Couture reveals 2015 Design Awards winners

Las Vegas--The winners of the Couture Design Awards were announced Saturday night in Las Vegas, with a mix of newcomers and well-known names taking the top prizes in what is considered one of the industry’s premier design contests.

“When we cut through all of the pageantry and ceremony of Couture, we are left with the reason we all came together in the first place--the designs,” Couture Director Gannon Brousseau said from the stage of the Encore Ballroom.

In addition to revealing the design award winners, Couture organizers announced the recipient of this year’s Human Spirit Award, Todd Reed.

The Colorado-based designer known for his use of “raw” diamonds was recognized for his commitment to his community, the environment and the industry at large.

The winners of the 2015 Couture Design Awards are as follows, as well as the first and second runners-up in each category. This year’s awards include one new category, Editor’s Choice.

Best in Bridal -- Nikos Koulis
First runner-up: Jemma Wynne
Second runner-up: Jade Trau

Best in Colored Gemstones above $20K -- Etho Maria
First runner-up: Fernando Jorge
Second runner-up: Buccellati

Best in Colored Gemstones below $20K -- Tomasz Donocik
First runner-up: Federica Rettore
Second runner-up: Brooke Gregson

Best in Diamonds above $20K – Pleve
First runner-up: Stephen Webster
Second runner-up: Harry Kotlar

Best in Diamonds below $20K -- Reho
First runner-up: J Jewels Milano
Second runner-up: Astley Clarke

Best in Gold -- Spinelli Kilcollin
First runner-up: Ray Griffiths
Second runner-up: Bizzotto Gioielli

Best in Haute Couture -- Hearts On Fire
First runner-up: New Italian Art
Second runner-up: Arunashi

Best in Innovative -- Silvia Furmanovich
First runner-up: Amrapali
Second runner-up: Alison Lou

Best in Pearls -- Autore
First runner-up: Yvel
Second runner-up: Savanna Stranger

Best in Platinum -- Christian Tse
First runner-up: Kuwayama
Second runner-up: Yunis and Eliza

Best in Silver -- Majoral
First runner-up: Arman Suciyan
Second runner-up: Atelier Zobel

Debuting at Couture -- Spinelli Kilcollin
First runner-up: Dezso Sara Beltran
Second runner-up: Kuwayama

Editor’s Choice -- Jorg Heinz
First runner-up: Monique Pean
Second runner-up: Elena Votsi

People’s Choice -- Yeprem
First runner-up: Reho
Second runner-up: Stenzhorn