NEW YORK, Sep 3, 2002/ FW/ --- Carmen Marc Valvo's star is on the rise. The New York-based designer garnered two top honors from two of the fashion world's most influential groups - Fashion Group International and Neiman Marcus.

The designer will be in Chicago in November 2002 to attend Fashion Group International's "Night of Stars: A Salute to American Icons," where he is one of the honorees alongside the fashion industry's other extraordinary names: Kate Spade, David Yurman and Neiman Marcus.

And speaking of Neiman Marcus, the luxury retailer is featuring the designer with a four-page spread in its exclusive November Book with photos from Carmen Marc Valvo Fall 2002 collection.

"The Book," as it is called by Neiman Marcus shoppers also includes an exclusive interview with the designer, outlining his distinguished career.

The feature falls on the heels of another honor bestowed by Burton M. Tansky, president of Neiman Marcus, to Valvo.

He presented "The Million Dollar Dress" award to Valvo for designing the very first couture gown to garner $1 million in sales in the history of Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus and FGI are not alone in recognizing Carmen Marc Valvo's extraordinary talent.

The designer's ever-growing, loyal following of women who wait to meet him during one of his dozens of personal appearances each season is a sign of Valvo's enduring popularity.

They are enchanted by the way in which he marries old world craftsmanship to modern sensibilities, plays with tantalizing color, and draws together eclectic details from diverse cultures into stunning, classic designs that make anyone who wears them feel like a star.

If you want to catch Carmen Marc Valvo in person, the designer will present his Spring 2003 Collection on Friday, September 20th, at 12:00 PM in the Theater at Bryant Park.

He will be joined by hair designer Odile Gilbert for Frame Representatives and Redken 5th Avenue, and by makeup artist Gucci Westman and the M.A.C Pro Team with music by Javier Peral. Hair products are provided by Redken 5th Avenue and Makeup provided by M.A.C Cosmetics.

Carmen Marc Valvo designs are sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom's and Bergdorf Goodman.

Photo of Carmen Marc Valvo backstage Fall 2002 show by Visko Hatfield