The Couture Design Awards, the signature event of the Couture Show, exists to recognize the world’s most visionary designers, uncover new and emerging talent, and promote the appreciation of jewelry and timepiece design worldwide.
The Couture Design Awards Ceremony took place at Wynn’s most distinguished hotel, Encore, in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 30, 2009 in front of an audience of more than 450 members of the Jewelry community including retailers, exhibiting designers, and press.
Surprise guest and celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe of "The Rachel Zoe Project" on Bravo TV, opened the evening’s festivities.
The evening ceremony for Couture Design Awards 2009 brought nearly three weeks of competition to a close.
More than 10,000 votes were cast online during the first round of voting from May 13 to May 22.
The online voting process narrowed the field of nominees to three in each of the 13 categories for a total of 39 finalists, who were unveiled on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Couture 2009 Welcome Reception hosted by Jill Zarin from The Real Housewives of New York City.
More than 4,000 votes were cast on site at Couture 2009 during the final round of voting.
Couture Design Awards 2009 Winners
Sevan Biçakci took Best of Men’s Jewelry for a pair of cufflinks in rose and yellow gold and sterling silver, set with black diamonds and featuring two paintings by Hasan Kale portraying Istanbul’s Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea with a galleon and one of the Prince Islands.
Exotic spice bazaars, majestic mosques, fairy tale like minarets and imposing Sultans. Istanbul, the only city in the world which has reigned as capital of three different empires, is without a doubt the greatest muse for the man known in the fine jewelry industry as “Lord of the Rings.”
Born and raised in Turkey, one of a kind jewelry designer Sevan has been a bench jeweler for the last twenty years—and at the age of 36, Sevan’s creations are profound and unique.
Each one is handcrafted from 24K, 18K yellow and rose gold, sterling silver with uniquely cut gemstones and antique cut diamonds that are inspired by the Blue Mosque from 17th century, the 6th century Hagia Sophia Church, the Topkapi Palace from 15th century and many childhood memories.
Sevan Bicakci is the recipient of a string of prestigious awards, including the Tanzanite Foundation Award for Best Independent Designer of 2007. Sevan has also won the Town & Country Couture Awards over the last three years including the 2008 Town & Country Couture Gemstone Award.
info: MEN'S jewelry - Jewelry for men