Holli Gibson, Designer of Lamanblu, Awarded The Rising Star 2009 by Fashion Group International

Denver, CO, October 30, 2009 --(PR.com)-- It was the Fashion by Design Runway Gala, at the exquisite showroom of Mercedes-Benz. Former Colorado First Lady, Frances Owens and Monica Owens were the Shining Star Honorary Chairs. The evening started with a Red Carpet Reception and a Silent Auction benefiting the Fashion Group’s scholarship and educational outreach programs. Gourmet hors d-oeuvres were offered up from Occasions By Sandy, caterer to the stars. Jacquie Palisi served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The star studded evening on the runway began with honoring David Jacobs of Spyder with the Star Legend Award. Nancy Fitzgerald sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and then the runway show began. Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue coordinated a Fashion Week worthy runway event, showcasing the category winners.

The 11 finalists were initially selected by criteria to evaluate their portfolios of current and past designs in addition to publicity and industry experience. They then presented to a panel of respected judges from the community. The distinguished panel of judges included Colorado Clothing Designer Brooks; Suzanne Brown of The Denver Post; Lisa Elstun of LRE Couture and Design; Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue; Elaine Mariner, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Executive Director of the Colorado Council on the Arts; Jim Stevens, The Garment District; Faye Tate, CH2M Hill and Ebony Fashion Fair co-chair. The challenge presented to the judges was to select the Rising Star as the next Colorado company, whom they thought would become a nationally recognized brand in the next 5 years. Designers were required to show samples of their current creations that were assessed in regard to fashion trends, cohesive collections, construction and marketability. Their samples and portfolios accounted for one half of the scoring. The other half was based on marketing strategies, distribution channels, business viability and personal interviews.

Finally it was time to unveil the winner of THE Rising Star award. The finalists were announced and made their way to the stage. Rustin Coburn and Noah Price of DVLP Clothing, Holli Gibson of LamanBlu and Julie Hill and Lisa Welch of BornFit. The award was presented by Gino Velardi, of Gino Velardi Couture, The Rising Star of 2007. And the winner is….Holli Gibson of LamanBlu, The Rising Star of 2009.

LamanBlu, by Holli Gibson, is eco-friendly designer clothing for children. It is created for parents and children who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable. The quality and timeless style is such that these clothes are meant to be passed down to siblings and heirloom pieces are meant to be passed down to future generations. These are mix and match clothing pieces that have been designed to take kids all the way from play to special events. The LamanBlu customer loves the American lifestyle of easy to care, easy to wear clothing, yet appreciates the European sensibility for the finer things in life and attention to detail. LamanBlu is available in boutiques across the US. Visit them on the web at www.LamanBlu.com

The Fashion Group International is a global, non-profit, professional organization with 5000 members in the fashion industry including apparel, accessories, beauty and home. The FGI mission is to be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and design and to help its members become more effective in their careers. To do this, FGI provides insights on major trends in person, online and in print; access to business professionals and a gateway to the influence fashion plays in the marketplace. Visit them on the web at www.denver.fgi.org

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