Vargas’ highly fashionable yet functional and fluid designs are born from 20 years working as a textile designer in Mexico City before focusing exclusively on jewelry-making. Vargas comments that, “today’s fashion can be very uniform. In other words, someone can dress in black.

But that person can wear the same black dress that seven other people have on with a striking piece of jewelry and that seemingly small detail makes that individual stand out.”

Although based in her native Mexico where she is aesthetically inspired by her environmental and cultural surroundings, Vargas’ collections are celebrated internationally in the United States, Italy, Morocco, Spain and France.

Two of her feature pieces from the Agua de los Rios collection and Guayan Collection display Vargas’ organic and intricate designs as well as, detailed craftsmanship.

Another feature of the event was husband and wife design team Andres and Yamilka Missair, who use leather as a sculptural medium for the design and construction of handbags and accessories.

Andres, who is formally trained in medicine and architecture, and Yamilka, with a background in interior design, received the First Prize for Industrial Design at the 7th International Design Salon in Buenos Aires.

The handbags are sleek and contemporary with a distinctive edge and style. Sharp angles and supple leather come together to create a unique and hip handbag for the modern woman.

On May 12th, designers such as, Luis Perdomo and Marialexandra of Venezuela, as well as, Anju Modi and Manish Arora of India presented their 2006 spring collections during the Eveningwear and India Showcase segments.

Luis Perdomo’s designs were feminine and dramatic. Using silk, satin and sequence, Perdomo presented a sophisticated and well tailored collection, highlighting a woman’s sensuality.

A floor length strapless white tailored gown, accented by a black choker and long black gloves closed the show with contemporary flair on a classic cut and design.

Marialexandra followed Perdomo’s collection with an array of succulent colors and silks. Coral reds and citrus orange were highlighted throughout the show with varying floor and knee length dresses and skirts.

A juicy bright orange satin strapless silhouette dress closed the show with a punch of color and South American flair.

Anju Modi’s designs highlighted a beautiful array of Indian ornamentation and layering. Gold leafing, gauze like silks and sequence adorned floor length peasant skirts, tunics, fitted corsets and jackets with glamour and grace. Modi presented a sensuous and ornate collection full of Eastern accents and Indian inspired embellishments.

Designer Manish Arora closed the India showcase with a tour de force collection of whimsy and well constructed couture pieces. Sequence, neon colors, hand appliqués and a play on centuries of style coalesced in a fantastic display of top notch tailoring.

By combining elements of Eastern and Western design, Arora’s creations were a jaw dropping feat of architecture and artistry. Floor length skirts dazzled amidst hand sewn sequence and gold leafing that shimmered in the light.

Mandarin collars fused with 18th century English riding jackets in bright blues, yellows and pinks. Samurai meets Sultan, describes one astonishing yellow creation, which was paired with gold and baby blue sneakers and a floor length gold and coral silk skirt.

Arora’s collection was both refreshing and spectacular, as the hand detailing and show stopping drama of Indian headpieces, aviator goggles, pheasant feathers and multicolor tights created a one of a kind and signature collection of true Haute Couture.

Arora’s collection was a perfect ending to the India Showcase and reflected the intense creativity and charisma that is The Fashion Week of the Americas.

For more information, please visit www.fashionweekamericas.com, www.missair.net, and www.marthavargas.com, www.manisharora.ws, www.Marialexandra.com, and www.luisperdomo.com.ve