Designer to stars readies TJ show - SD models vie for spot In 'InnovaModa'
From San Diego Red
TIJUANA -- "The countdown has begun to the most spectacular fashion show in years in this city - and models from San Diego are set to take center
stage.
With about 100 days left until October's glittering "InnovaModa" fashion show, it's now firmly in the spotlight.
The glittering catwalk show, which is being held as part of the international Tijuana Innovadora conference, will showcase the dynamic style of the
border region's most established fashion designers.
These include Louis Verdad, arguably the most high-profile Mexican designer in international fashion, who has created outfits for the likes of
Madonna, Paris Hilton, Rihanna, and Mexican actress Ana de la Reguera.
Other designers on show at the event include former Victoria's Secret designer, Ximena Valero, and up-and-coming Daniela Villa.
And on Saturday, dozens of models from across the Baja California border region attended a casting call in Tijuana ahead of rehearsals later this
summer.
Among the potential models were twin sisters Melissa and Justine Miranda who live in San Diego, and whose parents are originally from Tijuana.
Melissa, a High Tech High Chula Vista student, said the opportunity of taking part in InnovaModa would be a "cool experience."
"This kind of fashion show shows Tijuana in a great light," the sixteen-year-old said. "A lot of people visit Tijuana so it's a big deal."
"It's just a really positive thing to be part of, and we'll be really proud to take part in it in front of our family and friends."
Another potential model is Silvia Gonzalez, aged 17, and who also lives in San Diego.
"Tijuana has had a pretty bad image in the past so it's great that an event like this is happening to put a positive spin on things," the Southwest
High School student added.
"I'm interested in becoming a model so this is the perfect opportunity for me."
The InnovaModa fashion show will be staged on Oct. 14 as part of the ground-breaking 11-day Tijuana Innovadora conference. In total 70 catwalk queens
will model around 75 new designs.
The conference, which runs from October 11 to 21, in an international event that showcases innovation in the Tijuana-San Diego region.
The event has a different theme throughout its run. And the "InnovaModa" show is part of a day focused on Strategic Design.
The fashion show will be historic because it's the first time Verdad and Valero have presented their designs in Tijuana.
"I'm always excited to come back to Mexico as a Mexican," said Los Angeles-based Verdad, who is promising "something a bit special" for his part of
the show.
"I work literally seven days a week and I'm always putting everything into my career so it's great to head home to show what I do.
"I've worked with Madonna and other stars and I may well create some sort of tribute to Madonna as part of the show. That's all I can say about that
for now because I don't want to give too much away."
Commenting on the importance of the event for the border region Verdad added: "Mexico, and Tijuana in particular, is looking to the future and it has
a vision. It's vital to promote the talent we have and inspire people.
"I feel very proud to be part of the momentum."
And InnovaModa will be special for Valera, who was born in Mexico City but grew up in Tijuana.
"I've been really lucky to have had shows all over the world so it's so nice to be coming home for this," said the award-winning designer who is also
based in Los Angeles.
"I'm very proud to be part of it as it will help to showcase the positive nature of Tijuana and the wider region and focus on the talent we have here.
"It's going to be the biggest event of its kind for many years in Tijuana so I consider it to be an honor to be part of it."
Claudia Muñoz, who coordinated Saturday's casting, added: "A lot of people are excited about Tijuana Innovadora and, in particular, the fashion show.
"It is the first time an event of this type has been held here for many years."
Another casting call will be staged in San Diego later this month.
This year will be the second time Tijuana Innovadora will be presented. It was last held in 2010 and quickly garnered national and international
accolades.
In October, the conference will once more will present some of the world's leading innovators in technology, science and culture.
It will consist of keynote addresses, panel discussions and workshops and an expo and business fair.
All sessions will be in English and Spanish and the main conference venue will be the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT).
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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