Carmen Marc Valvo
Encyclopedia
Carmen Marc Valvo is an American designer who specializes in evening-wear and high-end cocktail dresses for a line of the same name, which was founded in 1989. He also has an eyewear collection, a lingerie collection, a swimsuit-line- a best-seller at Victoria’s Secret, and a Hamptons-inspired home collection, called CMV Home sold through QVC
.
He most recently launched a collection of evening bags and an exclusive Bridal Collection
, in 2010.
Valvo is best known for his tailored fit and form-fitting dresses.
/Italian
family in Westchester County, New York
where early on he developed a passion for oil painting and made costumes for his sisters’ school projects,” though his passion for the arts did not materialize into a career until later on. He once admitted that he didn’t realize being a designer, “was a real profession.” Valvo’s father was an anesthesiologist and his mother a nurse, and Valvo envisioned a career as a plastic surgeon, volunteering his free time in the ER. Eventually, he turned to a degree in Fine Arts at Manhattanville College
. He then spent a few years traveling in Europe, enriching himself in the endless culture and becoming proficient in several languages. He returned to the US and enrolled in the Parsons The New School for Design
. Valvo began his professional career as ready-to-wear designer for Nina Ricci
in Paris, and later spent time at Christian Dior
. In 1989 he launched his own label, putting together a collection to show at the fall market in New York with only a few thousand dollars. His sportswear was a success among department stores, but his evening wear sparked interest in buyers at Saks Fifth Avenue
and Neiman Marcus
, two stores he regularly sells at today. In response to demand from celebrity and VIP clientele, Valvo launched his Couture collection in 1998. This line has shown every year, twice a year, at New York Fashion Week
in the tents at Bryant Park
, since its inception, with the notable exception of Fall 2009’s collection.
in February, showing Fall 2009. Valvo, as well as Betsey Johnson
and Vera Wang
, were among the first and most notable designers to withdraw from showing a formal fashion show at Bryant Park
, which costs upwards of $100,000, and opt for a more intimate, casual, and certainly less costly, presentation. The tent runway shows usually have an audience of 1,000 people, but even in the Spring 2009 show in September, VP of Communications Frank Pulice said there was about a 25% decrease in attendance. Pulice explains the decision: “We didn’t know if we would have the audience we felt we needed to justify the cost of putting on that show — stores are cutting back on sending buyers to the shows, there’s less and less press coming.” Valvo held his Fall 2009 Collection presentation at the Citrine club, where a total of about 200 buyers, press and other attendees were able drop in and out at their leisure, while models mingled, adorned in the new couture collection, and a mock-runway video played in the background. Following the presentation hour, there was a cocktail reception, where attendees interacted and admired the clothing of Valvo. It is estimated that this type of event cost close to half of a show at the tents.
, Queen Latifah
, Beyoncé, Katie Couric
, Leona Lewis, Catherine Zeta-Jones
, Vanessa Williams
, Kate Winslet
, Eva Longoria
, and Mary J. Blige
, to name a few. His designs were also featured in Confessions of a Shopaholic
movie.
Valvo’s designs are regularly stocked at Neiman Marcus
, Saks Fifth Avenue
, Bloomingdale's
, Nordstrom
, Bergdorf Goodman
, and other specialty stores nationally and internationally.
, as he is a survivor himself. Carmen is an Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)
Ambassador and has given both his time and money to the organization, which has helped raise millions of dollars for colorectal cancer
research. One of Carmen's favorite organizations to which he has shown generosity is the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA). Valvo has partnered with Katie Couric
since their meeting at 7th on Sixth (New York Fashion Week
, now called Merecedes-Benz Fashion Week) in 2004 to bring attention to, and support research for, the deadly disease. His efforts on behalf of the organization were honored at a gala in March 2006 in New York where Carmen received the first ever Advocate Award from Couric. Valvo and his long-time friend Vanessa Williams
also recently appeared in a national print and broadcast campaign to bring awareness to the importance of early screening.
estimates that there will be approximately 50,000 deaths from colorectal cancer
in 2009. Discounting skin cancers, colorectal cancer
is the third most common cancer found in men and women in the United States.
Colorectal cancer
is the second-leading cancer killer in the United States with 150,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed this year. It is also one of the only cancer types that is often preventable through screening. Men and women should start to be screened yearly at age 50, and for those with a family history of the disease, screenings should begin earlier.
, Valvo joined with Katie Couric
, the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), the Entertainment Industry Foundation
, Olympus
, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
, Anna Wintour
, Fern Mallis
, Iman
, Nia Vardalos
and Patrick McMullan for the "Be Seen, Be Screened" campaign. At Bryant Park
, Valvo revealed his personal struggle with colorectal cancer
and joined the NCCRA as an ambassador in their initiative to raise awareness of this curable, but deadly, form of cancer.
and Valvo appeared in a public service campaign about the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer
. The PSA highlited that colorectal cancer
is an entirely preventable and curable cancer through screening. It also suggested working with a team of doctors and specialists—an oncologist, surgeon and gastroenterologist—in partnership with a primary care physician
, to decide the best treatment path.
The campaign included both print and broadcast announcements and was created by EIF’s NCCRA and sanofi-aventis. The print PSA appeared in fashion and lifestyle magazines while the videos were aired in March during National|Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
in 2011 to promote Dress in Blue Day, a colorectal cancer
awareness day held the first Friday of every March, which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. He donated a blue gown from his Black Label for the Colon Cancer Alliance to auction off, and designed a limited edition women's t-shirt for the event.
I was totally unaware of my own family history relating to the disease. With no family history on record, I was not eligible for prescreening by insurance and would have normally had to wait until the age of 50 for my first colorectal cancer
screening. Had I waited my prognoses would have been much, much different."
yearly since its inception in 2003 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
. Each of the twenty-five red dresses is designed by a different designer and worn by a different celebrated and glamorous woman—from Former First Lady Laura Bush to Christie Brinkley
—and helps to promote their national campaign The Heart Truth
, established in 2001. The campaign was created to increase women's awareness of heart disease. The symbolic red dress- the color of strength and vitality- has become the national emblem of the campaign. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America.
QVC
QVC is a multinational corporation specializing in televised home shopping. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, United States, QVC broadcasts in five countries as QVC US, QVC UK, QVC Germany, QVC Japan and – QVC Italy to 200 million households...
.
He most recently launched a collection of evening bags and an exclusive Bridal Collection
Designer Bride
Designer Bride is a bridal wear company carrying the bridal lines by ready-to-wear fashion designers Lilly Pulitzer , David Meister and Carmen Marc Valvo. They also carry the Angel by Angel Sanchez Collection. They are based in New York City.-History:...
, in 2010.
Valvo is best known for his tailored fit and form-fitting dresses.
Biography
“Valvo grew up in a traditional SpanishSpanish people
The Spanish are citizens of the Kingdom of Spain. Within Spain, there are also a number of vigorous nationalisms and regionalisms, reflecting the country's complex history....
/Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
family in Westchester County, New York
Westchester County, New York
Westchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. Westchester covers an area of and has a population of 949,113 according to the 2010 Census, residing in 45 municipalities...
where early on he developed a passion for oil painting and made costumes for his sisters’ school projects,” though his passion for the arts did not materialize into a career until later on. He once admitted that he didn’t realize being a designer, “was a real profession.” Valvo’s father was an anesthesiologist and his mother a nurse, and Valvo envisioned a career as a plastic surgeon, volunteering his free time in the ER. Eventually, he turned to a degree in Fine Arts at Manhattanville College
Manhattanville College
Manhattanville College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, located in Purchase, New York. Founded in 1841 it was known initially as Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart...
. He then spent a few years traveling in Europe, enriching himself in the endless culture and becoming proficient in several languages. He returned to the US and enrolled in the Parsons The New School for Design
Parsons The New School for Design
Parsons The New School For Design, known colloquially as Parsons, is the art and design college of The New School university. It is located in New York City's Greenwich Village, and has produced artists and designers such as Marc Jacobs, Dean and Dan Caten, Norman Rockwell, Donna Karan, Jane...
. Valvo began his professional career as ready-to-wear designer for Nina Ricci
Nina Ricci
Nina Ricci may refer to: * Maria Ricci, French designer of Italian origin* Nina Ricci...
in Paris, and later spent time at Christian Dior
Christian Dior
Christian Dior , was a French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, also called Christian Dior.-Life:...
. In 1989 he launched his own label, putting together a collection to show at the fall market in New York with only a few thousand dollars. His sportswear was a success among department stores, but his evening wear sparked interest in buyers at Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury American specialty store owned and operated by Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises , a subsidiary of Saks Incorporated. It competes in the high-end specialty store market in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, i.e. 'the 3 B's' Bergdorf, Barneys, Bloomingdale's and Lord & Taylor...
and Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus, formerly Neiman-Marcus, is a luxury specialty retail department store operated by the Neiman Marcus Group in the United States. The company is headquartered in the One Marcus Square building in Downtown Dallas, Texas, and competes with other department stores such as Saks Fifth...
, two stores he regularly sells at today. In response to demand from celebrity and VIP clientele, Valvo launched his Couture collection in 1998. This line has shown every year, twice a year, at New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week
The semi-annual New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009, is held in February and September of each year in New York City. It is one of four major fashion weeks held around the world .-History:The first New York Fashion Week, then called Press Week, was the world's first...
in the tents at Bryant Park
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a 9.603 acre privately managed public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan...
, since its inception, with the notable exception of Fall 2009’s collection.
Valvo’s withdrawal from the Tents at Bryant Park
Sometime in December 2008, rumors emerged that the then recent economic news would have an impact on the upcoming New York Fashion WeekNew York Fashion Week
The semi-annual New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009, is held in February and September of each year in New York City. It is one of four major fashion weeks held around the world .-History:The first New York Fashion Week, then called Press Week, was the world's first...
in February, showing Fall 2009. Valvo, as well as Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson is an American fashion designer best known for her feminine and whimsical designs. Many of her designs are considered "over the top" and embellished...
and Vera Wang
Vera Wang
Vera Ellen Wang is a Chinese American fashion designer based in New York City and former figure skater. She is known for her wide clientele of couture bridesmaid gowns and wedding gown collections.-Personal life:...
, were among the first and most notable designers to withdraw from showing a formal fashion show at Bryant Park
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a 9.603 acre privately managed public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan...
, which costs upwards of $100,000, and opt for a more intimate, casual, and certainly less costly, presentation. The tent runway shows usually have an audience of 1,000 people, but even in the Spring 2009 show in September, VP of Communications Frank Pulice said there was about a 25% decrease in attendance. Pulice explains the decision: “We didn’t know if we would have the audience we felt we needed to justify the cost of putting on that show — stores are cutting back on sending buyers to the shows, there’s less and less press coming.” Valvo held his Fall 2009 Collection presentation at the Citrine club, where a total of about 200 buyers, press and other attendees were able drop in and out at their leisure, while models mingled, adorned in the new couture collection, and a mock-runway video played in the background. Following the presentation hour, there was a cocktail reception, where attendees interacted and admired the clothing of Valvo. It is estimated that this type of event cost close to half of a show at the tents.
Press & Recognition
Valvo’s designs have graced many notable and glamorous women such as HRH Princess Madeleine of SwedenPrincess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland
Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland is the youngest child and second daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden...
, Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
, Beyoncé, Katie Couric
Katie Couric
Katherine Anne "Katie" Couric is an American journalist and author. She serves as Special Correspondent for ABC News, contributing to ABC World News, Nightline, 20/20, Good Morning America, This Week and primetime news specials...
, Leona Lewis, Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones, CBE, is a British actress. She began her career on stage at an early age. After starring in a number of United Kingdom and United States television films and small roles in films, she came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as the 1998 action film The Mask of...
, Vanessa Williams
Vanessa L. Williams
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine...
, Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet
Kate Elizabeth Winslet is an English actress and occasional singer. She has received multiple awards and nominations. She was the youngest person to accrue six Academy Award nominations, and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Reader...
, Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria
Eva Jacqueline Longoria is an American actress, best known for portraying Gabrielle Solis on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives...
, and Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
, to name a few. His designs were also featured in Confessions of a Shopaholic
Confessions of a Shopaholic (film)
Confessions of a Shopaholic is a 2009 American romantic comedy film based on the Shopaholic series of novels by Sophie Kinsella. Directed by P. J. Hogan, the film stars Isla Fisher as the shopaholic journalist and Hugh Dancy as her boss.-Plot:...
movie.
Valvo’s designs are regularly stocked at Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus, formerly Neiman-Marcus, is a luxury specialty retail department store operated by the Neiman Marcus Group in the United States. The company is headquartered in the One Marcus Square building in Downtown Dallas, Texas, and competes with other department stores such as Saks Fifth...
, Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury American specialty store owned and operated by Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises , a subsidiary of Saks Incorporated. It competes in the high-end specialty store market in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, i.e. 'the 3 B's' Bergdorf, Barneys, Bloomingdale's and Lord & Taylor...
, Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's is an American department store owned by Macy's, Inc. .Bloomingdale's started in 1861 when brothers Joseph and Lyman G. Bloomingdale started selling hoop-skirts in their Ladies Notions' Shop on Manhattan's Lower East Side...
, Nordstrom
Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is an upscale department store chain in the United States, founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. Initially a shoe retailer, the company today also sells clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and in some locations, home furnishings...
, Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman is a luxury goods department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The company was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf and was later owned and managed by Edwin Goodman, and later his son Andrew Goodman....
, and other specialty stores nationally and internationally.
Awards
- 2008
- City of TulsaTulsa, OklahomaTulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's...
Proclamation from Mayor Kathy TaylorKathy TaylorKathryn L. Taylor was elected the 38th Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 4, 2006, in the city's largest voter turnout for a mayoral election. She defeated Republican incumbent Mayor Bill Lafortune to become Tulsa's second female mayor, after Susan Savage first filled the post in 1992...
that October 20 is officially "Carmen Marc Valvo Day" for his generosity with the Tulsa Project Woman. - Fashion Icon Award from Pratt InstitutePratt InstitutePratt Institute is a private art college in New York City located in Brooklyn, New York, with satellite campuses in Manhattan and Utica. Pratt is one of the leading undergraduate art schools in the United States and offers programs in Architecture, Graphic Design, History of Art and Design,...
- City of Tulsa
- 2007
- National Coalition for Cancer SurvivorshipNational Coalition for Cancer SurvivorshipThe National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is a 501 nonprofit organization cancer advocacy organization based just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring, MD...
President’s Award - Italian Trade Commission’s President’s Award
- Gilda's ClubGilda's ClubGilda's Club, named in tribute to the late comic actress Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989, is a community meeting place for people living with cancer, their families and friends. There are 22 open clubhouses and nine in development in North America...
Man of Honor
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
- 2006
- National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance’s Advocate Award for Increasing Public Awareness
- Excellence Award at the Dallas Fashion Awards
- Award for Continued Support of Tulsa Project Woman, Inc.
- 2005
- Neiman MarcusNeiman MarcusNeiman Marcus, formerly Neiman-Marcus, is a luxury specialty retail department store operated by the Neiman Marcus Group in the United States. The company is headquartered in the One Marcus Square building in Downtown Dallas, Texas, and competes with other department stores such as Saks Fifth...
’ The Million Dollar Dress Award
- Neiman Marcus
- 2004
- Laboratory Institute of Merchandising’s (LIM)Laboratory Institute of MerchandisingLIM College is a private for-profit coeducational undergraduate and graduate educational institution focused on the business aspects of the fashion industry. It is located in Midtown Manhattan, and was founded in 1939 by Maxwell F...
Innovators in Fashion Award
- Laboratory Institute of Merchandising’s (LIM)
- 2002
- Fashion Group International’s "Night of Stars: A Salute to American Icons” Honor
- Marymount UniversityMarymount UniversityMarymount University is a coeducational, four-year Catholic university that has its main campus located in Arlington, Virginia. Marymount offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines and has a diverse and welcoming academic community with approximately 3,600...
Designer of the Year Award
- 1996
- After 5 Award at the Dallas Fashion Awards
Philanthropy
Valvo is involved with many charitable organizations, but has given most of his time to promoting awareness and encouraging the discussion of colorectal cancerColorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
, as he is a survivor himself. Carmen is an Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)
Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation , based in Los Angeles, is a 501 non-profit and the leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry...
Ambassador and has given both his time and money to the organization, which has helped raise millions of dollars for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
research. One of Carmen's favorite organizations to which he has shown generosity is the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA). Valvo has partnered with Katie Couric
Katie Couric
Katherine Anne "Katie" Couric is an American journalist and author. She serves as Special Correspondent for ABC News, contributing to ABC World News, Nightline, 20/20, Good Morning America, This Week and primetime news specials...
since their meeting at 7th on Sixth (New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week
The semi-annual New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009, is held in February and September of each year in New York City. It is one of four major fashion weeks held around the world .-History:The first New York Fashion Week, then called Press Week, was the world's first...
, now called Merecedes-Benz Fashion Week) in 2004 to bring attention to, and support research for, the deadly disease. His efforts on behalf of the organization were honored at a gala in March 2006 in New York where Carmen received the first ever Advocate Award from Couric. Valvo and his long-time friend Vanessa Williams
Vanessa L. Williams
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine...
also recently appeared in a national print and broadcast campaign to bring awareness to the importance of early screening.
About Colorectal Cancer
The American Cancer Society’sAmerican Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the "nationwide community-based voluntary health organization" dedicated, in their own words, "to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and...
estimates that there will be approximately 50,000 deaths from colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
in 2009. Discounting skin cancers, colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
is the third most common cancer found in men and women in the United States.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
is the second-leading cancer killer in the United States with 150,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed this year. It is also one of the only cancer types that is often preventable through screening. Men and women should start to be screened yearly at age 50, and for those with a family history of the disease, screenings should begin earlier.
Friends in Deed: Valvo and Katie Couric
For the Spring/Summer 2005 fashion week in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Valvo joined with Katie Couric
Katie Couric
Katherine Anne "Katie" Couric is an American journalist and author. She serves as Special Correspondent for ABC News, contributing to ABC World News, Nightline, 20/20, Good Morning America, This Week and primetime news specials...
, the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), the Entertainment Industry Foundation
Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation , based in Los Angeles, is a 501 non-profit and the leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry...
, Olympus
Olympus Corporation
is a Japan-based manufacturer of optics and reprography products. Olympus was established on 12 October 1919, initially specializing in microscope and thermometer businesses. Its global headquarters are in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, while its USA operations are based in Center Valley, Pennsylvania,...
, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States...
, Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour, OBE is the British-born editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a position she has held since 1988. With her trademark pageboy bob haircut and sunglasses, Wintour has become an institution throughout the fashion world, widely praised for her eye for fashion trends and her support for...
, Fern Mallis
Fern Mallis
Fern Mallis in Brooklyn, New York, was the Executive Director of 7th on Sixth productions, the Vice President of marketing for International Management Group models, as well as the Vice President of IMG fashion...
, Iman
Iman (model)
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid , professionally known as Iman , is a Somali-American fashion model, actress and entrepreneur. A pioneer in the field of ethnic cosmetics, she is also noted for her charitable work. She is married to David Bowie.-Early life:Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Iman is the daughter...
, Nia Vardalos
Nia Vardalos
Antonia Eugenia "Nia" Vardalos is a Canadian-American actress, screenwriter, director, singer and producer. Her most notable work is the 2002 Academy Award–nominated film My Big Fat Greek Wedding.-Personal life:...
and Patrick McMullan for the "Be Seen, Be Screened" campaign. At Bryant Park
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a 9.603 acre privately managed public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan...
, Valvo revealed his personal struggle with colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
and joined the NCCRA as an ambassador in their initiative to raise awareness of this curable, but deadly, form of cancer.
Vanessa Williams and Carmen Marc Valvo’s Colorectal Cancer PSA in March 2008
In March 2008, longtime friends Award-winning singer and actress Vanessa WilliamsVanessa L. Williams
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine...
and Valvo appeared in a public service campaign about the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
. The PSA highlited that colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
is an entirely preventable and curable cancer through screening. It also suggested working with a team of doctors and specialists—an oncologist, surgeon and gastroenterologist—in partnership with a primary care physician
Primary care physician
A primary care physician, or PCP, is a physician/medical doctor who provides both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis....
, to decide the best treatment path.
The campaign included both print and broadcast announcements and was created by EIF’s NCCRA and sanofi-aventis. The print PSA appeared in fashion and lifestyle magazines while the videos were aired in March during National|Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Valvo Partners with the Colon Cancer Alliance
Carmen partnered with the Colon Cancer AllianceColon Cancer Alliance
Colon Cancer Alliance is the largest colorectal cancer non-profit organization in the U.S., with over 37,000 members and several nationwide chapters. The CCA is dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer through patient support, education, research and advocacy...
in 2011 to promote Dress in Blue Day, a colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
awareness day held the first Friday of every March, which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. He donated a blue gown from his Black Label for the Colon Cancer Alliance to auction off, and designed a limited edition women's t-shirt for the event.
Valvo on his Personal Struggle with Colorectal Cancer
“Unbeknownst to me, two close relatives had already struggled with this condition - but we simply never talked about that kind of thing in our family. So when I began to question relatives, and it came out that I was not the first, not even the second - I had to wonder why we never talked about it.”EIFoundation: Carmen Marc Valvo Family Health History Valvo said of the “Be Seen, Be Screened” event, it “was a wonderful way to begin a dialogue that is very important to me. Before I was diagnosed with colorectal cancerColorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
I was totally unaware of my own family history relating to the disease. With no family history on record, I was not eligible for prescreening by insurance and would have normally had to wait until the age of 50 for my first colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, is a cancer caused by uncontrolled cell growth , in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Colorectal cancer is clinically distinct from anal cancer, which affects the anus....
screening. Had I waited my prognoses would have been much, much different."
The Red Dress Collection
The Red Dress Collection has shown at New York Fashion WeekNew York Fashion Week
The semi-annual New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009, is held in February and September of each year in New York City. It is one of four major fashion weeks held around the world .-History:The first New York Fashion Week, then called Press Week, was the world's first...
yearly since its inception in 2003 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is a division of the National Institutes of Health, located in Bethesda, Maryland...
. Each of the twenty-five red dresses is designed by a different designer and worn by a different celebrated and glamorous woman—from Former First Lady Laura Bush to Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley is an American model and actress best known for her three consecutive appearances on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in the late 1970s and early 1980s, for her long-running contract with CoverGirl, the longest ever of any model in history, and for her marriage...
—and helps to promote their national campaign The Heart Truth
The Heart Truth
The Heart Truth is a campaign meant to raise awareness of the risk of heart disease in women. The campaign is sponsored in the United States by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, an organization of the United States Department of Health and Human Services; a similar campaign is promoted...
, established in 2001. The campaign was created to increase women's awareness of heart disease. The symbolic red dress- the color of strength and vitality- has become the national emblem of the campaign. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America.