The evening began with a pre-show cocktail reception compliments of Flor de Cana, Boru Vodka and Red Stripe. With a funky DJ spinning a mix of Latin and eclectic world house, the buzz easily set in against the backdrop of Spanish inspired architecture, old world flair and new world fashion.

The Fashion show began ironically, with shoe designer Donald J Pliner opening with a foot in his mouth! (I suggest a teleprompter for future events, Donald!). Ill prepared hosts aside; the show was a magnificent display of future talent and ingenuity.

A documentary first introduced the innovative designers and a runway show followed illustrating their award winning designs.

Melissa Lorett of Manhattan, Kansas was awarded “Perrier Bubbling under Award for Design Concepts: The Elements.” Nicole Landaw was awarded for “Design Vision Award for Accessories.”

Morgan D’Alessandro took home “Project Global Tradeshow Design Vision Award for Menswear” and Martin Lim for “Eveningwear.” Ruth Wilson received “Target Design Vision Award for Women’s Ready to Wear.”

But, it was Montreal based Sculpt Messyah (Jade Devangelis) who stole the show. Winner of “Gen Art Design Vision Award for Avant Garde,” her designs are Valentino meets vamp with emphasis placed on Vamp.

Intricate leather creations adorned the stark white stage as a feat of hand tailoring and design. Black leather corsets, a full length red ruffled leather coat and black leather Athenian armor plated plunging v-neck creation, both astonished and tantalized onlookers.

Sculpt Messyah’s sexy and provocative couture designs are every woman’s fetish and every man’s fantasy.

The evening closed with a hip soiree at The District where a crowd of posh people crammed into a contemporary cocktail lounge to see and be seen and continue the Gen Art tradition of pomp and premier parties.

For more information visit Gen Art at www.genart.org