WORLD FASHION WEEK-WORLD FASHION AWARDS WILL HOST WORLD PREMIERE IN HOLLYWOOD

September 2, 2006 (Press Release) -- Los Angeles, California. July 31st, 2006. The United States has been selected to host the first ever World Fashion Week - World Fashion Awards in 2007. Los Angeles will act as inaugural city, with 38 countries participating and anticipation abounding. The first ever World Fashion Week - World Fashion Awards will provide worldwide exposure and recognition for participants, with a special interest in establishing cultural bridges and trade opportunities. This 7-day “Olympic-Style” event will close the international fashion calendar each year by featuring the top fashion designers from the strongest fashion nations around the world. Participants are given recognition not only as individuals but also as representatives of their countries, cultures and national fashion industries. As an opening act, the World Fashion Week – World Fashion Awards will host its World Premiere and Welcoming Gala on December 7th, 2006 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The Gala will serve as the official introduction of The First Annual World Fashion Week – World Fashion Awards USA 2007 to worldwide media, the International Fashion Industry, and all participating countries in a fundraising effort for Humanitarian Aid.
The Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio R. Villaraigosa, has recognized the potential of such a gathering, calling it “an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of ideas, perspectives and achievements in fashion.” Mayor Villaraigosa has expressed his support of this concept for unity, one with such a strong humanitarian aspect and a multicultural philosophy, by earnestly stating, “Together in partnership we can make a positve impact"
Acknowledging fashion as one of the most powerful economic forces around the world, the 6th day of the World Fashion Week is dedicated to a massive fundraising initiative for humanitarian causes. A “World Fashion Telethon” will take place in each participating country in an effort to solidify the concept of “Fashion for Peace.” The World Fashion Foundation is in active partnership with international foundations committed to raising funds on behalf of the world's most critical issues. This initiative gives fashion designers not only grounds of international exposure, but also the direct opportunity to make a new type of statement, one of peace and understanding. By taking an active part through their life’s work, they will aid in raising awareness and funds for humanitarian needs. Thus, together we enter an era where fashion is not about frivolous participation in society but is about active, artistic expression, cultural celebration, and a global financial impact for peace and unity. Attending countries for the 2006 Premiere are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland,Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America.