(PRESS RELEASE) LAS VEGAS — A high-level of anticipation and a strong sense of community filled the Encore Theater last night for the announcement of the finalists and winners of the 2018 COUTURE Design Awards. 15 awards were presented, including Editors’ Choice and Peoples’ Choice, as well as the Cindy Edelstein Award, which was presented to Paul Schneider, owner of Twist in Portland, OR.
COUTURE Director Gannon Brousseau greeted the packed house from the stage, “Welcome to another annual COUTURE Design Awards! No matter how many times I’m up here, it never gets less thrilling and it’s always more humbling! In fact, the longer I get to know the incredible people in this community, and the more I learn about what it is you do, I am increasingly in awe of all of you.”
“It took a long time, and it took no time, to get here,” enthused Vram Minassian from Vram upon receiving his Best in Debuting at COUTURE Award. “The support the last three days has been incredible, and this is the cherry on top. Thank you so much.”
In accepting his award for Editors’ Choice, Fernando Jorge emoted, “From the editors that have so much knowledge, that we love, that are working hard to promote our works, to open doors and opportunities for us. I thank each one of you. I also want to thank the COUTURE community. And this is becoming a tradition; I want to thank Stephen Webster, for bringing me here 7 years ago.”
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Upon accepting her award for Best in Silver, Heather B. Moore gave an impassioned speech about what this winning piece symbolized, “I travel with my kids around the world, I’m on a quest to make sure they see everything they can. When we were in Africa, we were touched by the animals we needed to protect. Inside of this bracelet is high-polished so you can see your reflection, and it says ‘The Tipping Point.’ We are all leaders in our communities and our actions are very important and we all need to give back!”
An emotional video featuring several COUTURE designers as well as Paul Schneider’s daughter, Sasha, announced this year’s Cindy Edelstein Award recipient. “Everybody actually knows that the creative energy and the power of our store is Lauren, my wife, who is very shy. She is the buyer, she’s an inspired buyer, she buys from her heart. We love beautiful things. We met in college when she was a weaver and I was a potter. And our life has been devoted to making beautiful things, and the people that make beautiful things. That’s what we do, and that’s what we always want to do. And we don’t sell on consignment. We buy everything. Thank you.”
Best in Bridal Category
Eva Fehren
Best in Colored Gemstones Category A
Amrapali
Best in Colored Gemstones Category B
Ark
Best in Debuting Category
VRAM
Best in Diamonds Category A
Mike Joseph
Best in Diamonds Category B
Studio Reves
Editor’s Choice Category
Fernando Jorge
Best in Gold Category
Carolina Bucci
Best in Haute Couture Category
Nikos Koulis
Best in Innovative Category
Stephen Webster
Best in Men’s Category
Shamballa Jewels
Best in Pearls Category
AUTORE Pearls
People’s Choice Category
Julez Bryant
Best in Platinum Category
Kuwayama
Best in Silver Category
Heather B Moore
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A link to see the images of all of the finalists and winners can be found here.
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COUTURE is open until 4:00pm tomorrow, June 4. For more information or to request press credentials please contact Michelle Orman at michelle@LastWordComm.com or (646) 302-5521.
