Dallas to Fecirc;tecirc; Carmen Marc Valvo

New York designer Carmen Marc Valvo will receive the 2006 Fashion Excellence Award at the 31st annual Dallas Fashion Awards gala on Oct. 28.

Valvo will be honored for his design excellence in women’s fashion. The designer is known for outfitting celebrities such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kim Cattrall, Beyonce, Lucy Liu, Vanessa Williams and others.

Valvo’s career started in Westchester County, N.Y., where he grew up. He studied in Europe and at the Parsons School of Design in New York. He launched his own collection in 1989, after working for Nina Ricci and Christian Dior. His eveningwear gained the attention of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. The success eventually led to a couture collection released in 1998.

He now produces a sportswear collection, a new suit collection, custom furs, shoes, limited-edition jewelry designs with Vivid Collection, and has plans for a new swimwear line.

“Carmen Marc Valvo is a legendary American designer who brings glamour to women everywhere through his collections,” said Bill Winsor, president and chief executive officer of the Dallas Market Center. “Whether he’s designing a suit or a spectacular gown for a celebrity, Carmen’s remarkable craftsmanship always sets him apart.”

Aside from Valvo’s presentation, a number of West Coast companies are up for awards in various categories and will be named during the event. For ticket information, call (214) 672-8420.

Robert McAllister