Category: couture

September 2, 2024

Couture Fashion Week New York Marks Forty Seasons of Innovative Initiatives

A unique juxtaposition of fashion and entertainment during New York Fashion Week

International fashion designers view New York as a premier platform to showcase their collections, due to its status as a global fashion capital with a vibrant cultural scene, and diverse audiences. On September 14, 2024 Couture Fashion Week New York celebrates its 40th season, providing designers with essential visibility and the opportunity to connect with influential buyers, media, and fashion enthusiasts. The city is an ideal location for designers to launch their work and gain recognition on an international scale.

Couture Fashion Week New York, founded by Andres Aquino, stands out as the city’s longest-running fashion week event under a single brand, renowned for its pioneering focus on couture fashion as well as inclusivity and diversity before such concepts gained widespread recognition. Since its inception, the event has embraced an international ethos, showcasing a diverse array of designers, models and performers, and is now widely recognized as a vibrant and organic celebration of fashion and cultural representation. Mr. Aquino, a seasoned couture fashion designer, leverages his insights into both the creative and business perspectives to foster collaboration and showcase artistry from around the globe.

Designers…

Exceptional fashion designers from dozens of countries have shown at Couture Fashion Week over its 20-year history. Ranging from seasoned fashion icons like Ezra Santos, Walid Atallah, Catalin Botezatu, Tuyet Le, Marisol Henriquez and Dany Atrache to emerging talents like Malika Rajani, Majid Desire and David Demovic, Couture Fashion Week is a unique and innovative fashion showcase.

Award-winning Dubai-based couture designer Ezra Santos has shown his creations at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Models…

Couture Fashion Week New York has established itself as a premier launching pad for talented international models and beauty queens from diverse backgrounds, including those from smaller countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. By participating, models gain experience and exposure and connect with industry professionals and the media, highlighting the global nature of fashion and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. Many top models began their careers in the Couture Fashion Week shows, including Nea McLin, Angelina Shipilina, Lilly Ulrich and Daiana Canalas.

Stylists…

Top industry leaders in the fashion and beauty sphere have been an important part of the Couture Fashion Week productions, including Voodoo Makeup and its founder Aimee Carr, Elie Esper, Federico Calce, Mahealani Diego and Marcello Costa. The multicultural and multilingual teams of hair and makeup artists showcase their talents and grow their professional connections on a global platform.

Performers…

The event’s unique blend of fashion, music, and performance art, seamlessly integrates fashion show, concert, and cabaret elements. From opera to Broadway, from pop to jazz, the musical performers include veteran recording artists, winners of TV vocal competitions, rising musical stars and highly accomplished concert artists, such as Yoann Freejay, Bing, Yola Nash, N’Kenge, Olga Alex, Nini Shermadini and Alexandra Hrabova, and many more.

Press…

Couture Fashion Week New York has been covered by media worldwide including Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Book Moda, Collezioni Haute Couture, FOX Business, and many more prestigious outlets. It is also a favorite of many top fashion and style social media influencers, who appreciate the event’s red-carpet style and creativity. Top diplomats and celebrities often can be seen enjoying the shows.

Renowned couture designer Walid Atallah has presented multiple collections at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Economic Impact…

A significant contributor to the local economy for two decades, Couture Fashion Week New York helps generate substantial revenue for New York City’s hotels, transportation services, restaurants, and shopping venues. Local businesses are often involved and benefit from event sponsorship, including in the real estate, beauty, fashion retail, art, food and beverage sectors.

Venues…

From its premier event in a chic studio space on New York’s West Side, Couture Fashion Week has been held at some of the city’s best venues including the Waldorf-Astoria, the St. Regis, the New Yorker and the Crowne Plaza Times Square. This season’s venue is the iconic Angel Orensanz Arts Foundation, an architectural gem and designated historic city landmark.

Fashion shows by designer Andres Aquino treat audiences to a magical juxtaposition of musical performances and stunning couture creations.

Audience…

A trailblazer in the fashion show arena, Couture Fashion Week was an early proponent of enabling consumer access to shows traditionally reserved for trade professionals and media. By offering various ticket categories, from standing and general seating to premium Platinum VIP, it not only expanded the audience, but also set a precedent that many other producers have since emulated, further transforming the fashion landscape.

July 24, 2024

Sustainable Fashion: “Your Are IQ” Hits the New York Runway

Designer David Demovic and Monika Lacekova, Atelier71 Founding Designer and +421 Foundation Fashion Director.

Rising design star David Demovic has partnered with fashion powerhouse Monika Lacekova to create the You are IQ sustainable waste-to-fashion collection under the Atelier 71 brand. The innovative designs will be presented on the runway during Couture Fashion Week New York’s 40th season. The highly-anticipated fashion show will be held at 6 pm on Saturday September 14, 2024 at the iconic Angel Orensanz Foundation, a New York City Historic Landmark.

Designer David Demovic working on the “You are IQ” sustainable collection.

Monika Lacekova is the founder of Atelier 71, a fashion designer, visual artist, and educator. David Demovic is a laureate of the Glass Button Awards Slovakia as the “New Designer of the Year” sponsored by the +421 Foundation New York and Atelier 71. The Glass Button Awards (GBA) granted David an artistic residency at Atelier 71 and a presentation of his work at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Mr. Demovic’s debut collection highlights the trend that prevails in our consumer society: buying cheaply and excessively. Under the leadership of Monika Lacekova at Atelier 71, he was inspired to transform used clothes into new looks, working with the original garment, and altering the fabric within, in an upcycling process. Together they introduced an original innovation entitled You are IQ. It is based on the sustainable waste-to-fashion principle, turning fashion waste into fabulous new fabrics and garments.

Atelier 71

Atelier 71 is a craft house, focusing on fashion design, where creativity reigns. It is a place to learn, create and connect. It was established by the Mola Couture designer Monika Lacekova, the true artist and educator, who has been working in the field of textile design for 30 years. Atelier 71 puts an emphasis on hand-made design and is involved in numerous projects to restore and preserve true craftsmanship. The team’s focus includes artistic embroidery, making of hats and accessories and textile recycling – just to name a few – supporting the new generation of artists and fashion designers, like David Demovic.

Upcycled denim haute couture design by David Demovic for Atelier 71.

Plus421 Foundation New York

The +421 Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2006 with offices in New York, the United States and Bratislava, Slovakia. It pursues a mission of enhancing mutual understanding; relations between the American and Slovak people by showcasing the cultural richness of Slovakia to diverse audiences, and by creating opportunities for mutually beneficial interaction in the cultural sphere and beyond. The name of the organization derives from the international telephone calling code for Slovakia, which is +421. The organization works to generate visibility for Slovak arts, culture, and various charitable causes through art exhibitions, performances, educational workshops, and cultural events around the world.

Couture Fashion Week New York

Now entering its 40th consecutive season, Couture Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious fashion events in New York. Hundreds of exceptional designers from around the globe have shown their designs on the CFW runways to consistently enthusiastic receptions from audiences of fashion-loving consumers, international press, VIPs and members of the trade. Founded by designer and producer Andres Aquino, the event is known for presenting great fashion designers along with world-class performers.

Click for tickets and more information.

July 17, 2024

Beyond the Big Day: Creative Uses for Your Wedding Dress

You’ve spent months searching for the perfect gown, pouring over lace details and envisioning how it will make you feel on your wedding day. Now, as you stand in front of the mirror, your heart skips a beat as you realize this dress is more than just fabric and stitches—it’s a symbol of love and anticipation. But beyond the wedding day itself, a question lingers: what happens to this cherished gown once the celebrations are over?

Many brides are now looking at their wedding dresses as something more than just attire for a single day. They see them as sources of lasting memories, decor, accessories, and even jewelry. If you’re interested in ways to make the most of your gown beyond the ceremony, we’ve put together ten creative ideas for you.

1. Preserve the Memories with a Wedding Dress Preservation Kit

One of the most popular and practical options for post-wedding dress care is preservation. A wedding dress preservation kit allows you to protect your gown from yellowing, stains, and fabric deterioration over time. These kits typically include cleaning and packaging materials designed to maintain your dress’s pristine condition. Restoration wedding dress is an ideal choice if you plan to store your gown as a keepsake or pass it down to future generations.

When choosing a wedding dress preservation kit, it’s essential to opt for a trusted provider, ensuring professional care and quality results.

2. Create Cherished Keepsakes

Your wedding dress holds sentimental value beyond its one-time wear. Transforming parts of your gown into keepsakes allows you to preserve its memory in everyday life. Consider these creative ideas:

Throw Pillows: Use fabric from your dress to create elegant throw pillows for your home. Every time you see them, they’ll remind you of your special day.
Handkerchiefs: Fashion delicate handkerchiefs from lace or satin sections of your gown. These can be cherished gifts for loved ones or future family members.
Framed Fabric Pieces: Frame a piece of your gown’s fabric as a beautiful wall art piece. It’s a subtle yet meaningful way to display a part of your wedding attire.

3. Pass on the Joy: Donate Your Dress

For brides who want to spread joy beyond their own wedding, donating your dress to charity can make a significant impact. Many organizations accept wedding dress donations to provide attire for brides who may not have the means to purchase their dream gown. Research local charities or national organizations that specialize in redistributing wedding attire, ensuring your dress finds a new purpose in making another bride’s day just as magical.

4. Fashion Forward: Repurpose Your Dress

If you’re intrigued by the idea of transforming your wedding dress into something new, consider these stylish options:

Cocktail or Evening Gown: Work with a skilled tailor to alter your dress into a glamorous cocktail or evening gown. Shortening the hemline, adding embellishments, or changing the neckline can give your gown a new lease on life for future formal events.
Fashionable Accessories: Use lace or beaded elements from your dress to create unique accessories like hairpieces, belts, or even a clutch purse. These accessories can add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe and serve as constant reminders of your wedding day.

5. Embrace Artistic Endeavors

For the creatively inclined, consider using parts of your dress in artistic projects:

Artwork: Incorporate fabric from your gown into a custom piece of artwork or sculpture. This artistic expression can capture the essence of your wedding day in a visually stunning way.
Quilting or Patchwork: Create a quilt or patchwork blanket using sections of your gown’s fabric. It’s a cozy and sentimental way to repurpose your dress into something that can be used and cherished daily.

6. Preservation Tips and Considerations

When opting for wedding dress preservation, follow these tips to ensure the longevity of your gown:

Professional Cleaning: Before preservation, ensure your gown is professionally cleaned to remove any stains or dirt that could cause discoloration over time.
Storage Conditions: Store your preserved gown in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Acid-free tissue paper or packaging materials help maintain fabric integrity.

Conclusion

Your wedding dress is more than just clothing; it’s a symbol of love, joy, and cherished memories. By exploring these creative uses and preservation options, you can continue to celebrate your wedding day long after the last dance. Whether you choose to preserve it for sentimental reasons or repurpose it into new treasures, your gown’s journey doesn’t have to end at the altar. Embrace these ideas to ensure your wedding dress remains a beloved part of your life’s story, continuing to inspire and delight for years to come.

June 29, 2024

Unveiling the Magic: A Bride’s Guide to Wedding Dress Fashion Shows

Photo: Pexels.com

With so many different bridal gown styles to choose from, finding the ideal wedding dress for your big day can be challenging. A great way to find your perfect bridal gown is by watching or reading about the latest wedding dress fashion shows.

These fashion shows are specifically created to provide brides with a sneak peek into the latest trends and designs. They showcase a variety of styles, from timeless classics to modern, avant-garde creations.

Additionally, you’ll get to see how different silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments come to life on the runway. Attending or watching a wedding dress fashion show can help you narrow down your preferences and discover which styles make you feel most beautiful and confident.

Here are some bridal dress fashion shows that you can attend whether you’re in your PJs or in a coffee shop:

New York Bridal Fashion Week

This is probably one of the biggest and most popular bridal fashion events, attracting designers, buyers, and brides from all over the world. Some prominent designers featured in New York Bridal Fashion Week are Vera Wang, Marchesa, and Monique L’huillier.

If you prefer modern minimalist styles, romantic lace, or bold gowns, then you’ll find plenty of inspiration from the New York Bridal Fashion Week collections.

Milan Bridal Week

The Milan Bridal Week is known for celebrating the rich heritage of Italian design. It emphasizes the exquisite detail and superior quality that Italian designers are renowned for. Brides attending this event will be treated to a stunning array of gowns that highlight intricate lacework, luxurious silks, and impeccable cuts, reflecting the best of Italian bridal couture.

Alberta Ferretti, Atelier Eme, and Peter Langner are famous designers who usually participate in Milan Bridal Week. If you’re a fan of Italian glamor and timeless silhouettes, then watching Milan Bridal Week is a must.

London Bridal Fashion Week

London Bridal Fashion Week features regal designs that are fit for a queen. The collections often showcase luxurious fabrics, intricate lace, and elegant silhouettes, making every bride feel like royalty on her special day.

Designers such as Jenny Packham, Temperley London, and Sassi Holford are usually part of the London Bridal Fashion Week. In addition to timeless, elegant silhouettes, the London Bridal Fashion Week also has an array of eclectic styles that reflect the diverse tastes of modern brides, from bohemian chic to glamorous embellishments.

Bridal Fashion Week Los Angeles

Bridal gown collections from the Bridal Fashion Week Los Angeles usually contain a combination of Hollywood glamor and bold, figure-hugging silhouettes. These gowns are perfect for brides who want to embrace a luxurious and dramatic look, featuring sleek lines, glamorous accents, and a touch of sparkle.

Some popular designers who are part of Bridal Fashion Week Los Angeles are Claire Pettibone, Galia Lahav, and Lazaro. If you like Hollywood-inspired bridal gowns, then you’ll find plenty of inspiration at Bridal Fashion Week Los Angeles.

How to Watch These Shows Online

With a phone and wifi, watching bridal fashion shows has become incredibly convenient. There are several popular wedding dress fashion shows that can be viewed online, allowing brides all over the world to get a glimpse of the latest trends and find inspiration for their dream dress.

You can start by checking out the official Fashion Week websites, which typically offer live streaming and on-demand replays. For a broader scope, Fashion Week Online is an excellent resource, providing live streams and replays of shows from New York, London, Milan, and Los Angeles.

For New York Bridal Fashion Week, you can visit The Bridal Council’s website, which offers exclusive content and detailed coverage of the event.

Bridal Gown Style Highlights from the Latest Fashion Shows

Before pinning on a specific bridal gown style and choosing your wedding accessories, it’s important to consider your personal style and the overall theme and venue of your wedding.

Marchesa’s latest collection from the New York Bridal Fashion Week is ideal for brides seeking an ethereal look. The collection showcases breathtaking gowns with romantic details such as cascading ruffles, delicate beading, and floral lace motifs.

For the classic bride, Sassi Holford’s latest collection from the same event might be a perfect fit. Their collection features timeless silhouettes paired with contemporary elements like illusion lace and sleek crepe fabrics.

From Runway to Reality: Post-Wedding Gown Care

After you’ve found the perfect dress, you’ll want to ensure it stays looking flawless for years to come. Here’s why professional wedding dress cleaning is crucial:

Expert Stain Removal

Wedding festivities can lead to unexpected spills or makeup stains. Professional cleaners have the expertise and gentle methods to remove these blemishes safely, preventing permanent damage.

Delicate Fabric Care

Wedding dresses are often made from delicate materials like silk or lace. Professional cleaners understand how to care for these fabrics, ensuring your gown retains its shape and structure.

Long-Term Preservation

Proper cleaning removes dirt, sweat, and oils that can deteriorate the fabric over time. This extends the lifespan of your dress, allowing you to pass it down as a heirloom or simply enjoy it as a cherished memento.

Here’s how to find a reputable wedding dress cleaning service:

Read online reviews and recommendations.
Look for a service that specializes in wedding gown cleaning.
Ask about their cleaning methods and experience.
Get a written estimate before the cleaning process begins.

By prioritizing professional cleaning, you can ensure your wedding dress remains a beautiful reminder of your special day for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Finding your ideal wedding dress should not be a stressful experience. Remember to focus on what makes you feel beautiful and confident. Take your time exploring different styles and designers, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

About the Author

Tony Kantzavelos is the CEO of Love Your Dress, a premier dress-cleaning company in Ontario with over three decades of experience in dress cleaning and alteration. It operates in an impressive 10,000-square-foot facility in West Toronto.

June 24, 2024

Streetwear Styles Meet Haute Couture: Crossover Trend Embraced by Celebrities

In recent years, the fashion world has witnessed an exciting change. There has emerged an unprecedented fusion between streetwear styles and haute couture.

This hybrid trend, initially seen on city streets, has now made its way into the wardrobes of A-list celebrities. So, it has a buzz across the fashion industry.

The crossover has offered endless inspiration and a unique blend of comfort, style, and luxury. So let’s explore some iconic celebrity looks that epitomize this trend. Let’s dive in!

Rihanna’s Bold Urban Fashion Inspirations

Rihanna has long been a trailblazer in the fashion realm. And her ability to blend streetwear with high fashion is nothing short of remarkable. One of her most popular looks features an oversized Vetements hoodie paired with thigh-high Balenciaga boots.

This ensemble perfectly captures the essence of urban fashion inspirations. It combines the casual comfort of streetwear with the luxury and sophistication of haute couture. That’s why she has one of the iconic celebrity looks out there.

Zendaya’s Effortless Elegance

Zendaya is another celebrity who effortlessly fuses streetwear with high fashion. She often mixes oversized t-shirts and hoodies with designer pieces, creating a look that is both comfortable and chic.

One of her most iconic looks features a vintage Dior t-shirt paired with baggy jeans and heeled boots. This combination of casual street style and luxury creates an effortless elegance many strive to emulate.

It’s also something you can try out. Grab your favorite Gallery Dept shirt, or any graphic tee you love, and pair it with a designer piece for an effortlessly cool look.

A$AP Rocky’s Eclectic Style

Rapper A$AP Rocky is known for his eclectic and daring fashion sense. He often mixes streetwear staples, such as oversized hoodies and graphic tees, with designer accessories.

One of his most notable looks features a Gucci scarf worn as a headband paired with a leather jacket and ripped jeans. This combination of streetwear and luxury items showcases A$AP Rocky’s unique approach to style.

Bella Hadid’s Sporty Chic

Supermodel Bella Hadid is the definition of the sporty celebrity street style. She has also embraced the streetwear and haute couture hybrid trend. She often combines sporty pieces with high-end designer items, creating a look that is both practical and stylish.

One of her go-to looks features an oversized puffer jacket paired with biker shorts and chunky sneakers. This fusion of athletic wear with luxury fashion perfectly captures the essence of this trend.

Billie Eilish’s Signature Oversized Look

Singer Billie Eilish has become synonymous with her signature oversized style. She often wears baggy t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts combined with chunky sneakers and designer accessories. With her influence, it has become one of the most popular streetwear outfits today.

This unique blend of streetwear comfort and high-end luxury has made her a fashion icon for the younger generation. And it showcases how this trend can be embraced by anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Streetwear Styles Are in Vogue

From the streets to the red carpet, the fusion of streetwear styles and haute couture has taken over the fashion world. And with celebrities like Rihanna, Zendaya, A$AP Rocky, Bella Hadid, and Billie Eilish leading the way, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay.

So, why not take inspiration from these iconic celebrity looks and start incorporating some streetwear into your wardrobe? After all, fashion is all about self-expression and having fun with your style.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out the rest of our site for more.

April 19, 2024

Blending Comfort with Couture: The Rise of Luxury Hoodies

Source: Unsplash

If you deeply care about style but are often forced to choose between looking stylish and feeling comfortable, we have some great news for you: haute-comfort is on the rise. Luxury hoodies, in particular, seem to be one of the hottest trends in 2024, and we, for one, couldn’t be happier.

This year’s fashion trends are less about “dressing to impress” and more about comfort and individuality. And we think we know why that is – today’s consumer is a confident one, demanding not just fashion that looks good on them but fashion that also feels good to them.

The Evolution of Fashion

Fashion trends come and go, this has always been so. Forgive the rhyme, but it’s true – while some styles could be called evergreen (e.g. a classic trench coat and a nice pair of sunglasses will always be in vogue), fashion, in general, tends to change often as it’s influenced by societal shifts and changing lifestyles.

Case in point: as remote work becomes more prevalent, ‘office’ wear changes. A couple of decades ago, one was expected to look prim and proper at work, but today, when anywhere between 27% to 50% of the U.S. workforce works remotely? There are no hard rules about office wear; you could literally wear whatever you wanted (even nothing at all), and it’s likely no one would care, as long as your camera is off.

Still, the vast majority of people, we’d wager, don’t want to look like slobs, regardless of where they work. Sure, dress codes are more flexible today, but if you want to look like a functioning member of society, it is expected that you put some effort into your appearance.

The Rise of Luxury Comfort

The reorientation of cozy apparel into the everyday wardrobe is a simple consequence of the more relaxed lifestyle we all seem to want or already lead nowadays. Most people want clothing that can seamlessly transition from a virtual meeting to a casual brunch – without sacrificing style.

This shift towards comfort hasn’t escaped the all-seeing eye of luxury fashion; on the contrary. Traditionally associated with high-end formal wear and glamorous evening attire, luxury brands are now embracing the demand for everyday elegance. Hence the luxury hoodies everyone seems to be obsessed with at the moment.

We say “at the moment,” but judging by our lifestyles, which are all about comfort and practicality thanks to the rise of remote work, this trend is here to stay. And fashion houses and other online retailers are taking notice. From hand-stitched embroidery to custom hardware, modern hoodies are designed to look interesting and add some individuality to the wearer without sacrificing comfort.

In addition to luxury brands (take a peep at Balmain or Alexander McQueen’s latest hoodies), various online platforms now sell pieces with super-unique designs that add character to the garment.

Heck, many allow you to create a custom hoodie design of your choice for ultimate personalization. You can literally customize anything from fabric to color to motifs to prints. You can even put your own initials on the hoodie if you want to!

Elevating the Everyday Wear

When all is said and done, some of you might be wondering what even is the appeal of luxury hoodies, sweatpants, and workout clothes? Coco Chanel said it best: “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” In other words, to be truly stylish, one has to feel comfortable in the clothes they wear, and really, what is more comfy than a nice, oversized hoodie with meticulous stitching or a long knitted dress that doesn’t restrict but compliments one’s body?

True, this trend might not be for everyone. But for a generation that values authenticity and comfort as much as they do style? It’s a trend that’s here to stay.

December 28, 2022

Red Carpet Fashion Designer Supports Equal Rights for Children

Designer Andres Aquino is pleased to announce his collaboration with Equal Rights for Children (ERC) in the upcoming fashion show presenting his latest collection entitled “New York Fashion Symphony”. Part of Couture Fashion Week New York’s 37^th season, the show will be held at 8 pm on Saturday February 4, 2023 at the historic Prince George Ballroom, in the city’s Flatiron District. The festive show will include musical performers, the expected participation of models Bea Alonzo and Silmara Ribeiro, Daiana Canalas and Leyla Murugova, among others, as well as the support of a growing list of sponsors.

Andres Aquino is the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week New York. A fixture of the New York fashion scene, he is an accomplished designer himself, and has shown his designs at important fashion events worldwide including in Dubai, Nepal, India, Romania, Paris, the Dominican Republic and multiple cities in the USA. He is also the founder of the Global Short Film Awards, with an annual black-tie awards gala held in Cannes, France held to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival.

Equal Rights for Children is an active partner for the 17 sustainable goals under the United Nations on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), with a special focus on mothers and children born out of wedlock and both of their legal rights. The non-profit organization’s main goal is that no child is discriminated against no matter when, where, or how they were born. ERC was founded by Amadea Angela Aquino (no relation), and its Board of Directors includes boxing legend, humanitarian and former Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao, and H.E. Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan. The organization’s supporters include UNIK Advertising, Nicole Miller, the Foreign Press Association, as well as the Philippine Mission to the United Nations which is also a partner in promoting children’s rights and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Couture Fashion Week (CFW) is one of New York Fashion Week’s most prestigious events. It showcases the work of exceptional designers from around the globe. It is an important platform for fashion industry professionals, celebrities, and media attention, and has a reputation for presenting the latest trends and styles in the world of couture fashion along with delightful musical performers, makeup and hair styling by top industry professionals, red carpet, and after parties.

The upcoming show is a unique opportunity to raise funds and awareness for ERC’s work and mission. The collaboration of CFW and ERC highlights the importance and value of working together to make a difference in the world.

Click for tickets and more information.

Please inquire for sponsor opportunities and include your name and website/social media: [email protected]

December 8, 2022

Geraldina’s Couture Makes Highly-Anticipated Debut at Couture Fashion Week NY

Designer Geraldina Shabani will present her latest collection for her signature Geraldina’s Couture label during the 37^th season of Couture Fashion Week New York. The highly-anticipated fashion show will be held at 6 pm on Saturday February 4, 2023 at the historic Prince George Ballroom in New York City.

A native of Albania, now based in the New York area, Geraldina Shabani began designing and sewing her own designs at the age of 10, and has never looked back. For economic reasons, she eventually moved to Greece, where she took a series of jobs and was able to bring her son to join her after a few years. Soon after, she established a network of clients and supporters who recognized her exceptional skills, and helped her launch a startup business specializing in tailoring and alterations. Her endeavors led to work on furniture and décor for hotels and villas, eventually supervising uniforms for 750 employees in a large hotel.

After emigrating to the United States, and with her young son serving as her translator, Geraldina landed a plum job with renowned fashion designer Peggy Jennings at the iconic Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. As she continued to improve her English skills, Geraldina garnered a number of private clients and offers from top fashion brands looking for skilled seamstresses and designers. She went on to work for Christian Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi and Prada. In 2015 Geraldina realized a lifelong dream and opened her own couture atelier in Hartsdale, New York, outside of New York City, and quickly became known for her impeccable quality and exquisite workmanship. When the Covid pandemic hit, Geraldina found herself making face masks, and was recognized in the effort by the media and even City Hall. This attention had all of Westchester County lining up at her door to buy masks, and she also donated many masks to local health care workers. At this point, Geraldina needed a larger space, so she moved to her current location in Scarsdale, New York.

As Geraldina’s Couture gears up for its first major fashion show in New York, the designer reflects on how she is determined to bounce back from the pandemic challenges, keep and grow her valued clientele and workers, and bring her brand to the next level. Geraldina’s Couture has launched a GoFundMe campaign for the show, and invites her current and new fans and supporters to donate.

“Raising this money for my fashion show in February will be my way of thanking everyone who helped me get to this point,” says Geraldina. “All of the love that was given to me and my son did not go to waste. I am now working to pay fashion show fees along with my workers, staff, models, fabric and materials, transportation and more. Every bit helps.” She adds: “All the designs we will be showcasing are handmade by myself and my team. I want to inspire other women — and especially mothers that survived or are trying to survive — that there is love and hope, and it’s never too late to go after your dreams.”

Click for tickets and more information.