Meet Andres Aquino, Founder and Producer of Couture Fashion Week New York

Organizing a Fashion Week involves many different fashion professionals who are experts in their fields ranging from director to designer. With the series “Meet Fashion Week Professionals”, FashionUnited looks behind the catwalk to introduce those who bring great fashion events to life all around the globe. We recently chatted with Andres to learn more about his role at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Andres, can you tell us a little bit about the Couture Fashion Week New York?

I founded Couture Fashion Week New York in 2005 as a platform for creative minds. The event is now entering its 24th season in September 2016. It has shown hundreds of couture and luxury fashion collections by exceptional designers from many countries. CFW’s target audience is affluent consumers and upscale boutiques. It attrackts some 5,000 attendees over the 3-day event twice a year in February and September. It also attracts media coverage by over 200 press outlets from around the world and plenty of social media coverage. We also do occasional upscale shows in other cities including Cannes, Monaco and Palm Beach. The event has featured designers and models from over 100 countries and is the first major fashion week event to include top-notch performers on a regular basis. This concept has been emulated by other fashion event producers like Victoria’s Secret. CFW events also include exhibits of art, luxury products and services, awards and parties.

The New York fashion show scene was best known for ready-to-wear until Couture Fashion Week came along. Since its start Couture Fashion Week has created opportunities for couture and luxury fashion designers and well as jewelry and accessories designers to showcase their creations, get publicity and build their brands. Many are up-and-coming young designers, but the event has also presented many established and leading designers. It also provides a great experience and resume-builder for makeup and hair stylists models and event staff. CFW was the first major fashion week event to focus on high-end consumers, not just trade and press, allowing consumers to attend the shows. CFW has established itself as New York’s leading entertainment, networking and business fashion event, bringing fun to the otherwise boring traditional shows.

CFW also brings business and revenue to the city, attracting attendees and participants who spend on hotel rooms, restaurants, shopping and other activities. The international press covering the event brings positive publicity to New York as well. Please check the event website for more information and links to our social media: www.CoutureFashionWeek.com

Please tell us about your role at Couture Fashion Week New York?

As producer, I oversee the entire production. There are many aspects to the event – from coordinating with the administrative staff to working with sponsors, sales staff, designers, models, press and much more. I am also a fashion designer and present a new collection every season during the event.

What do you like most about your job?

1. I like bringing people and cultures together and CFW has achieved that. Every season different countries bring not only fashion but tourism, art and culture to the event. Recently we worked with representatives from Nepal, China and Indonesia, the Philippines, Peru, for example.

2. I like the fact that our shows, models and designers are inclusive and diverse, something that is rare in the New York fashion industry, or even in other major fashion markets like Milan and Paris for many years.

3. The fact that we have quietly featured healthy-looking models for years, before most other industry leaders began talking about the issue of body mass index and other health concerns. We have been proud to help encourage a positive image of beauty to young girls around the world.

4. The joy we bring to all participating attendees and exhibitors along with the boost we offer to designers to market their brands.

5.Working with worthy charities. Some recent charity partners have been the Brazos de Amor Foundation in Costa Rica, Champions Against Bullying and the NYC Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

6. And the fact that the event receives global attention.

Did you always want to work for a fashion event like Couture Fashion Week New York?

I have been involved in entertainment for many years, so I was intrigued by the concept of taking fashion show production to new heights by marrying fashion and entertainment. I wanted to bring something new to the industry. We have succeeded beyond our expectations in doing so.

What is your professional background? How did you become the Producer of Couture Fashion Week New York?

My background is in theater and communications. I started in radio when I was 7 years old, then did theater in high school and college. After grad school, I worked in a number of areas in the entertainment industry including being the facility director of a major entertainment venue, talent manager, model agent and fashion photographer. In 1997 I founded Fashion Syndicate Press, one of the first photo stock agencies dedicated to providing fashion and beauty photos for advertisements and editorials. Photography led me to show production and fashion design. I recognized an opportunity and so I founded Couture Fashion Week and became its producer.

What is your advice for those who want to pursue a career in fashion?

The fashion industry is extremely competitive and a magnet for many highly creative people. But those who are quick to be innovative and adapt to changes in style, communication and technology will have an advantage to survive and thrive.