Category: Film

Acclaimed Soprano Nicola Said Sings at the Global Short Film Awards Cannes Film Festival 2021

Maltese Soprano Nicola Said recently delivered an electrifying performance at the Global Short Film (GSF) Awards Gala during the prestigious international Cannes Film Festival 2021.  The festive gala event was organized by entrepreneur, producer and fashion designer Andres Aquino and held at the luxurious Villa Forbes (Villa Elegance) in Cannes, France.

Soprano Nicola Said with Producer, Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer Andres Aquino at the Global Short Film Awards in Cannes, France
Soprano Nicola Said with Producer, Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer Andres Aquino.

Nicola performed Je Veux Vivre from the French opera Romeo et Juliette by Charles Gounod and Quando Me’n Vo from Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème.  Both were specifically chosen to accompany the theme of life and love, and beauty and love. Also performing at the event was world-renowned violinist, Edmond Fokker van Crayestein.  Nicola sang in front of a number of distinguished guests from the entertainment world, including Dr. Olympia Gellini, founder and president of the Family Film Awards, The American World Film Awards, Olympia Awards City Of Lights and member of the GSF Awards jury; Karl Bardosh, New York University associate professor, screenwriter, director, producer, pioneer in the field of mobile phone cinema, and member of the GSF Awards jury; and award-winning actor and producer, Vincent De Paul.

Nicola Said and Emmy Award-winning actor Vincent De Paul.Nicola Said and Emmy Award-winning actor Vincent De Paul at the Global Short Film Awards in Cannes, France
Nicola Said and Emmy Award-winning actor Vincent De Paul.Nicola Said and Emmy Award-winning actor Vincent De Paul.

Nicola was first introduced to producer and designer Andres Aquino by award-winning Hollywood composer William Camilleri, and then asked to sing at this prestigious event held to coincide with the iconic Cannes Film Festival. “Nicola, you came, you sang and you conquered Cannes, transporting us to a magical and delightful world where you rule with your powerful voice,” said GSF Awards Founder and Director Andres Aquino, adding  “…I am looking forward to seeing you at our next Couture Fashion Week event in New York.”

Soprano Nicola Said with world-renowned violinist Edmond Fokker van Crayestein at the Global Short Film Awards in Cannes, France
Soprano Nicola Said with world-renowned violinist Edmond Fokker van Crayestein

In a nod to her Maltese heritage, Nicola wore a stunning gown generously sponsored by top Maltese designers Charles & Ron, while her travel was supported by the Malta International Airport. Upon her return from Cannes, Nicola said “taking part was an amazing experience. I met fantastic people in the entertainment industry and have just been invited to sing at Couture Fashion Week New York!”

Nicola is the Malta Airport Foundation Ambassador and a Joseph Calleja BOV Foundation Scholar. She has been supported by the DrakeCalleja Trust, Janatha Stubbs Foundation, and the Ian Tomlin Scholarship. She is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Opera Course, for which she was granted a full scholarship.

Nicola, who is represented by The Music Partnership, has given recitals for HRH The Earl of Wessex at an event presented by the Duke of Edinburgh, at St. James’s Palace and Kensington Palace in the UK. She won Second Prize in the Strauss Competition at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and First Prize and Audience Prize for the Fulham Opera Robert Presley Memorial 2017.

Aside from Malta and the UK, Nicola has performed internationally, including in France, Italy, USA, Cyprus, Germany, China, Poland, Hungary and other countries. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Malta.

Visit Nicola Said on her website, Facebook or Instagram.

Rising Star Sia to Be Featured at the Global Short Film Awards Gala in Cannes

Rising Star Sia to Be Featured at the Global Short Film Awards Gala in CannesSia is a young aspiring dancer, actress and model with a brilliant future ahead of her. Sia will appear in the Global Short Film Awards Gala in Cannes, France on 12 July 2021 as a model for fashion designer Andres Aquino. She will also be seen on the world-famous red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Sia is looking forward to the tremendous opportunity in participating in these exciting events in Cannes.

Currently a high school sophomore in the USA, Sia is the daughter of immigrant parents; her dad is an IT professional and her mom is a photographer and social worker. Sia has a keen interest in fashion, acting and dance, and has participated in various pageants, competitions and acting workshops in both the USA and India. She is currently studying kathak (Indian classical dance), and is fluent in English, Gujrati and Hindi. Sia is vice president of her high school fashion club, and participates in various cultural, academic, social and volunteer services.

Now in its sixth annual season, the Global Short Film Awards was founded by Andres Aquino, who is also the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week.

Click for tickets to the Global Short Film Awards Gala.

Juanita DeSilva Wins People’s Favorite Online Contest

Juanita DeSilva people's Favorite Contest WinnerCouture Fashion Week NY producer Andres Aquino is pleased to announce Juanita DeSilva is the winner of the latest online People’s Favorite Contest. Juanita is a rising star: producer/actress of film, theater and TV, as well as a model, dancer and choreographer. A native of Sri Lanka, now a US citizen, Juanita has an extensive theatrical background and a degree in business, among other achievements, not the least of which is being the proud mom of 3 boys. She has appeared in TV shows such as Ballers, Code Black, Scandal, Criminal Minds and Veep, as well as the films Scorpion Girl: The Awakening, Switched, Wine Tasting, Cyber Café, Annabelle Crane and I Am Sorry. She is currently busy working on film projects.

“Congratulations, Juanita!” says Andres Aquino. “We look forward to seeing you on the cover of Italy-based international publication Deamina Magazine, and in other editorials.” As the overall People’s Favorite Contest winner, chosen by online voters,  Juanita will also receive a special set of beauty products from BWOW Cosmetics from London, and more.

Visit Juanita DeSilva on Facebook.

How to Wear Audrey Hepburn’s Outfits in “Funny Face” Your Way

How to Wear Audrey Hepburn's Outfits in Funny Face Your Way
Image Source: ScrappyGoat.com

Funny Face is an iconic fashion-forward movie that features Fred Astaire as Dick Avery, Kay Thompson as Maggie Prescott, and of course, Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. The film revolves around Jo Stockton and her incredible fashion sense that lands her a lucrative career as a model. The outfits worn by Audrey Hepburn are just as memorable as her performance.

If you want to add a little bit of that Audrey Hepburn flair to your wardrobe in a way that suits your personal style and body type, these ideas are sure to impress you and your friends.

Audrey Hepburn’s Body Type: Boyish, Straight, Short Torso

Men and women come in all shapes and sizes. All body types can express themselves in different ways and even in a similar fashion to a different body structure, but some garments will fit better on a specific frame. Since Audrey Hepburn has a boyish, straight figure, you may need to tailor the outfit, so it brings out your best features.

Create Your Own Outfit From These 4 Classic Looks

“More Flowers” Dress

When Audrey dons her first photo shoot outfit, she and photographer Dick Avery go into a local flower shop to shoot. In the scene, real flowers line the foreground to compliment her outfit’s printed-on perennials. Topped with a sun hat and gloves, Audrey looks summery and high-class.

You can add an extra element to this outfit for a start. For example, the dress features one type of flower, but you can use a different plant for your dress, like roses. To complete the dress, add real roses from Bouqs.com as accents for your hat or to create a corsage. This style of dress with the kimono cap sleeves can look great on almost anyone, even if you have a large bust.

Bonjour Paris! and Jazz Club Outfit

One of Audrey’s most iconic outfits in the film is her Bonjour Paris + Jazz Club ensemble. The overcast skies are perfect for a beige trench coat and black clothing as it suits the mood while staying fashion-forward. Beige trench coats are a French staple and should be in every woman’s wardrobe.

A black turtleneck, black pants, and black shoes are underneath her coat. All black can appear plain on some people, but Audrey pulls the outfit off with her winning smile. Curvier girls may want to wear high-waisted pants over their turtleneck instead of the above. Add an extra “wow” factor and with a neon-colored bag or add a statement necklace that hangs lower than the armpit.

Anna Karenina Suit

Audrey wears the Anna Karenina suit for her Paris photoshoot while a train engine blows steam in the background. Her frame and demeanor make her look like royalty, and the muted grey suit complements her skin tone. A medium-sized hat frames her face and looks dramatic.

Not everyone can wear skirts that long without looking short. If you’re under 5’7”, you should wear a skirt that sits above the knee. The suit jacket can be longer than the skirt as long as it’s A-line and not fringed. It may be difficult to find Audrey Hepburn’s hat, so go without one. If you’re putting your hair up, don’t forget to add studded earning or hoops for a more modern look.

Bird of Paradise Skirt/Dress and Crop

It’s unclear whether or not the Bird of Paradise outfit is a skirt with a cropped top and train or a dress with a floating panel. Either way, the layered high cut front that shows off the waist, tiara, gloves, and long skirt looks incredibly high fashion, but would be difficult to walk in for daily wear.

Cropped blouses are still incredibly fashionable. If you remove the floor-length train, the top would fit right in for daily wear. You can choose to layer the top over a dress, but it may be easier to wear a white skirt or burgundy pants if you’re walking. Feel free to wear the long opera gloves or tiara for the high fashion finish. To modernize the look, wear motorcycle gloves or barrettes.

Kapriva Couture to Show Edgy Elegant Creations at GSF Awards Cannes Gala

Kapriva Couture Fashion Show at the Global Short Film Awards Gala, Cannes, FranceKapriva Couture will present selections from its latest couture gown collection during the Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala and Luxury Fashion Shows on May 25, 2019. Part of the fourth annual edition of the prestigious event, the gala will be held at the iconic Intercontinental Carlton Cannes in Cannes, France.

The Kapriva Brand is about edgy, sophisticated, risqué and elegant creations inspired by art and design from all over the world. Their exclusive luxury designer clothing is made and designed in the UK, using the finest materials sourced worldwide. Each piece is designed with inspiration from art and design from global genres, using a combination of unique embellishments and custom-designed hand embroidery, as well as Swarovski element crystals and pearls. Kapriva has a couture range, providing exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as limited edition collections. Kapriva also offers a couture design service, for those who want a unique piece, made and designed for them. Kapriva has designed bespoke pieces for various events and occasions for individual clients and stage shows and musicians in Los Angeles, including famed burlesque entertainer Vixen DeVille.

The Global Short Film Awards Gala and Fashion Shows is proud to partner with Couture Fashion Week New York and Collezioni Magazines.

Click for more information and tickets to the Cannes event.

George + Ginger to Show Latest Fashions at Global Short Film Awards Cannes Gala

George + Ginger Fashion Show at the Global Short Film Awards Gala, Cannes, FranceInnovative fashion brand George + Ginger will present a selection of its most recent designs during the Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala and Luxury Fashion Shows event on May 25, 2019. Part of the fourth annual edition of the prestigious event, the gala will be held at the iconic Intercontinental Carlton Cannes in Cannes, France.

Kristi Fitzpatrick started George + Ginger Pattern Co. in 2015, based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. With a degree in Drafting and Design, she began drafting PDF sewing patterns and marketing them worldwide. She shares her passion for design with her customers and engages with them daily. The brand is active on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Reddit.

Along with designing patterns, Kristi works closely with fabric designers and promotes custom lines. As her custom designs evolved, she expanded the George + Ginger label and became involved with Fashion Week shows in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London. Her designs feature fitted garments, complimented by draped, flowy fabrics. She focuses on designs that are conceivable on all body types and sizes.

Click for more information and tickets to the Cannes event.

 

The MOD House Brings Brilliant Fashion Creations to the GSF Awards Cannes Gala

Top Malaysian fashion brand The MOD House will present a selection of its most recent designs during the Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala and Luxury Fashion Shows event on May 25, 2019. Part of the fourth annual edition of the prestigious event, the gala will be held at the iconic Intercontinental Carlton Cannes in Cannes, France.

Launched in 1996, The MOD House brand has grown from a distribution house to retail outlets all across Malaysia. Realizing that trends are moving towards customization and online retail, the company has consolidated and is now focusing on its online retail presence.

The creative force behind The MOD House is designer Ho Kok Loong. The brand shows multiple collections annually on prestigious runways all around the world, and consistently works with other designers to come up with the latest designs.

Click for more information and tickets to the Cannes event.

Designer Grace Moon To Show Exquisite Creations at GSF Awards Cannes Gala

Fashion designer Grace Moon will present a selection of her latest creations during the Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala and Luxury Fashion Shows event on May 25, 2019. Part of the fourth annual edition of the prestigious event, the gala will be held at the iconic Intercontinental Carlton Cannes in Cannes, France.

Grace Moon is a fashion designer and CEO of JM Inspired Design Corporation, a design consulting and brand marketing company. Throughout her 30+ years of experience in the fashion industry, Ms. Moon has worked with companies like Guess as a designer and developer, Papaya as an accessory designer, Foreign Exchange as a head merchandiser/buyer, and Moon Collection as head high-end line designer.

Grace Moon has presented her own signature brand designs at Fashion Weeks in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She recently collaborated with the Korean high-end jewelry brand, Amore de Helen, to design and launch a fine jewelry line called Golden Cats Collection. The line is designed and made in the USA to be marketed and sold in Korea.

​Ms. Moon served as a judge for the 2016 Miss Korea Pageant for its historic 60th anniversary event. She was also invited to judge the 2017 Miss Korea Pageant and designed the one-piece dresses and the highlight evening dresses for the pageant. Ms. Moon is currently designing in Hollywood, working closely with many famous designers and producers.

Click for more information and tickets to the Cannes event.

Singer and Actor Franc D’Ambrosio to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at GSF Awards in Cannes

Award-winning singer and actor Franc D'AmbrosioGlobal Short Film Awards Festival director Andres Aquino is delighted to announce that actor and philanthropist Franc D’Ambrosio (star of Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera, The Godfather III, more) will receive a special Lifetime Achievement award during the GSF Awards Gala at the Intercontinental Carlton, Cannes, France on Saturday May 19, 2018.

Franc D’Ambrosio was selected from some 2,000 candidates for his role as the adult Anthony Corleone in The Godfather III, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The Academy Award-winning film also starred Al Pacino, Andy Garcia and Diane Keaton among others. The YouTube video of Mr. D’Ambrosio’s musical performance in the film has garnered over 1.6 million views.

In music Franc D’Ambrosio is best known for his impressive portrayal in the title role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical, The Phantom Of The Opera. Mr. D’Ambrosio is “The World’s Longest-Running Phantom” with more than 2,600 performances.

His distinguished career also includes an Academy Award-nominated film, an Emmy Award-nominated television show, a four-time Tony-nominated Broadway show, two Grammy considerations and a National Theatre Award nomination. He is a painter and philanthropist.

Click for tickets and more information on the Cannes event.

Marcello Costa to be Honored at GSF Awards Gala in Cannes for Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design in Fashion and Film

Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist Marcello CostaBrazilian-born New York-based celebrity hair and makeup artist Marcello Costa will be honored at the Global Short Film Awards Gala on May 19, 2018 at the Intercontinental Carlton Cannes, in Cannes, France.

Marcello Costa’s name and work is associated with many prestigious events including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, Golden Globe Awards and the Cannes Film Festival. His creative work can be seen on many top fashion week runways, from Milan to New York and Paris, as well as at Couture Fashion Week New York. He has worked with major fashion brands including Dolce & Gabanna, Cavalli, Versace, Armani, Tom Ford, Moschino, Victoria’s Secert and Andres Aquino.

In the entertainment world, Mr. Costa has worked with such celebrities as Priyanka Chopra, Stevie Wonder, Angela Basset, Terri McMillan, Oprah Winfrey, Alfred Woodard, Brandy,  Coco, Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Alicia Keyes and Mariah Carey. His work has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, O Magazine, Chinese Femina, Essence Magazine and others.

Marcello Costa’s film and television credits include Shine, Saint Joseph, Other Minds, The Mustard Seeds, The Light Watcher, Ebenezer, White Collar, Orange is the New Black, Jerseylicious, Mob Wives, Running Russell Simmons and more.

“Marcello is a very creative artist always in search of new beauty heights and expressions”, says GSF Awards Festival Director and Founder Andres Aquino.

Click for tickets and more information on the Cannes event.