Tag: couture fashion week

Singer Candace Woodson Returns to Couture Fashion Week New York

Singer Candace Woodson to perform at Couture Fashion Week New YorkSinger Candace Woodson will perform during the upcoming 26th season of Couture Fashion Week New York. Marking her second appearance at the prestigious event, Ms. Woodson will perform Saturday September 9, 2017 to open the 4:00 pm fashion show, and at the after party that evening. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway, New York City.

Candace Woodson will tell you she is back on top. Back from breast cancer, a total mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. The woman who began singing inspirational songs at church when she was barely 5 years old, has a personal message to share with the world: “Don’t give up.”

Ms. Woodson earned her music degree at Tennessee State University, and has worked as director of promotions for a record label and as a radio personality in Nashville. She launched her own singing career developing a distinctive sound that stretches from pop and R&B to country and jazz. For 5 years she was the headliner at the Omni Hotel in the resort area of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where she performed with her band, Candace Woodson and the Domino Theory Band.

National Cancer Survivors Day was recognized on June 7, and Ms. Woodson’s message of survival is one she is determined to share. “I’m a breast cancer survivor,” she says. “God let me live, so I’ve let it go, and I’m living life to the fullest.” That includes doing what she loves most. Less than a month after her surgery, she was back at work. Not in an office or at a desk, but on stage performing at the wedding reception of Justice Mellencamp – John Cougar Mellencamp’s daughter – on Hilton Head Island. Ms. Woodson left the audience exhausted from dancing to the “old-school grooves”—classic hits by Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson.

Candace Woodson’s spunk and determination continue to drive her life and career. In Summer 2017 her first single as an independent artist will be released worldwide through Sony SMG Distribution. The single, All It Takes, was recorded in Nashville with producer Kendall Duffie. Her recording The Answer is No charted on the UK Soul Chart at number one, and her current single, Where You Are, was released in May 2017 through the Diva’s Got Soul Project. Most recently, Ms. Woodson has been recording in different studios and working with top music industry producers on a new project scheduled for completion by late Fall 2017. See VIDEO of Candace Woodson’s recent performance at CFW.

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EnRootz Designs Blend Traditional Elegance and Modern Style

EnRootz fashion show at Couture Fashion Week New YorkPrestigious fashion brand EnRootz will make its first appearance at Couture Fashion Week New York with the presentation of its latest collection. Part of the 26th season of Couture Fashion Week New York, the fashion show will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday September 10, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, in the heart of the Big Apple.

EnRootz is a USA-based clothing line distinguished by its impeccable alloy of traditional elegance and modern style. The brand’s distinctive fabrics, designs and colors reflect an Asian cultural influence, but also convey a wide appeal to a global market. All EnRootz designs are handmade and unique. Each piece goes through a rigorous creation process taking several days of expert work and craftsmanship.

The driving force behind the EnRootz brand is the team of Mukta Ghangas, Manoj and Neeta Singh. Each has their own specialty.

Fashionista Mukta Ghangas is fond of custom-designed, fashionable, stylish, elegant and beautiful clothing. She is the designer and the heart of EnRootz. Mukta lives and breathes fashion, and style and innovation are her guiding principles. From designing the ensemble, choosing color combinations, and determining the type of fabric required – all the detailing is done by Mukta. Manoj Singh is the business force, branding expert and brain of the EnRootz brand. Manoj not only handles branding, but also operations in the USA. He deals with the when, what and how, and he is guided by a singular focus and goal orientation. Neeta Singh turns Mukta Ghangas’ creative vision to reality. She is the soul of EnRootz, from procurement to overseeing production. With a keen eye and understanding of fashion, Neeta takes care of operations in India and works in complete sync with Mukta’s vision.

Team EnRootz’s vision is to continue to build and achieve international success for this unique and high quality brand.

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Renowned Mezzo Soprano Benedetta Orsi to Shine at Couture Fashion Week

Mezzo Soprano Benedetta Orsi to perform at Couture Fashion Week New YorkRenowned mezzo soprano Benedetta Orsi will perform during the upcoming 26th season of Couture Fashion Week New York. Marking her first appearance at the prestigious event, Ms. Orsi will perform at 8:00 pm on Saturday September 9 during the Andres Aquino fashion show, and at 6:00 pm on Sunday September 10, 2017. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway, New York City.

A laureate of the 2012 Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition, mezzo soprano Benedetta Orsi is a graduate of the Regia Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna in the studio of tenor Sergio Bertocchi, and is also a graduate of Modena’s Istituto Musicale Pareggiato Orazio Vecchi. She has participated in master classes with Marilyn Horne, Luciana Serra, Fred Carama, Chuck Hudson and Teresa Berganza, who defined Ms. Orsi as “a perfect voice for bel canto.

No stranger to the stages of Carnegie Hall, Benedetta Orsi is one of only a few contemporary mezzo sopranos to have performed all three of Donizetti’s Tudor Operas: Jane Seymour in Anna Bolena, Elisabetta in Maria Stuarda and Sara in Roberto Devereux with Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music Theatre. Recent performances also include the role of Maddalena in Rigoletto with Amore Opera, Ulrica in Un Ballo in Maschera with the Miami Lyric Opera, Mamma Lucia in Cavalleria Rusticana with the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. Other appearances include the title roles in L’Italiana in Algeri and Werther, Azucena in Il Trovatore and Teresa in La Sonnambula. Her latest Carmen in St. Louis was called “totally convincing as the most desirable woman in Seville. With a dark, sensuous voice and a lubricious stage presence, her Habanera exudes a smoky sensuality that dominates the stage”.

Ms. Orsi’s latest album, Christmas Around the World, was awarded the Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards as Best Album and Best Female Vocalist. She is working on her new recording to be released in 2018.

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Do Trinh Hoai Nam Brings The Golden Lotus Ao Dai Collection to Couture Fashion Week

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam fashion show at Couture Fashion Week New YorkCelebrity fashion designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam will present his latest collection entitled “The Golden Lotus Ao Dai Collection” during Couture Fashion Week New York’s  26th season. Marking the designer’s first time showing at the prestigious New York Fashion Week event, the highly-anticipated fashion show will be held during CFW’s opening day this season at 4 pm on Friday, September 8, 2017 in the Broadway Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway, in New York City. 

Award-winner Do Trinh Hoai Nam is a top fashion designer in his native Vietnam. He began designing in his early teens, and has gone on to build a highly successful career and brand which has been operating for over 20 years in the Vietnamese market. He has shown his designs at important fashion events worldwide and has been featured in major media. His distinguished clientele includes hundreds of top celebrities, models, business women, socialites and politicians. He recently had the honor of designing the “Ao Dai” (national dress of Vietnam) worn by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan as she took the Presidential oath of office during her inauguration ceremony in Hanoi’s Parliament in 2016. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is the first Chairwoman in the history of Vietnam’s National Assembly, as well as the first woman to hold the most important position of the Party and State of Vietnam. She is also a long time client of the designer.

Do Trinh Hoai Nam’s designs are known for their dramatic and sophisticated flair, full of elegance and beauty. Great attention is paid to every detail of his collection, from the hand embroidery to the glamorous and luxurious gold leaf and gemstone embellishments. His latest Ao Dai couture collection is inspired by the story of the castle princess in the first 30 years of 19th century. The ensembles will be presented in a dramatic runway show directed by the designer. The collection’s color palette was inspired by the lotus flower, with images rendered on a special silk pattern and hand decorated with gold leaf.  Do Trinh Hoai Nam has incorporated some of Vietnam’s finest artisan talents into this collection. The unique golden pattern technology is from Kieu Ky Trade Village in Hanoi, the special one-of-a-kind heavy rich silk fabrics are from Thai Binh province, and the exquisite hand embroidery and gold leaf 999 are by craftsmen from Thuong Tin, Hanoi.

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“Blue Innocence” is the New Collection by Designer Evgenia Luzhina

Evgenia Luzhina fashion show at Couture Fashion Week New YorkReturning for the sixth time to Couture Fashion Week New York, designer Evgenia Luzhina will present her latest collection entitled “Blue Innocence” at 6 pm on Saturday September 9, 2017. A regular favorite of CFW audiences, Ms. Luzhina’s fashion show will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, 1605 Broadway, in New York City. Young and talented international vocalist Alex Berezin will add beauty to the runway with his powerful voice.

Evgenia Luzhina’s vibrant new high fashion dress collection blends Russian ferocity and Western cool, in a palette of blue mixed with gold and white. The stunning jewelry for the collection is made from recycled materials.

A native of Moscow, Evgenia Luzhina received a B.A. in Fine Art and Design from Moscow Art College, and went on to serve for five years as the Resident Set and Costume Designer for the Moscow Chamber Forms Theater. There, she designed numerous productions, which were staged in Moscow, Los Angeles and Washington DC. In 1991 Ms. Luzhina moved to the USA where she continues to pursue and exhibit her extensive experience in art and theatrical set and costumes design.

Ms. Luzhina’s most recent accolade was Maryland Fashion Awards 2012 – Winner High Fashion Designer. She also received the Helen Hayes Award 2010: Outstanding Production for Youth – Winner, and National Silver Archer Award in Public Relations 2014- Winner.

As a costume designer for the last 30 years, Evgenia Luzhina has worked for numerous theaters in Russia and the USA, creating costumes for over 50 plays.

Ms. Luzhina has participated in many prestigious fashion events including Couture Fashion Week New York, and Washington DC’s Presidential Inauguration Fashion Shows. Her designs have won critical acclaim in both local and national publications, on radio and television, including being featured in Collezioni Haute Couture magazine.

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Grayling Purnell Brings Divine Designs to Couture Fashion Week New York

Grayling Purnell fashion show at Couture Fashion Week NYDesigner Grayling Purnell will present his latest collection at Couture Fashion Week New York’s 26th season. Marking the designer’s first time showing at the prestigious event, the fashion show will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday September 10, 2017 in the Broadway Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway, New York City.

Grayling Purnell is part of a new wave of American designers proving the country’s fashion is not limited to floaty dresses and swimwear. Professionally trained in both Menswear and Womenwear, Mr. Purnell is based out of New York City and Los Angeles.

Grayling Purnell is a former child star, actor, model, singer and dancer turned fashion designer. He was featured in his first movie at the age of 8 (Meteor Man, directed and written by Robert Townsend). Mr. Purnell has always worn custom clothing, and as a child his mother always included him in the design process for his wardrobe. He started his first clothing line, Orphic Streetwear, in September 2013 and within six months he designed Six Shirts in Top Man in London, UK in Oxford Circus. Mr. Purnell attended the Parson’s New School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He launched his signature line, House of Grayling Purnell, in September 2015. His voluminous separates and side cascade detailing are subtly man repelling, while more sharply tailored pieces are sure to get the tick of approval from both sexes.

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IngaSez Fashion Luxury Swimwear Collection to Debut at Couture Fashion Week

IngaSez Fashion luxury swimwear runway show at Couture Fashion Week NYIngaSez Fashion by Inga will present her latest luxury swimwear collection at Couture Fashion Week New York. Marking the label’s first appearance at the prestigious event, the fashion show will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday September 10, 2017 in the Broadway Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan.

IngaSez Fashion features exclusive savvy pieces for the edgy fashionista. Flirty fabrics are used to create an innovation of confidence with style. IngaSez collections, designed by Inga, allow women to embrace their inner beauty and celebrity while standing out from the rest. Inga’s passion brings to life a combination of sophistication, spark, and glamour. Striving to be the ultimate destination for show-stopping and wow-worthy quality pieces that exude beauty, fun, and sexiness.

At Couture Fashion Week, Inga will present her luxury swimwear collection entitled “Solstice by Inga.” It is a delightful collection filled with sophistication and inspired by a luxury lifestyle.

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Cory Couture Named Best Designer for Fall 2017 at Couture Fashion Week

Cory Couture by Cory Tran named Best Designer Fall 2017 at Couture Fashion Week NY
Cory Tran of Cory Couture (left) accepts Best Designer of 2017 award from Couture Fashion Week producer Andres Aquino and Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2016 Kristhielee Caride. Photo: Ron Carr.

Cory Couture by Cory Tran (Pham Thi Ngoc Anh) was named Best Designer for Fall 2017 at the recent Couture Fashion Week event held in New York City. Part of the prestigious event’s 25th season, Cory Couture also presented his latest stunning collection on the runway before a delighted audience.

The award was presented to designer Cory Tran by Couture Fashion Week producer and founder Andres Aquino. “I am pleased to present Couture Fashion Week New York’s Best Designer for Fall 2017 Award to Cory Tran,” Mr. Aquino announced. “Cory is a truly talented artist with a rich imagination in the creation of couture garments.”

Accompanying Mr. Aquino in the presentation of the award before the audience and global press was Kristhielee Caride, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2016.

Cory Tran, who divides his time between New York and his native Vietnam, has been fascinated with exquisite couture gowns since a very young age. He has shown his stunning designs at prestigious fashion events including New York Fashion Week, Couture Fashion Week New York and Vietnam International Fashion Week. Mr. Tran works with many A-list celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Rita Ora, Toni Braxton, Bai Ling, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, Victoria’s Secret supermodels (Heather Marks, Elsa Hosk, Martha Hunt, Maria Borges, Jasmine Tookes, Sessilee Lopez), Miss Universe and America’s Next Top Models, among others. His designs have been featured in prominent publications worldwide including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Maxim, Esquire, Her World, L’Officiel and Haute Couture.

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Meet FashionUnited’s Country Manager Niklas Gilroy

FashionUnited country manager Niklas GilroyFashionUnited is a valued Couture Fashion Week partner. Get to know FashionUnited’s country manager for the UK, US and Canada, Niklas Gilroy.

So you are the Country Manager for the UK, US and Canada at FashionUnited, what does this role entail?
I’m in charge of supporting our partners with Marketing and HR solutions. Together with my team, I consult fashion companies on Employer Branding or Marketing strategies and connect them with job seekers. This can happen via job postings in our career center, specific social media campaigns, newsletter features or other offers from the FashionUnited service portfolio. There is no standard approach, as every partner is different, that is why we offer tailor-made solutions. Therefore it is crucial to develop a clear understanding of what makes our partners unique and special to find suitable candidates for their specific company culture.

You also have a popular Instagram account and blog, so you have definitely been interested in fashion for a while. How come you decided to get even more involved in the industry?
I started my blog and Instagram during my business studies because I wanted to become an active part of the fashion scene. Both outlets provide me with a platform to communicate thoughts, interests and style ideas. Moreover, they are a great way to keep up-to date with current fashion events and to socialize with like-minded individuals around the world.

After my studies, I worked in the Luxury Beauty sector and then decided to join FashionUnited because I wanted to be part of a young and international team. As an Account Manager, I get to work with brands in all different segments of the fashion market which enables me to get a 360 view of the industry. Moreover, it is quite a fascinating task to assist companies with embracing Digital Media and the ever-growing importance of Employer Branding because there is still so much unused potential.

What advice do you have for others who want to break into the industry?
Get involved and try to gain work experience in the fashion industry. Internships are a great opportunity to get a first-hand impression of what the business side of fashion looks like. Moreover, I think it is essential to attend events and to be active on social media in order to build up a network. Nowadays, it is so easy to keep up to date with the latest news and become an active member of the fashion scene that it really is up to everyone to embrace those opportunities. What makes fashion so interesting is that there are many different ways of entering the industry: Whether you study a fashion-related degree or you come from a regular business/media background – you just need to be active and keep an eye out for interesting positions on websites like FashionUnited.

What do you think of the US fashion scene and what do you foresee becoming a major trend in 2017?
In my opinion, US designers are really making big moves at the moment because they are on the pulse of time when it comes to Digital Media and the current business realities of the fashion market. I think that more commercial designs like the current athleisure trend will stick around and many American designers are at the forefront of producing more affordable lines. Many US brands have been re-thinking their show schedules and started involving Social Media influencers in their design process which proves that they are willing to take on a pioneer position. Nonetheless, I believe that the Couture segment will always play an incredibly important role in the fashion world because that is where aspirational dreams and true craftsmanship are celebrated. In the end, fashion is an incredible art form and Couture designs are at the core of what makes it so special.

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Tango Dancers Jose Delgadillo and Helen Wang to Perform at Couture Fashion Week

Jose Delgadillo and Helen Wang, Argentine Tango dancers

Among the world-class entertainers scheduled to perform during the 25th season of Couture Fashion Week in New York are tango dancers Jose Delgadillo and Helen Wang. The mesmerizing dance duo will perform during the Andres Aquino fashion show at 8:00 pm on Saturday February 11, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan in New York City.

Jose Delgadillo and Helen Wang are a young tango couple who address the dance from an intimate relationship with the Argentine tango essence. The dancers convey passion, intensity, sensuality and emotion in their performances — all the things that remind audiences why they love the tango. They are a couple with unique backgrounds and personalities that always bring surprises to the audience.  They have performed in famous shows such as Rhythm and Passion and Dance Fever, among others. In 2013, they won top awards at the USA Tango Championship NYC “Stage” Tango. They were invited to perform and teach at the prestigious La Nacional milonga (a place where the tango is danced) in New York City, as well as at other renowned milongas in New Jersey (Milonga Viviana), and Long Island (Tango Lover), to name a few.

In 2016 Jose and Helen performed at the iconic Lincoln Center in New York City with a one-of-a-kind fusion dance of tango, salsa and Chinese elements. Among the audience members were Senator Chuck Schumer and Chinese celebrity Jin Xing.  Their show was featured by several major television stations including CCTV, TVB and Sinovision. In 2015 Jose and Helen were special guest performers at the USA Chinese American Beauty Pageant. In Argentina, they have studied independently and together with world tango maestros, including Eduardo Terrazas, Beatriz Herrera, Roberto Herrera, Ivan & Sara, Pablo Pugliese, Carlos De Chey, Julio Balmaceda, Corina de la Rosa, Pancho Martinez and Lorena Ermocida, Alejandra Gutty, and Guillermina Quiroga. They were also invited to showcase at milongas in Mendoza, Argentina, Jose’s hometown. Together, this rising couple brings their skills, passion and background in Ballet, Jazz, Salsa, Flamenco, and Folklore into the soulful Argentine Tango. They currently offer group and private tango lessons at major dance studios in Manhattan.

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