The art and beauty that is couture fashion was recently seen in Palm Beach at two different but equally luxurious venues: the esteemed Colony Hotel and the new Trump Tower development.

“Palm Beach's concentration of wealth and refined international flavor make it one of the most natural settings in the world for couture and high fashion,” says fashion designer and producer of Couture Fashion Week Andres Aquino.

Fresh from the latest round of successful fashion shows in New York City, the producer of Couture Fashion Week introduced the event to the upscale Palm Beach, Florida market with two unforgettable presentations. In February 2008 at the Colony Hotel the fabulous creations of Lebanese designer Jean Fares and New York-based Andres Aquino were shown on the runway followed by a festive cocktail reception. On March 22 an audience of invited guests braved torrential tropical rains to attend the luxury fashion show, art exhibits and reception at the new Trump Tower development in association with Preferred Property Finder Palm Beach. Guests had the opportunity to meet the designers, artists and models and visit the model residence at the upscale complex. Participating designers were Leonardo Chiasso, Diana Dorozkhina, Lily Samii and Andres Aquino. The stunning hair and makeup creations were done by Nikki Butler, Danielle Drake, Cymonne & Nina J of CYMBOLIZEBEAUTY and Ronny Anuzzkka, with fashion styling by Shaun Gannon of Wild On Style. 

“The body is the space to work the architecture that is my clothing,” says Leonardo Chiasso whose architectural training is evident in his fashion designs. The Brazilian designer has created an entire couture collection based on intricate geometrical forms

Award-winning designer Diana Dorozkhina has shown her inspired creations in Russia, Belgium, France, Italy, Monaco and Palm Beach, as well as in her native Ukraine.

San Francisco-based designer Lily Samii, who has worked with such industry icons as Edith Head and James Galanos, introduced “Fresh”, her new youth-

Couture and luxury autos - a perfect combination.
Gown by Andres Aquino, "Phantom" by Rolls Royce.

Leonardo Chiasso's beautiful fashions were accessorized by jewelry from Claudia Heimes and Trinny Ferrazzy, the latter who also showed a selection of her latest paintings. Water is the main inspiration for the “Dazzle” jewelry collection by Claudia Heimes. The fluidity and transparency of this natural source of life and beauty may be seen in most of the pieces. The collection includes rings and earrings made of 18 karat white gold and diamonds, rings made of 18 karat gold, pink sapphires and diamonds, and more. Trinny Ferrazzy has been an accomplished designer, sculptor and painter for over 17 years. Ms. Ferrazzy has exhibited her work at many prestigious galleries and stores in the USA and Europe including H. Stern, Amsterdan Sawer and Belenky Brothers Gallery. Her new paintings are inspired by quantum physics and are part of

her soon-to-be released book entitled Smiles and Tears Coming From God, as well as a movie on which she is collaborating with her daughter, film maker Paula Ferrazzy.

New York-based Andres Aquino is a photographer, writer, producer and creator of Couture Fashion Week. He has also applied his artistic talents to fashion design creating several elegant collections to showcase accessories. Recently in New York he presented his “Casablanca” collection inspired by the architecture of the legendary Moroccan city. For the Palm Beach show at Trump Tower he created a new series of designs entitled “Ballerina”.

In addition to the beautiful fashions and accessories shown on the runway, guests enjoyed a display of fine art by Anita Lewis and Trinny Ferrazzy.

California native Anita Lewis was raised in Europe. Her “Art for Modern Life” creates an unmistakable, somewhat European style of simplistic abstract modernism. The artist expresses herself in rich color-blends along with detail in the obscure with her oils on canvas. Her goal is to grace modern architectural environments, and that such surroundings will grace her art.

Film star Tere Tarin, here with producer Andres Aquino, modeled on the runway.