On June 2nd, the prestigious Hilton Aventura Hotel was the epicenter of glamour and creativity, hosting an event that seamlessly blended a high-fashion runway show with a short film festival. This extraordinary gathering attracted 500 guests during the height of Miami Swim Week, celebrating the convergence of fashion and film in an unforgettable evening.

A Symphony of Couture on the Runway

The evening commenced with an awe-inspiring fashion show featuring the latest collections from four distinguished designers: Jemma Russo, Olga Nikoza, Anastasia Milovskaya, and the celebrated headliner, Rubin Singer. The event was orchestrated under the visionary direction of fashion producer Valentina Varnavskaia and fashion director Russ Ev. The runway was a vibrant spectacle of haute couture, highlighting cutting-edge trends and innovative designs that captivated the audience.

Public speaker Kaysia M. Earley, Esq., served as the charismatic host, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the proceedings. Each designer brought their unique vision to the runway, creating a diverse and dynamic showcase that was both visually stunning and creatively inspiring.

Celebrating Short Films at the “Follow Your Heart” Festival

Following the fashion showcase, guests were treated to the third edition of the “Follow Your Heart” short film festival, founded by Oxana Nechaeva. This festival has quickly become a cornerstone of Miami’s cultural scene, offering attendees a luxurious and memorable experience.

The festival’s program opened with the “Follow Your Heart” anthem performed by singer and event host Veronika Vidal. Oxana Nechaeva welcomed guests, setting the tone for an evening of cinematic excellence. The festival featured a selection of competitive films alongside two out-of-competition films, including the 2023 “Super Short” winner, Painting by Number.

The highlight of the evening was the out-of-competition film Prima de Vienne: Liudmila Konovalova, directed by Lola Abigail Koch and presented on stage by Charlie Hoppenstein. This film provided a fitting conclusion to a night dedicated to artistic expression and storytelling.

Awards and Recognition

The festival’s jury, composed of industry luminaries such as Nikita Malafeev, Natalia Malafeeva, Igor Nisenboim, and others, was challenged to select the best among the outstanding films presented. The Grand Prix was awarded to Dmitry Galdin for his film Flesh, which impressed both the jury and the audience with its profound narrative and artistic excellence.

Other notable winners included Adriana Kostenko’s Madonna, which won Best Acting, and Ruslan Saliev’s SADOQAT, which received the Best Cinematography award. Anna Vedeneeva-Latkin designed the intricate costumes for SADOQAT, which were particularly praised for their creativity and craftsmanship.

Dmitry Galdin’s Grand Prix win came with a luxurious prize from sponsor VILLAEMG, owned by jury members Nikita and Natalia Malafeev: a week-long stay at a luxury villa in Germany, complete with a luxury car for the duration of the visit. The jewelry brand Majorica and the festival’s main partner, Aesthetemed Beauty and Wellness Clinic awarded additional prizes, recognizing the best acting and cinematography talents.

Photo Courtesy: Gianluca Carraro

A Collaborative Triumph

Tatyana Pustovit, Hilton’s PR Director, expressed her delight at the event’s success: “We are thrilled to have hosted such a magnificent event at the Hilton Miami Aventura. The evening was a testament to the convergence of art, fashion, and entertainment, and we are grateful to all our guests, sponsors, and partners for making it a resounding success.”

This grand celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of numerous sponsors. Key contributors included Hilton Miami Aventura (exclusive sponsor and partner), Aesthetemed Beauty and Wellness Clinic (general sponsor), Kaysia M. Earley, Esq., Veronika Vidal, VILLAEMG, Lilliet Decor, official DJ – DJ SoGra, Majorica, Nutree, Bully Blocker, Godina Worldwide, Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week, Fort Lauderdale Fashion Magazine, Awara IT, Edgar Entertainment, Ballet Support Foundation, Red Heel Society, Media Components, Dom Production, Varnava Production, Russev PR, Mark Pugachev, Art Picnic Catering, My Peonika, and radio USA.

Special Thanks

A special note of gratitude goes to Vitalja Aldana, Natalia Ikanova, and Rinat Shahmetov, the dedicated project team and photographers who captured the essence of the event. The efforts of stylists and volunteers, including Julia Corbridge, Eileen Carpenter, Ivy Carpenter, Michelle Woodall, Arielle Tempelberg, Elena Kupryukhina, Svitlana Zharovska, Olga Lisova, Svetlana Sanian, Julia Rutzick, Oksana Balaniuk, and Nadezhda Mushenko, were instrumental in the event’s smooth execution. 

Convention and Event Planner Nataliia Krasnova’s meticulous planning ensured that every detail was flawless. A heartfelt thank you also goes to friends and event assistants Dmitry Korchagin, Anton Filatov, Charlie Hoppenstein, JM Cabreagui, Florentina West, Sandra Madjdi, Rucht D’Oleo-Schwartz, and Aleksandra Mogritskaia (Premiere Cinema Club) for their invaluable support.

Final Thoughts

The event at the Hilton Aventura Hotel was more than just a celebration of fashion and film; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of artistic expression. The fusion of a high-fashion runway and a short film festival created a unique cultural experience that will be remembered for years to come. The success of this event highlights the importance of bringing together diverse artistic communities, fostering creativity, and celebrating talent in all its forms. As the curtains closed on this magnificent evening, one thing was clear: the Hilton Aventura Hotel had set a new standard for excellence in event hosting, leaving guests eagerly anticipating the next edition of this remarkable celebration.

Published By: Aize Perez