A Royal Success: Academy of Couture Art première Grand Fashion Gala proves education is always in style

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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A Royal Success: Academy of Couture Art
première Grand Fashion Gala proves
education is always in style
Royals and celebrities join diplomats in saluting education.

West Hollywood, CA -- The Academy of Couture Art (ACA) in Los Angeles is a design college of Haute Couture. Recognized for being true to the couture aesthetic, ACA in association with Swarovski, Christian Dior Beauty, Bumble & Bumble and Luichiny Shoes, showcased the signature creations of their graduates in an exclusive première Grand Fashion Gala on July 24, 2010 in the prestigious Sofitel Hotel Grand Ballroom.

NBC's "First Look" On Air Host Viviana Vigil elegantly conducted the evening as Master of Ceremonies that included Her Royal Highness Princess Th
eodora of Greece and Denmark being honored as an exemplary role model to the world youth by ACA founders Sonia and Thierry Ete.

Virtuoso violio Elizabeth Pitcairn, took the stage for a breath taking encore performance with the world’s most legendary instrument, her "Red Mendelssohn" Stradivarius of 1720, the inspiration of the Academy award-winning film The Red Violin.

Angelia Dufresne the outstanding youth designer from the Summer Intensive was awarded Miss Teen Couture by Baroness Kimberly Moore, which was followed with a brief showcase of the ten leading youth designs.

The pinnacle of the evening: the première Nouvelle Couture Show started concurrent with the arrival of leading Couturier and Special Advisor to the Academy of Couture, Lloyd Klein and Lloyd Klein Couture CEO, John Arguelles. Five looks were presented by each of the ten graduating designers: Boris Ramos, Christina Manolescu, Sarah Kim, Mariana Romero, Tori Cates, Max Freiermuth, Ann Billardello, Angelina Radden, Kay Enyart, Sloane Pennington, Angela Chuy, Sabrina Yadegar.

Celebrity hair stylist Sean James (who’s clients include Scarlett Johansson, Dita von Teese, Emily Blunt and Jamie Lee Curtis and fashion shows by Balmain, Burbury, Dolce and Gabanna, Gucci and Valentino) of Fred Segal Salon created and directed the hair design, with make-up designed and directed by celebrity artist, Gina Brook (clients include Madonna, Naomi Campbelle, Gisele Bunchen, David Beckham, Justin Timberlake with editorial appearing in Vogue (USA, France, Italy, Korea), Harper’s Bazaar (UK), Vanity Fair (USA, UK)). Tiffany Saxby was the key make-up artist (clients include Madonna, Brittney Spears, David Beckham and photographers David LaChappelle, Miles Aldridge, Steven Klein).

The distinguished audience included Princess Dalal Al-Saud, Countess Michelle Czernin von Chudenitz Morzin, Baronesse Bettina von Schimmelmann, Consul General Juan Marco Gutierrez Gonzales of Mexico; Consul General Daniel Kumermann of the Czech Republic; Deputy Consul General Iris Valverde of Peru, Terri Gans for Consul General Martinon of France, Max Ryan ("Sex and the City 2"), Scott Elrod ("The Switch"), designer Julia Clancey, the "Bachelorette" Ali Fedotowsky, "Bachelorette" producer Cassie Lambert, world renowned pianist Carter Larsten, ABC's "On The Red Carpet" Bruce Reynolds and leading sponsor, Patricia Applegate.

"NYPD Blue's" Charlotte Ross and model turned author, Elizabeth TenHouten stopped in for an early drink to the Marani Vodka & Sorbee Crystal Light VIP lounge and EMI recording artist, Lolene wrapped the evening out with a live performance from her latest, self-titled album.

"We are honored by the outpouring of support from the fashion, diplomatic, royal, celebrity and educational communities. As we move into our second year," said ACA Founders, Sonia and Thierry Ete, "we know that more extraordinary visions of fashion will be revealed, as well we anticipate hearing great successes from our graduating students. This inaugural Gala was such an phenomenal success, it will be a great pleasure to create an equally unique and powerful event for 2011."

About the Academy of Couture Art:
The Academy of Couture Art was founded as a higher institution of learning to teach the principles and techniques of fashion that go above and beyond those ordinarily taught in the United States by providing instruction combining European Haute Couture fashion with American fashion. Unique to American fashion education, ACA teaches Pattern Design and Fashion Design separately with faculty educated in French Couture tradition. Located at the center of one of the Fashion and Entertainment centers of the World, in the prestigious Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, the Academy of Couture Art offers innovative, challenging, and flexible fashion education programs that prepare a diverse student population for professional excellence in design, fashion, and business.

Our Vision is to provide an education of excellence that transforms unique creators into life-long professionals who design the world with the essence of Haute Couture.

Our Mission
The Academy of Couture Art has set a mission to enrich the community through creations that raise the level of aesthetic, quality, intelligence and sophistication. To achieve this goal, Academy of Couture Art follows, conveys, and promotes the essence, principles, and concept of Haute Couture translated by the research of Beauty, Harmony, Elegance, Perfection, and Uniqueness.

The market place is becoming more diversified, specific, personalized, and fostering micro-markets that target individually clients with a growing need for products fitting better their unique personality. Academy of Couture Art responds to this demand by preparing exceptionally talented individuals to become highly specialized experts and life-long professionals, who are capable of critical thinking, problem solving, market analysis, and to serve not only companies, at any level of their industry, but also to create their own brand, developing the niche market that fits perfectly their unique creativity.

Academy of Couture Art nurtures professionals with hands-on, student-centered programs and innovative teaching techniques focusing on student learning outcomes that develop confidence, sense of belonging and purpose. As the result, Academy of Couture Art constitutes a family of artists, designers, creators and leaders empowering each other, and dedicated to bring values and prosperity to the community.

For more information, please contact Michelle Myers, Director of Admissions, Academy of Couture Art, michelle@acawh.com, or call +1310-360-8888

Event production by Eva di Shanni, Fabulous PR, eva@fabulouspr.com, +1-310-704-2434

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