LAS VEGAS, NV - The much awaited Couture Design Awards Nomination ceremony kicked off the Couture Show 2009 held at the Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. For more than 11 years, the Awards have represented the most prestigious and coveted prize for individual designers and brands. Previous winners have become bellwethers for the watch and jewelery industry and have gone on to establish trends. The 2009 submissions epitomize the unparalleled quality and genius in designs only found at Couture - a true representation of innovation and inherent talent from the most creative minds in timepieces and jewelery items.

Couture Design Awards 2009 recognized 12 outstanding designers for their talent and inspirational designs. More than 10,000 votes were cast online and 4,000 votes on-site to arrive at the 13 best in Category Winners. Winners were recognized in a ceremony attended by more than 400 Couture 2009 attendees at the distinguished Encore Ballroom on May 30, 2009.

La Reina was awarded the Best in New Trends for the outstanding earring carved out of Titanium from their latest collection “Evoluzione” which was introduced last year in Basel, Switzerland to rave reviews from Critics and Jewelry Connoisseurs alike. It also took away the award in the Best in Colored Diamonds category for the brilliant bracelet from the Art du Jour Collection. It is a one of a kind piece designed by the Head Designer Samir Bhansali. The bracelet took over six months of exemplary workmanship and the result is simply outstanding.

La Reina the brainchild of Samir Bhansali was the only Indian Company that won nomination for its designs at these prestigious awards. Known for his contemporary take on the Indian architecture Samir has won numerous awards for his works. The collection is available in fine jewelry stores in over 12 countries including Neiman Marcus in America. Glimpses of the collection can be view on their website www.lareinacollection.com.