For the first time in its 15-year history, the nonprofit organization Hispanic Designers, Inc. honored a Brazilian designer at their annual Fashion Show Gala and Benefit. The accomplished honoree was acclaimed designer Ocimar Versolato, renowned for his ready-to-wear haute couture, and, most recently, swimwear and lingerie collections. Over 500 guests enjoyed the evening's festivities which included a jewelry sale, dinner, an awards presentation, and an Hispanic Designers fashion show. Highlights of the fashion show included designs by David Cardona, Eduardo Lucero, Debra Moises, Fernando Sanchez, and a menswear collection by Eddie Rodriguez of Wilke-Rodriguez, Manuel Cuevas, and Duarte. Founded in 1985, Hispanic Designers, Inc. is an educational organization whose mission it is to raise awareness about the positive contributions Hispanics are making in the U.S. The purpose of the Gala is to raise money for educational programs, scholarships, seminar series, and internships for Hispanic youth. This year, five new scholarships have been created in honor of the organization's fifteenth anniversary.

Benefit Chair: Karen Alcalde

Honorary Patron: First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton