Tag: andres aquino

Renowned Soprano Elisabetta Russo Set to Perform at Couture Fashion Week

Singer Elisabetta RussoRenowned soprano Elisabetta Russo will perform at Couture Fashion Week New York for the first time during the event’s upcoming 22nd season. Ms. Russo will perform during the Andres Aquino fashion show at 8:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015, as well as before the 4:00 pm fashion show on Sunday September 13, 2015. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, at the “Crossroads of the World.”

A native of Bari, Italy, Ms. Russo received a Bachelor’s degree in singing and a Master’s degree with highest honors in singing specializing in chamber music from the “S. Cecilia” Conservatory of Music in Rome. She attended master classes with Edda Moser, Renata Scotto, Renato Bruson and Alberto Zedda. A winner of many important contests, Ms. Russo has performed in Italy and abroad and has collaborated with many acclaimed conductors and composers. Among the most important roles she has played are Norina in Don Pasquale by Donizetti, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte by Mozart, Tonina in Prima la musica poi le parole by Salieri, Gilda in Rigoletto by Verdi, and Nannetta in Falstaff (starring Renato Bruson) by Verdi. In 2011 she won “Best Female Vocal” at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. She has recorded Brise de Mér, Leoncavallo’s arias for voice and orchestra on the Suoneria Mediterranea label, with the direction of Luigi De Filippi. In 2013 she opened for Andrea Bocelli at Paramount Studios, performing with David Foster and Eugene Kohn, and performed at the Ann and Moss Theatre in Santa Monica with Maestro Andrea Morricone and the Amor Symphonic Orchestra. In 2014, together with pianist Giulia Spinedi, she won first prize in the Chamber Music section of the XVII International Competition V. Scaramuzza. As winner of the Beverly Hills recital series in 2014/2015, she performed at prestigious venues in the City of Beverly Hills. Currently she is writing for the Italo-Americano newspaper as Opera reviewer. Recent performances include a concert in Toronto for the Italian National Day Celebration at Casa Loma Castle in May 2015. For her appearance at the Couture Fashion Week New York soprano Elisabetta Russo will wear a Mark Belford gown.

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Acclaimed Tenor Luciano Lamonarca Returns to Couture Fashion Week

Tenor Luciano LamonarcaAcclaimed tenor Luciano Lamonarca will return to Couture Fashion Week New York’s 22nd season with a highly anticipated performance at 8:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015. Part of the Andres Aquino fashion show, the event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan.

A native of Italy, Luciano Lamonarca was born in Italy and studied voice with such teachers as Gino Lorusso Toma, Franco Corelli, Carmen Sensaud, Salvatore Fisichella, Roberto Scandiuzzi and Daniele Barioni. He has performed solo concerts at prestigious venues worldwide including Lincoln Center, the New York Theater for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, Palais Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna, Austria, Great Hall of the Palace National Philharmonic Orchestra, in Minsk, Belarus, La Vallisa auditorium in Bari and the Teatro Politeama in Palermo. Tenor Lamonarca has performed under the patronage of the highest national and international institutions: the United Nations, UNESCO, the European Union, the Presidency of the Italian Republic, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Ministry of Youth, the Regions of Puglia and Sicily. He was the special performing guest at the Commemoration in Westchester County (New York) of the attack of the Twin Towers, broadcast by NEWS 12. In 2011 he spearheaded the project “United Academia” with the U.N. Academic Impact.

Mr. Lamonarca has performed as a special guest on multiple occasions at Couture Fashion Week in New York. Other artistic projects include concert tributes to the great tenor Mario Lanza in Milwaukee and an online music project Ricordando Mario Del Monaco, a tribute to legendary tenor Mario Del Monaco with the collaboration of famous stage director Giancarlo Del Monaco. Luciano Lamonarca performed in Passau, Germany at the Europaishes Jugend Musik Festival in a concert dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi. In 2007 he became the youngest opera singer to perform at the United Nations in New York when he sang in the “United We Are Peace” concert as the sole representative of Italy at the invitation of the Zaraspe Foundation. He returned to perform at the U.N General Assembly in a concert held in the presence of ambassadors and Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. In 2008 he performed at the world premiere of the film Carnera – The Walking Mountain at Madison Square Garden in New York City where the guests of honor were American actor Burt Young and Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham. In 2013 Tenor Lamonarca received Proclamations for artistic merit from New York’s Westchester County Executive Hon. Robert Astorino, and from the New York State Comptroller, Hon. Thomas DiNapoli.

In 2009 Mr. Lamonarca released his first album entitled Mamma, dedicated to his mother and benefiting the missionary project “City of Hope” in Zambia. In 2012 he released his second album The Impossible Dream, an outstanding compilation of Italian operatic arias and American pop-operatic hits, made in partnership with The New York Choral Society and benefiting the Mini Maestros Program. Luciano Lamonarca has been featured in numerous media outlets including Rai Uno, Rai Tre, Rai International, Tele Norba and TGS Sicily, as well as ithe New York Daily News, New York Post, The Italian Times, The Italian Tribune, The Italia Magazine (in Russian), La Repubblica, America Oggi, Il Quotidiano.Net, Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno, La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno and Il Giornale di Sicilia.

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Singer Vicky Shu to Perform at Couture Fashion Week New York

Singer Vicky ShuSinger Vicky Shu is set to perform during the Andres Aquino fashion show at Couture Fashion Week in New York. Part of the 22nd season of the prestigious event, the show will be held at 8:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015.

Vicky Shu is a well-known celebrity in her native Indonesia, noted for her golden voice as well as her proficiency on the guitar and piano. She was a finalist for Miss Indonesia 2007, and is also an accomplished actress, currently finishing a movie in Turkey. She is a former backup singer for the popular Indonesian band Yovie and Nuno. As a soloist, she released an album entitled Drink Me, and recently released her new album which includes six of her own original compositions.

In addition to her musical and acting endeavors, Vicky Shu is also a footwear entrepreneur, designing her own line of beautiful and elegant shoes under the label Shu Shu. Her shoe designs are now hitting the international market, being exported to Italy and Amsterdam in Europe as well as Japan and Malaysia in Asia. The exquisite designs along with impeccable customer service are attracting much international attention, and are favored by celebrities including Lenka and Kelly Osbourne. Vicky’s shoes will be accessorizing the fashion designs of Diana Putri on the Couture Fashion Week New York runway at 6:00 pm on Friday September 11, 2015.

Vicky Shu’s charitable efforts include joining with other prominent celebrities for a concert benefiting natural disaster victims, hosted by the Rumah Pandai charity and Indonesian business mogul and world-renowned guitarist Setiawan Djodi.

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Jewelry Designs by Monalisa Okojie at Couture Fashion Week New York

Nehita, Inc. Jewelry by Monalisa OkojieCelebrated jewelry designer Monalisa Okojie will present her latest jewelry collection with world-renowned fashion designer Andres Aquino at Couture Fashion Week New York during the upcoming 22nd season of the prestigious event. The fashion show will be held at 8:00 pm on September 13, 2015 during New York Fashion Week.

Monalisa Okojie, founder and CEO of the exclusive Nehita jewelry brand, uses a wide variety of gemstones in her designs such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz and diamonds. Clients include such celebrities as Natalie Cole, Alan Cumming, Josh Henderson, the late Whitney Houston, Meagan Good, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brandy and Tyler Ferguson, and her jewelry has been featured in many publications. Ms. Okojie started out as a practicing attorney in Nigeria, but gave up a promising career to become a world-renowned jeweler. Nehita has now expanded its product line to include brilliant colorful silk scarves inspired by African prints. These scarves are perfect for both men and women. A percentage of the proceeds of the new collection will be donated to Upward African Woman, Ms. Okojie’s charity which is focused on helping to provide underprivileged African women and children with educational materials and support.

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Designer Andres Aquino Partners with Champions Against Bullying

Blue Rose by Andres Aquino fashion show at Couture Fashion Week NY
Models and performers in the upcoming “Blue Rose” by Andres Aquino show at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Andres Aquino will present a special collection entitled “Blue Rose” in the finale to the upcoming 21st season of Couture Fashion Week New York. The show will be held at 8:00 pm on Sunday February 15, 2015 in the Broadway Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan.

For this event Mr. Aquino has partnered with Champions Against Bullying in their mutual efforts to heighten awareness and support for bullying prevention. Opening the show will be Meredith O’Connor, teen singing sensation and Star Champion Celebrity Spokesperson for Champions Against Bullying. The organization’s recent heartfelt PSA, created by advertising powerhouse Deutsch New York, has received coverage in prestigious media including The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Little Black Book, The Independent, Business Insider, AMC Network, KOMO-TV (Seattle ABC affiliate) and online through various channels where it garnered almost 400,000 views in less than 7 days.

Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Champions Against Bullying. The organization’s ad will be featured throughout the event along with other Couture Fashion Week sponsors on the huge digital billboard outside the venue in Times Square

Mr. Aquino’s “Blue Rose” collection is chic and elegant, using predominantly black luscious fabrics with touches of blue. It is inspired by one of Mr. Aquino’s poems. To make the show a more complete and inclusive experience, in addition to regular fashion models, Mr. Aquino has assembled a number of performers, artists and socialites, including a few beauty queens, who are passionate about making this a better world.

“Bullying is a problem affecting children, teenagers and even grown-ups nationwide,” says Couture Fashion Week producer and fashion designer Andres Aquino. “We are excited to use our unique platform to help draw attention to such an important social problem. Being nice costs nothing, as the saying goes. The world is a better and more beautiful place when we respect each other without exception,” he adds.

Among those scheduled to participate in the show:

Meredith O’Connor – Teen pop star and Champions Against Bullying Star Champion whose hit songs include Celebrity, The Game and Just the Thing with millions of downloads. She stars in the upcoming film Red Head Randy.

Alyx Je’Ane Shell – Miss Louisiana Gulf Coast Teen USA and more than a dozen other titles, proud to represent the State of Louisiana and its unique culture and rich history, as well as being a voice for raising awareness of childhood cancer through the Colors for a Cause charity.

Maryann Connolly – Multi-award-winning teen singer and finalist at American Idol/Hollywood Studios Florida.

Alexa Castle – Award-winning dancer and Miss New Mexico Teen USA 2011, Alexa is now at the University of New Mexico where she is a member of the UNM Dance Team.

Meghan Redd – A lead model for couture designer Raoul Blanco, she has been featured in several Louisiana fashion magazines

Catherine McGehee – Catherine recently received her high school’s Golden Lion Award recognizing leadership, Christian character, and dedication to academics.

Lauren Cooper – From Sao Paulo, Lauren is a fitness guru and Brazilian swimsuit model.

Sydney Trim – An honor roll high school student from Lafayette, Louisiana, Sydney is an aspiring model and makeup artist, and volunteers as an art instructor at a local nursing home.

Alexis Albaugh – Alexis is the current spokesmodel for the Meadow’s Racetrack & Casino, and a 2014 Swimsuit USA International Finalist. She is also a runway and print model, an aspiring actress, and a USA certified gymnastics coach.

Veronica Iovan – A talented young soprano who has performed at prestigious events and venues around the world, and is a popular regular performer at CFW.

Click for tickets and more information to the fashion show and after party.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Leigh Faith-Fujimoto
USA Director
Champions Against Bullying
leigh@championsagainstbullying.com

Fashion Meets Broadway in “Gotham Nights” by Designer Andres Aquino

Gotham Nights by Andres Aquino fashion show at Couture Fashion Week NY
Photo: Ron Carr

Designer Andres Aquino will present his latest collection entitled “Gotham Nights” at Couture Fashion Week New York’s upcoming 21st season. The runway fashion show will be held at 8:00 pm on Valentine’s Day, Saturday February 14, 2015 in the Broadway Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, in the heart of the city.

“Gotham Nights” is dedicated to the Gotham City Muse, a woman who dwells in a place where cool meets sexy in the city that never sleeps; a poetic place where myriad legends are created every night, and stories are told with beauty, style and gorgeous fashions. Beyond the fashion show, there is art, music, dance and enchantment, hallmarks of the prolific designer’s presentations for many seasons at one of New York Fashion Week’s most prestigious events. The highly anticipated show will be followed by the Valentine’s Ball.

Among the stunning models walking the show will be several winners of the Top Model Vietnam competition.

An array of talented performers are sure to dazzle the audience as part of the show, including:

Leah Danielle – Verissimo soprano and solo concert singer who has performed with legendary tenor Andrea Boccelli and appeared at Carnegie Hall. She sang in her first movie soundtrack for the Universal Studios film Prime, and has performed many operatic roles including Musetta in La Boheme, Liu in Turandot, Contessa in Le Nozze Di Figaro, and Drusilla in L’Incoronazione di Poppea.

Salome Katamadze – Singing sensation from the Republic of Georgia, she is a winner of X Factor and other major European music festivals. She has performed at numerous music events throughout Europe.

Nini DeRossi – Native of the Republic of Georgia, now based in New York, she is the winner of the TV competitions 10 + 10 (Armenia) and X Factor (Greece), as well as being a finalist in Georgia’s Georgian Idol. Her poignant rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You at CFW thrilled the audience.

Stella Matteoni – Singer-songwriter from the South of France, she is a rising star on the European popular music scene.

Panic! The Musical Singers – With their sights set on Broadway, the ensemble performs the songs of the American rock band Panic! At The Disco. The group includes Broadway and off-Broadway entertainers led by Alexis Acar.

Ryan Raffloer and Hanna Sverdlov – A crowd-thrilling, high energy dance duo.

Veronica Iovan and Antonio Abate – Veronica is a talented young soprano who has performed at prestigious events and venues around the world, and is a popular regular performer at CFW. Antonio is a tenor whose extensive repertoire ranges from sacred music to Broadway tunes to classic opera. The duet will perform a Broadway classic at the “Gotham Nights” show.

Andres Aquino is producer and founder of Couture Fashion Week New York, as well as a poet, writer, designer, business entrepreneur, and above all entertainer, who loves to dazzle his audiences by taking fashion shows beyond conventional industry standards into the realm of Broadway-style theatrical productions.

Click for tickets to the show and Valentine’s Ball.

Beyond the Fashion Show

BeyDancers Ryan Raffloer and Hanna Sverdlovond the fashion show, there is art, music, dance and enchantment at “Gotham Nights” by Andres Aquino. Don’t miss the spectacle! Saturday February 14, 2015 at 8:00 pm, followed by the Valentine’s Ball. The highly-anticipated show will include an exclusive performance by the crowd-thrilling, high energy, dance duo of Ryan Raffloer and Hanna Sverdlov.

Tickets and more information.

A Perfect Match: Art and Couture

art-andres-aquino-show

Did you know that in addition to the fabulous fashion shows, trend-setting hair and makeup designs, and glam after parties, Couture Fashion Week New York also showcases stunning works of art by talented visual artists? The recent “Mon Amour” fashion show by Andres Aquino featured this beautiful art background by artist and fashion designer Alexandra Popescu-York.

BBC America’s Hit New Series “Almost Royal” at Couture Fashion Week

almost_royal

The hit new reality series “Almost Royal” filmed part of an upcoming episode at Couture Fashion Week New York recently. The show will be broadcast on BBC America this Saturday, 5th July at 10pm ET (check your local listings).

“We’re really excited about the series – it has been getting amazing reviews in the media and has created a real buzz online,” says producer Peter Hackett.

poppycarlton-andresaquino

“This was a unique and fun experience,” says designer and CFW producer Andres Aquino. “It was a hoot having Poppy walk the runway during my ‘Femme Jolie’ fashion show this season.”

Feel free to engage with the series through social media. Poppy and Georgie’s characters both have twitter handles (@PoppyCarlton / @GeorgeCarltonUK) and throughout the run of the series the hashtag #almostroyal will be used.

More details about the TV show and how you can view it, can be found on the website: http://www.bbcamerica.com/almost-royal/