Courtesy of: The Morning News
By Rosalie Klein
Co-founders of the Aruba in Style AIS/Fashion Week, welcomed island media at the Westin Resort in Palm Beach on Monday afternoon to outline the upcoming event, now in its third year. This year, the co-founders, Ronchi de Cuba, Damilice Mansur and Evelin Wever announced they besides focusing on resort wear and bathing suits, they will also connect with the local population and feature fashion inspired by Aruba’s Carnival. The Westin Aruba Resort will be converted into a “first class fashion venue” from November 7 through 10.
On November 9, Chibi van der Hans, publisher of Aruba’s “bible” of Carnival, the annual Bacchanal Magazine, will launch this year’s edition. Famous for its stunning cover, the feature subject for the Carnival 60 edition will be a tribute to all the carnival group leaders, “without whom we would not have Carnival,” noted Mr. van der Hans. “It is an honor for me to showcase their hard work and dedication.”
This year, the AIS will showcase the new collections of Aqua Bendita of Colombia, BCBGeneration, Beck Dutch Design from Curacao, Eva Zissu of Venezuela, Gigliola Designs, Berjheny del Mar from Aruba, Gottex, Oakley, and one of the finalists of “Project Runway” TV show, Layana Aguilardi from Brazil.
Combined with the Carnival theme, there will be a strong representation of local island designers, including the exclusive Arubianas flip flop fashions.
This year, AIS has added a Facebook Photo Contest to further involve participants in the exciting round of VIP parties and fashion shows. Photography enthusiasts are invited to post up to five photos taken around the island that illustrate how very fashion-conscious Aruba is. The photos can feature fashion, maquillage, makeovers, celebrities, events, whatever. Invite friends and family to visit the AIS Facebook page to “like” the submissions, and the photo earning the most “likes” will be the winner. The winning picture will be announced on November 4. And will be displayed in the Westin Art Gallery during the official opening night of the AIS 2013 on Thursday evening, November 7.
The photographers of the top 5 most “liked” pictures will have the honor to join the official events together with all participating international photographers and press.
Photos by Damilice Mansur will also be on display, among other invited local artists.
On Friday, November 8, AIS will be in full swing on the Renaissance Resort Marina Tower Pool Deck for three fashions shows beginning at 8:00 PM. The following evening will be spent on the pool deck of the Westin Resort in Palm Beach, where their Carnival event will close the show.
Tickets for events are available at Renaissance Market Place, Valero Palm Beach, Beauty Team, Trash by Ronchi, Red Sail Sports and Vice Versa.
