USA -- Guests at the 10th edition of Couture Fashion Week at New York’s famed Waldorf-Astoria were greeted by displays of fine art and an impressive ice sculpture bearing the event’s logo. Hundreds of upscale consumers, socialites, diplomats, celebrities and international press attended the prestigious high fashion event held during New York Fashion Week in September 2009.

An incomparable group of seventeen selected designers from around the world presented their latest collections, many making their USA debut.

The event opened on the afternoon of September 11th with a tribute to the spirit of New York City and the victims of the 9/11 attacks by renowned cellist Gjilberta Gelaj. The moving performance was followed by two fashion shows: colorful Indian-inspired dreamlike creations by designer Sushma Patel in her fourth appearance at Couture Fashion Week, and a fresh collection by young Thai designer Pyndela.

Jane Hunt, a native of England known as the “Violin Venus”, enchanted the audience with her opening to the fashion show by award-winning Chilean designer Ruben Campos. Mr. Campos, often called the "Architect of Chilean Fashion", received an enthusiastic standing ovation for his collection.

Joy Washington of The Netherlands made a strong statement with her collection preview of three couture ensembles reminiscent of Russian royalty and reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and extreme attention to detail.

Award-wining Romanian designer extraordinaire Catalin Botezatu returned for the third time to Couture Fashion Week with an outstanding collection entitled "Hot Rainbow" which was complemented by exquisite makeup, hair styling and accessories. Mr. Botezatu’s distinguished clientele includes prominent politicians, socialites, VIPs and celebrities.

Amal Sarieddine from Lebanon made her USA debut at Couture Fashion Week New York with a collection of stunning designs before a very enthusiastic audience.

Winning designs from the Global Han Couture Design Competition were presented to the delight of the attending crowd. Part of NTDTV’s 2009 Global Competition Series, the Han Couture Design Competition is a continuation of NTDTV’s ongoing effort to revive and preserve the essence and beauty of traditional Chinese culture, and to share that culture with the world.

In his second showing at Couture Fashion Week, renowned designer Jorge Diep of the Dominican Republic was inspired by India and presented a collection of embellished hand-crafted caftans.

Couture Fashion Week producer and fashion designer Andres Aquino presented a two part show. Hand embellished swimwear was adorned with Swarovski crystals and whimsical trains, and accessorized by diamond-studded watches by Azad, a favorite brand of many celebrities including Donald Trump and Joan Rivers. Evening gowns of fine French and Japanese lace were accented by jewelry from Italian label Bagaceous, handbags and cuffs by Russian designer Inna Roizin, shoes by British designer Silvia Campbell among others, and hats by Suzette Couture. Pop opera singer Kimera flew in from Spain to open Mr. Aquino’s show. The world-famous singing star is perhaps best known for her 1984 controversial classic-pop fusion recording, “The Lost Opera”, with the London Symphony Orchestra, which sold over 10 million copies and was followed by seven additional album releases. World-famous violinist Alexander Markov turned in an unforgettable performance. The fashion show included an appearance by jazz singer Sarah Charles who performed her composition of “Ballerina” with lyrics by Mr. Aquino.

The first Couture Fashion Week Ball closed the second day of the event with an evening of dancing, gourmet food and entertainment in the Louis XVI ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria. Tables were decorated with beautiful ice sculptures by Ice Sculpture Designs. A silent auction of jewelry by Judith Ripka for the Helping Hands charity generated considerable interest.

Turkish designer Nedret Taciroglu returned for the third time to Couture Fashion Week presenting another fabulous and well-tailored collection of soft feminine designs in Spring pastels before an audience of diplomats, celebrities and top socialites, many of whom traveled from Turkey to attend.

In his first showing at the event, designer Walid Atallah from Dubai presented a dazzling collection of evening and couture bridal gowns; “a perfect fit in Couture Fashion Week’s continued quest for exquisite fashion,” according to producer Andres Aquino. Mr. Atallah recently made fashion history by selling a bridal gown decorated with sapphires and rubies for $1.2 million to a Middle Eastern princess.

A collective of Nigerian designers impressed the audience with an array of colorful and beautifully crafted designs. The delegation from Nigeria was organized by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu of the House of Jola and included top designers Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi, Zizi Cardow and Hallero. The show opened with a lively performance by Project Fame winner Iyanya.

Up and coming Australian designer Cristina Nitopi returned to Couture Fashion Week with a delightful collection of luxury designs. The show was opened by a performance by Blacker Conteh a well-known dancer from Sydney.

Also turning in a riveting performance was 9-year old Reggaeton singing sensation Alesito, who delighted audiences between fashion shows on the third day of the event.

The impressive fashion shows at Couture Fashion Week New York were complemented by displays of fine art by international artists including Gonul Engin Yilmaz (Turkey), Zhu Yi Yong (China), Esperanza Tielbaard (Colombia/USA), David Datuna (Georgia/USA) and Victoria Yin (USA).

Event media partners include Sahara One TV, NTDTV, and NTV America as well as print partners Moda Style International (Dubai and Lebanon), and Book Moda (Italy), among others.

The impeccable and creative makeup for Couture Fashion Week was directed by noted film and TV makeup artist Mahealani Diego and associate Tomy Rivero and their talented team. Cosmetic sponsors Rouge Cosmetics and Christine Valmy International supplied cosmetic and skin care products and gifts. Trend-setting hair creations were artistically directed by Federico Calce of Federico Salon New York, a leading haute coiffure salon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Body painting was the work of JVitalia.

Couture Fashion Week