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Anthony Nak Wins Coveted Council of Fashion Designers of America(CFDA) Award

Wednesday June 8, 2:21 pm ETNEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- In the universe of fashion, there are designers and there are industry icons. On the evening of June 6, 2005, visionary creative team Anthony Camargo and Nak Armstrong achieved legendary status when Anthony Nak Jewelry was awarded the Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design. This honor, amongst the most coveted awards given by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is a milestone achievement for Camargo and Armstrong. The designers have distinguished themselves as prolific innovators, fearlessly challenging industry standards and expectations about beauty and design by interrupting traditional boundaries separating accessories and fashion. Their signature style has evolved into a unique niche of couture adornment.

Since the company's inception in 1998, Camargo and Armstrong have enjoyed extraordinary success and unparalleled growth. The instantly recognizable, yet ever-evolving Anthony Nak brand has become synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and unmistakable beauty. Although instantly a favorite of celebrities and fashion moguls, winning the CFDA award solidifies the designers' status as celebrities in their own right.

Thus it was fitting that in front of a black tie clad audience of celebrities and fashion tycoons, Camargo and Armstrong were presented their award by eminent designer Donna Karan and entrepreneur-cum megastar magnate Sean "P-Diddy" Combs. The pair received the honor with a heartfelt acceptance speech, giving thanks to all who helped them in the process of creating an award-winning brand. In reflecting on the experience, Camargo says, "I can't conceive of a greater tribute to our work than this award. When I first heard our names, I was literally speechless."

Swarovski's Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design was established in 1986 to honor emerging talent. This is the second consecutive year for which Camargo and Nak were nominated for the historic award. Although the designers felt fortunate to have received the nominations, both agree that winning the award is the most climactic moment thus far in their respective careers. "This is the goal to which everyone in our industry aspires to achieve," exclaims Armstrong. "There is no higher accolade than this endorsement from our most esteemed contemporaries."

Anthony Nak Jewelry is most renowned for its unyielding commitment to progress. For Camargo and Armstrong, this award is not permission for complacency, but inspiration for further creative exploration, artistic innovation and groundbreaking design. "We are more ambitious than ever," declares Armstrong. "Every collection we produce is and always will be award winning caliber." "Indeed," agrees Camargo, "We wouldn't be satisfied with anything less."

ABOUT ANTHONY-NAK

Partners Anthony Camargo and Nak Armstrong create jewelry that is a distinctive mix of fine gemstones and striking 18K and 22k draping gold, platinum and diamonds. Their designs incorporate elements of sophistication, beauty, invention and a constantly evolving combination of shape, color and texture. Their pieces have been featured in the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Town and Country, WWD, Glamour, InStyle, Elle, W, Marie Claire and People, National Jeweler, Basel Magazine and Jewelry Connoisseur. Anthony Nak pieces can be found in fine stores in major U.S. cities and internationally. They have been twice nominated for a CFDA Award in 2004 and 2005 and won in 2005. They are also recipients of the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award for 2003, and the Town & Country Editors Choice Award 2004. Anthony-Nak pieces are available at Barneys NY and Neiman Marcus, and other fine stores throughout the world. The award winning Anthony Nak flagship store opened in November 2003 in downtown Austin, Texas.

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