Leila Lopes, winner of the Miss Universe 2011 competition, made her runway debut this Valentine’s Day at New York Fashion Week. Wearing designers Rolando and SACHIKA during their unveiling of the fall/winter 2012 collection.
The Angolan beauty showcased a variety of looks for celebrity fashion designers Custo Barcelona and Zang Toi. On Valentine’s Day Lopes showcased the designs of To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika. Their collection, titled “Ivanka: If We Ever Meet Again,” was inspired by a fictional muse and reflected the style of a secret agent on a mission.
In addition to walking the runway, Lopes also kicked off the festivities on February 9 by walking the red carpet at the amfAR Annual New York Gala. This black tie gala is held on the eve of New York Fashion Week and aims to raises money for AIDS research, prevention and education. The event honored Italian Fashion Designer Roberto Cavalli.
Lopes is currently overseas in Johannesburg, South Africa where she is attending the launch of African Fashion International. She will also be gracing the cover of the March Issue of New African Woman magazine.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is a yearly event which started on Febraury 9th and runs through the 16th. It attracts international press, the best designers worldwide, and a slew of celebritiy attendees each year who vie to be the first to see the hottest trends in cutting edge fashion. Both established designers and up & coming talent have the chance to showcase their work. This year we spotted fashion icons Rachel Zoe, Dita Von Teese, Brad Goreski, Kelly Osbourne, and Nina Garcia at events. Celebrity attendees so far this week include Courtney Cox, Molly Simms, Ashley Greene, Matt Damon and wife Luciana, Joe Jonas, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Renee Zellweger, and Kristin Chenoweth.
For a full schedule of events, designer bios, and entertainment please visit New York Fashion Week.