Media Contact
Beth Sobol
FASHION WEEK OF THE AMERICAS 5TH ANNIVERSARY
RECORD ATTENDANCE, CELEBRITY APPEARANCES
AND GALA AWARDS CEREMONY MIAMI BEACH, FL -Fashion Week of the Americas (FWA) wrapped up its Fifth Anniversary showcase at the Roney Palace Resort with more than 5000 fashionistas in attendance during the four-day event. Twenty-five designers from 18 countries showcased their Fall collections at FWA, which in just five years has become the largest showcase of Latin American and Caribbean design talent in the U.S. and one of the world's premier fashion events. In recognition of the success of FWA, the City of Miami Beach presented the Key to the City to Beth Sobol of Sobol Fashion Productions, Inc., for her efforts in promoting Miami Beach as an international fashion destination. "This year's Fashion Week raised the bar for future events," said Sobol. "Not only did we expand the emphasis beyond Latin American designers, with an increased presence of Caribbean and European designers, but we also attracted an unprecedented amount of international fashion media and are being recognized by major retail buying offices as the place to meet new designers." FWA's closing night event, the Moda & Music Awards Show, featured the designers' Parade of Stars, several achievement in fashion awards and performances by Latin recording artists. Miami International University of Art & Design also announced the winners of its Young Creator Awards, including a scholarship from the National Association of Sportswear Buyers presented to Arlyn Pierre of Haiti. Awards custom-made with a Lalique design were presented to:
- Patricia Field, of the House of Field/New York City - Lifetime Achievement in Fashion
- Sitka Semsch, Peru - New Star in Fashion
- Sylma Cabrera, Puerto Rico and Miami - Prêt-a-Porter Style
- Rosita Hurtado, Bolivia - Excellence in Eveningwear
- Jorge Luis Salinas, Peru - Vogue en Español Designers Choice Fashion TV presented Charlie Lapson of Hollywood, California with its Best Show Award, which includes the production and broadcast of a feature spot on the designer, to be aired throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. Terra Networks USA, FWA's official Spanish-language Internet partner, presented Romina Bustillo of Honduras as the winner of its 2003 Terra Model Search competition. In addition to participating on the FWA runway, Romina also won an all expense-paid trip for two to Miami, a professional photo album, a makeover by industry experts and professional modeling lessons. Performances by Latin singing sensations Luis Enrique and Jordi, along with Enrique Divine, Tio and American Idol's Alexandra Bachelier capped off the closing show's fanfare, with a special "Stylish Celebrity Artist" award presented to Luis Enrique. In addition to Terra Networks, FWA's event partners are Vogue en español, Collezioni-Italy, DC One Magazine, El Nuevo Herald, Fashion TV Latin America, Florida International Magazine, Glamour en Español, HTV, The Miami Herald, Cotton, Inc., Luna Bar, MAC Cosmetics, Peclers Paris, Roney Palace Resort, Samy Salon, the City of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. |
