessing exceptional agility and force, reflects the fierce nature of this collection; designs for a strong woman. However, the Garuda bird’s fierce attribute is balanced with its famous majestic and elegant copper-toned feathers. In this collection, Diana Couture strives to convey the versatile majesty of the Garuda bird through various techniques including the use of brocades, embroidery, and the innovative use of laser cuts. The goal is to balance a chic yet fierce collection inspired by the Garuda bird in a modern implementation. Through this collection, Diana Couture wishes to spread its wings, like a Garuda bird, and reach out to a more international audience.

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#cfwnyc #newyorkfashionweek #couturefashionweek #dianaputri

July 13, 2015

Soprano Kaja Pecnik to Perform at 22nd Season of Couture Fashion Week NY

In her first appearance at Couture Fashion Week New York, London-based singer Kaja Pecnik will perform at 8:00 pm on Friday September 11 and 8:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015. Part of the 22nd festive season of the prestigious event, the fashion shows and performances will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, in the heart New York City.

A native of Slovenia, Kaja Pecnik is a soprano and actress whose performances are described as powerfully emotive and a definite stand-out. Her voice is truly inspiring, with a tenderness that touches the soul. Although her heart lies in opera and musical theatre, she successfully writes and performs her own pop and folk songs . Kaja is not just a singer, she is a performer who takes her audience on a journey with every note she sings. Kaja graduated from Cygnet Theatre, UK and has worked with major opera singers in her native country, including Rajko Koritnik and Amanda Stojovic. In 2014 her first solo concert, In Love With Love, premiered in Exeter, UK and Ljubljana, Slovenia to rave reviews. An extremely versatile artist, Kaja’s acting repertoire covers such plays as Playhouse Creatures (Mrs. Betterton), Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Nine (1), The Last Nickel (Jamie) and, most recently, Triumph of Love, where she played the leading role of Phosion. She has been praised by critics as an actress with “a witty charisma quickly winning the audience over and as she charms and improvises her way through the play, she is unquestionably the one who steals the show.” (Lucy Corley). Kaja has also appeared in short movies and music videos. Among a number of projects currently underway is her upcoming starring role with major acting industry names in The Composer, a feature film produced by talented Hollywood composer William Camilleri (Braveheart, Silence of the Lambs, etc.).
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#kajapecnik #couturefashionweek #newyorkfashionweek #cfwnyc

July 10, 2015

Singer Stella Matteoni Returns to Couture Fashion Week New York

In addition to the fabulous fashion shows and parties, Couture Fashion Week NY has become well-known for its regular presentation of talented world-class performers. In her second appearance at Couture Fashion Week New York, rising singing star Stella Matteoni will perform at 6:00 pm on Friday September 11 and at 8:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015.

Stella Matteoni is a singer, songwriter and musician born in the South of France. She has been going to recording studios and backstage at concerts in France her whole life. Her father, Guy Matteoni, is a legendary writer-arranger whose career goes back to the 1970s. Stella has opened for such renowned performers as Umberto Tozzi and Dave, who asked Stella to perform five songs in support of his Olympia concerts in 2014. Also in 2014, Stella was named one of five winners of the international “Be a Rockstar” contest by Black XS Paco Rabanne. She has recorded two songs mixed by Darrell Thorp (Radiohead, Beck, Outkast…) at the legendary ICP Studio in Brussels. Her early 2015 performances at Couture Fashion Week received an enthusiastic reception from the delighted audiences.

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#cfwnyc #stellamatteoni #couturefashionweek #newyorkfashionweek

July 3, 2015

Designer Lainy Gold Returns to Couture Fashion Week with Tribal Earth Collection

In her second appearance at Couture Fashion Week New York, designer Lainy Gold will show her latest collection at 8:00 pm on Sunday September 13, 2015. Part of the 22nd season of the prestigious event, the fashion show will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, in the heart of New York City.

Lainy Gold’s new collection is entitled “Tribal Earth”, filled with reflections of nature and celebrating the body. Included are swimwear designs, coverup dresses as well as some menswear. Notable features are Aztec prints along with denims and natural fabrics like cottons and linens. The presentation of the collection will include hand made jewelry also created by Lainy Gold, as well as distinctive headdresses, celebrating the designer’s vision of nature in its rawest, truest form.

“My inspiration for this collection came from a piece of music I stumbled upon that had tribal drum beats throughout,” says Ms. Gold. “This will be a show filled with my vision that came from this music.. It’s strong, powerful, sensual and emotional.”

A native of Canada with a French mother and British father, Lainy Gold started designing at a young age, and went on to be a model for 15 years, surrounded by designers, immersed in the fashion world of showrooms, fittings and photo shoots. She presented her inaugural collection at Atlantic City Fashion Week, and has experience designing menswear, swimwear, children’s fashions, bridal designs, accessories and headpieces, as well as competitive dance outfits, along with her distinctive womenswear designs.

In addition to being a talented fashion designer, Lainy Gold is also an accomplished photographer and actress. Her photographic work has appeared in numerous print magazines and calendars. As an actress, she has appeared in such TV shows as Law and Order, Gossip Girl and Blue Bloods and films including New Year’s Eve, Mr. Poppers Penguin, Two Weeks Notice and Jersey Girl. Her latest role is in Road Rage – A Bleak Comedy, a film directed by Brad Mays, to be released in 2015.

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#couturefashionweek #cfwnyc #newyorkfashionweek #lawandorder #gossipgirl #bluebloods

July 2, 2015

Rising Design Star Paola Gamero to Show at Couture Fashion Week

Rising Peruvian design star Paola Gamero will present her latest collection at Couture Fashion Week New York during the upcoming 22nd season of the prestigious event. The fashion show will be held at 8:00 pm on Friday September 11, 2015 in the Broadway Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, at the Crossroads of the World.

Paola Gamero’s designs are very feminine and romantic designs with a focus on detailing. The handmade embroidery, jewels, laces and silks featured in her creations are inspired by her experiences in Europe and are designed to highlight the natural delicacy of women.

Ms. Gamero studied Business Administration at the University of Lima, Peru. Her personal taste for fashion motivated her travel to Milan, where she studied Fashion Design as well as Fashion Image and Fashion Styling and Production at the Marangoni Institute and where she worked as a backstage assistant at Milan Fashion Week S/S 2013. She also earned her certification as a Fashion Events Planner from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

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June 30, 2015

Karla Sax Set to Perform at Upcoming Couture Fashion Week NY

One of the world-class performers scheduled to perform at the 22nd Season of Couture Fashion Week New York is Karla Sax, a dynamic saxophone artist. Playing at top Vancouver and international venues, Karla Sax is one of those rare female saxophone players. She provides the right vibe, be it innovative jazz and contemporary saxophone sounds over electronic house, deep house, top 40, lounge, chill out or world music. Her exquisite sound captures the subtleties of a voice and creates beautiful dulcet tones. Currently, Karla is taking the music world by storm by jazzing up new restaurants, clubs, galas, and events with her sax/trax act, and playing alongside world renowned DJ’s. Karla has performed at Richard Branson’s Kensington Roof Gardens in London (UK), five-star hotels throughout Mallorca (Spain), the Cayman Island Winter Music Festival, Nikki Beach in Cabo San Lucas, as well as at many five star hotels and venues in Vancouver (Canada) such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Robson Square Ice Rink, the Vancouver Convention Center, and Holt Renfrew.

Karla Sax will perform during Couture Fashion Week at 8:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015 and at 6:00 pm on Sunday September 13, 2015. Get your tickets now.

June 17, 2015

Tickets on Sale for CFW’s 22nd Season: September 2015

Tickets for the 22nd season of Couture Fashion Week in New York City are now on sale. September 11-13, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, at the crossroads of the world. Get your tickets and mark your calendar for an unforgettable experience of exquisite fashion shows, trend setting hair and makeup designs, world-class entertainment, parties and more.

Also make your hotel reservations at our special discount to stay at the Crowne Plaza during the event. (Limited availability, special rate expires August 10, 2015).

Recent participating designers above (L-R): Solo Sposa Italia, Dian Pelangi, Luis Machicao, Asri Welas, Andres Aquino, SLO Collection by Sharmooz, Ly Giam Tien (winner Project Runway Vietnam). Click for more photos.

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April 4, 2015

Cannes Red Carpet Fashion: A Feast of Style and Luxury

Couture Fashion Week New York presents “Cannes Red Carpet Fashion”, a special program of fashion shows by exceptional international designers, produced by Andres Aquino on Friday May 22, 2015 at the Cannes Fashion Festival. The venue will be the Salon Croisette at the Hotel Majestic Barriere, across from the world-famous red carpet at the Cannes International Film Festival. Andres Aquino is the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week New York, now entering its 22nd season. #CannesRedCarpetFashion

Designers scheduled to show on May 22 include:FATEMA ISMAEIL (Kuwait). Fatema Ismaeil is one of the Middle East’s most prominent couture designers. She is the founder and driving force behind the Al Malaky Fashion House and has shown her designs at numerous prestigious fashion events throughout the region as well as in Europe. She is especially noted for her exquisite evening and bridal creations, and is a favorite designer of many prominent celebrities, socialites and members of royalty.

NOOR AL-JANDAL (U.A.E.) . According to Noor Al-Jandal, “there is no right or wrong in fashion, just the character you would like to be that day.” Dubai’s luxury and vibrant colors have always inspired Noor Al Jandal’s designs. Her couture line features signature cuts that emphasize a woman’s femininity, opulent fabrics and exquisite embroidery.

HENGKI KAWILARANG (Indonesia). Hengki Kawilarang brings legacy Bumi Ruwa Jurai to Cannes Red Carpet Fashion at the Cannes Fashion Festival. Mr. Kawilarang’s designs have been featured in various fashion and lifestyle magazines such as High End, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Clara and many more. His fashions are worn by celebrities in Indonesia as well as international clients from Asia to the USA.

NARINE TOVMASYAN (Russia). With the theme “Live for Beauty”, Narine Tovmasyan’s creations strive to connect Renaissance styles with the modern age. Her distinctive evening gowns embody the stylish elegance and greatness of spirit of previous eras juxtaposed with the dynamics and rhythm of today. She recently made her USA debut with the showing of her latest stunning collection at Couture Fashion Week New York to enthusiastic reviews.

NORTHEAST INDIA ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS (NIAPA) presents “MOI” (India). With the tag line “Defining yourself”, MOI wants every woman and man to feel comfortable yet empowered with their own unique sense of self. The fashion house deals in designer menswear and womenswear, with its signature formal wear and bridal gown collections. Taking a step towards fashion marketing, MOI makes extensive use of the exquisite local textiles and indigenous silks, particularly those produced by local weavers from the northeastern Indian region, while infusing these into other readymade fabrics. The result is a unique brand with universal appeal.

ANDRES AQUINO (USA). Andres Aquino, a fixture of the New York fashion scene, is an award-winning fashion designer and also the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week New York. He deems fashion to be wearable, stylish and fun. His semi-annual runway fashion shows in New York have become well-known for their mix of charm, fantasy, music and dance, blending Broadway entertainment with delightful luxury fashion and pleasant surprises. He has been featured in numerous top fashion media and publications worldwide including Collezioni, Book Moda, TotalPrestige, ModaStyle International, Fox TV, Fashion TV, Russian TV, Chinese TV, and many more.