“Father Cuomo”, heading up the fashion industry in the southwest, is pulling for more community support
Affectionately dubbed “Father Cuomo” by his fans, the Italian New York Native and Las Vegas fashion guru has his last Santa Fe Fashion Week (SFFW) just months behind him, and the 2014 four-day Fashion Week is continuing to grow and expand. With new educational programs, breakout sessions, and seminars for both boutique owners and designers – along with a new way to sell clothing in order “to hopefully create a stronger draw for more local designers”, Stephen is currently reaching out to Southwest communities from New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. The SFFW 2014 event will be held September 17th through the 20th at the Santa Fe Convention Center located at 201 W. Marcy Street Santa Fe, NM 87501. Among the opportunities presented, classes on “factoring”, (the “down-n-dirty” of the fashion business) are included along with Trunk Shows at several local art galleries on well-known Canyon Road, the hub of Santa Fe’s Art Community. In addition, in production is a documentary/reality show featuring a true “behind-the-scenes” look at the popular fashion show, and sure to garner much exposure for all involved.
A true business man, Stephen Cuomo, Executive Producer of SFFW has along background in business – a Merrill-Lynch stockbroker and a land developer in his past – he’s always looking for a need and filling it. “New Mexico deserves to compete in a premier fashion week the caliber of other more well-known fashion capitals such as New York, Paris, Milan, or London. I look for a niche and I fill it”. When asked about his focus on local designers, he says, “It’s been difficult for me to draw enough local designers in the area. Many who are up-and-coming in the fashion world as designers don’t understand the world of business and I’m here to help them become successful – if they win, we all win. I pride myself in both supporting cultural diversity and creating an atmosphere of cohesiveness”. Among other opportunities this year will include the launch of SFFW’s clothing website found at www.santafefashionweek.com– the main website for the company, where designers can sell directly to the public and to prospective buyers. Sponsors and designers who would like to be involved in New Mexico’s premier Fashion Week can sign up through the website or call Stephen Cuomo directly at 505-440-6747. To be included in the clothing website,designers must include one or two hi-res pictures of the clothing they would like to sell. Space is limited. In 2015, the company will be expanding their operations to Las Vegas and will launch the official Las Vegas Fashion Market.
About Santa Fe Fashion Week (SFFW)
2014 will mark Stephen Cuomo’s third Fashion Week event. In the past two years SFFW was held at Buffalo Thunder, and is excited about finally moving the event to the heart of Santa Fe as well. SFFW has featured both established and emerging designers. Some notable designers include the showcased Coyote Couture, Montana Dreamworks, Syrup Swimwear, and the eyebrow-raising Cock-of-the-Walk designs –traditional southwestern wear by Carrie Cameron Art. Other stellar designers include Professor Ezra Estes of the dEste line/Seams Unusual and head of Fashion Design at Santa Fe Community College, among many other upcoming artists.
From the 2014 Designers Package:
“Santa Fe Fashion Week has already become the most prestigious and upscale fashion event in the southwest. We have created an affordable opportunity for designers, and jewelers to showcase their talent and establish a new fan base. We remain determined to continue to promote and increase awareness of the region’s fashion and design as well as to create communication and commerce for your business. As most local New Mexican Residents already know, this state is comprised of a close network of tightly-woven communities that understand and care about their neighboring counterparts… living in the Land of Enchantment offers many benefits. The free and creative energy of the many spirits who currently reside in this magical territory can attest to the free and independent attitude that defines the special nature… of New Mexico”