The event kicked off Friday afternoon with a fashion show by Atlanta-based Indian designer Sushma Patel.  Ms. Patel is a regular participant at CFW, always showing unique East-West fusion collections. Other returning designers included Haya Al Houti (Kuwait), Jamil Khansa (Lebanon), Janerations (Lithuania/USA), Nina Gleyzer (Russia/USA), Sisa Designs by Simone Rodrigues (Brazil/USA) and Andres Aquino. Designers showing for the first time at the prestigious event included Kristin Zimmermann (Germany), Hadi Katra and Edward Arsouni (Lebanon), Autumnlin Atelier (USA), Kostas Gagasoules (Greece/USA), and Suzie Turner (U.K./USA). Alaric Design, a team of two young Russian-American floral designers, presented a selection of exquisite floral concept dresses. Ivelli Couture showed a beautiful line of limited edition scarves. Under the banner Focus Nigeria four prominent Nigerian fashion houses presented delightful collections: House of Jola, Berrys Couture, Reedas and House of Farrah.

Couture Fashion Week New York Wraps Up Another Successful Season - Couture Fashion Week - New York  Couture Fashion Week New York Wraps Up Another Successful Season - Couture Fashion Week - New York

One of the highly anticipated hallmarks of CFW is the lineup of top notch performers. This season saw stunning performances from opera singer Christine Reber, who flew in from Germany for the occasion, singer Angeles Dominguez who traveled from Spain and Kaya who came from Malta to perform “Timeless” by noted film composer William Camilleri. Other stellar performances were delivered by singers Era Chorna (Russia/Canada), Cristina Fontanelli, Sarah Elizabeth Charles with pianist Enoch Smith, Jr., Lara Janine with guitarist Dani Tersini, saxophonist Sweet Lew, and pianist Laura Korpa.

A silent auction was held at Couture Fashion Week by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) raising awareness for this deadly disease. Among others, designer Jamil Khansa of Lebanon donated a stunning couture gown.

Couture Fashion Week New York Wraps Up Another Successful Season - Couture Fashion Week - New York  Couture Fashion Week New York Wraps Up Another Successful Season - Couture Fashion Week - New York

Sponsors and partners at Couture Fashion Week this season included MD Minerals by Dr. Janine Hopkins providing the cosmetics for lead makeup artist James Toribio assisted by Elizabette Quezada and team; hair styling by the Tearsheet and Platinum Salon team headed by Giovanni Giuntoli, Ariella Mendez, and Rosanne Carusso with products by Redken; Empire Steak House and Ben & Jack’s Steak House where the after parties were held; Davler Media; Sakae Lace which provided many of the exquisite fabrics for the Andres Aquino collection; Modastyle Magazine and Collezioni Magazine.

The next Couture Fashion Week New York is scheduled for September 16-18, 2011. Visit the event website for tickets and more information on participating: www.couturefashionweek.com

Couture Fashion Week New York Wraps Up Another Successful Season - Couture Fashion Week - New York  Couture Fashion Week New York Wraps Up Another Successful Season - Couture Fashion Week - New York