R. Paniagua, Inc. presents Estilo Caribe during NY Fashion Week.

R. Paniagua, Inc. announces Estilo Caribe to be celebrated during New York Fall Fashion Week with an exclusive presentation highlighting some of the best designers from Latin America and the Caribbean. This invitation only event will take place in Manhattan’s Fashion District at EZ Studios on Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 7-11pm.

Estilo Caribe represents the fashions, music, cuisine, and culture of The Caribbean Lifestyle. It is an extension of Caribbean Fashion Week (RD), a weeklong event based in the Dominican Republic that includes multiple runways and multi-media fashion salons. Plus, it is a central hub for emerging artisans and top international designers to present their summer and resort collections. Designers such as; Nicole Miller, Angel Sanchez and LuLu Guinness were among past presenters. In 2012, Estilo Caribe will also host events in Miami and Los Angeles.
“Our goal is to continue to expose the richness of Caribbean lifestyle to the international fashion community and serve as a platform for these burgeoning Latino designers, using New York’s high-profile Fashion Week as the launching pad”, stated Ralph Paniagua, Jr., President & CEO, R. Paniagua, Inc.

“We are excited to be back in New York City after an amazing third year in the Dominican Republic”, stated Tita Hasbun, Director of Caribbean Fashion Week (RD) and host of Fashion TV. “The continued support from the fashion community has been a blessing. It is incredible to see how the show has grown each year.”

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is the presenting sponsor of both Estilo Caribe and Caribbean Fashion Week (RD). R. Paniagua Inc. would also like to thank the following sponsors; CÎROC Ultra Premium Vodka, CIBAO meat products, Café Bustelo and Venue Magazine.

The following designers will be presenting at Estilo Caribe Fashion Night on September 10th, 2011 at EZ Studios in New York:

Sully Bonnelly – A native of Santo Domingo, Sully Bonnelly graduated from Parson’s School of Design in New York. He is an elected member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a recipient of Gold Coast Award and the Orden al Merito Cuidadano, and has been honored by the Governor of New York. Sully has designed for Bill Blass, Eli Tahari, and has served as a Creative Director for Oscar de la Renta. Sully is the first-ever Hispanic designer to be featured on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). The Sully Bonnelly collection has sold in Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.

Carlos Casanova – Best known for competing on season 8 of Project Runway, Carlos Casanova learned the art of fashion design at the Lisa Thon School of Design and the Carlota Alfaro Institute. His private clients include two Miss Universe titlists and a bevy of starlets. Casanova currently sells his ready-to-wear collections on his website.

Lucia Rodriguez – Lucia Rodriguez studied fashion in the Dominican Republic and graduated from Parson’s School of Design. Her signature bridal dresses and evening gowns are a must have for her exclusive clientele, which includes Michelle Rodriguez, Celines Toribio, Miss Universe contestants and New York City socialites.

Thais Schenk – Sophisticated swimwear designer hailing from Miami who applied her business school savvy and experience as a former model, television producer and fashion director to anchor her passion for fashion through design. Her critically acclaimed “Areia Collection by Thais Schenk” snagged critical acclaim and has been covered in array of international media outlets.

Martin Polanco – Martin Polanco is a Dominican native with an eye for style and passion for designing. Martin has been involved in the fashion industry since he was 14 years old, when he was an independent retailer for men’s wear. Martin has branched out of his homeland to major fashion cities, such as Miami, New York, and New Orleans, and has participated in countless fashion shows and events. His has draped his designs on celebrities such as singers Sergio Vargas, Johnny Ventura, and Daddy Yankee.