Last Year we were proud to present with Pellegrini Opera
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Maria Al Masani Maria Pellegrini me> Start Date:Thursday, 16 November 2017End Date:Thursday, 16 November 2017Time:6:30 PM - 10:30 PMSala San Marco Banquet & Conference Centre ![]() Short Video Introduction byEvening of Beauty: Fashion Show with Live Opera, Dinner and Dance,by Pellegrini Opera and Al Masani Royal Jewellery. Haute Couture previews of Richard Robinson, Cantas, Nouras Couture, La Maison Bridal, and more, the most beautiful evening and wedding haute couture in Ottawa. Since by Ottawa opera greats including Remigio Pereira of the Tenors and Maria KnapikMost beautiful models in Ottawa from Miss Universe Canada and top model agencies. Spectacular jewellery from Al Masani Royal Jewelry, from suites to tiaras. A feast for the senses.Best food from Sala San Marco, amazing Italian cuisine, beautiful chandelliers, beautiful wine, beautiful clothes, beautiful people, beautiful music, and fun dancing, to fundraise for the Madame Butterfly production this spring.Maria Pellegrini with the stunning Chris DesmondMenswear was sponsored by Steve Ghadye of Vernini Uomo, St Laruent, Ottawa's home of Versace
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We had an interview with Rogers Television where they said an opera tenor (who was the sensation of the evening) will blow you away. "Sounds like a star studded night, sounds like fun! I can tell (he is a model, good looking guy, Corey Arnold is his name." Wherever Corey Arnold went, his Italian tailored Vernini Uomo suits and Steve Ghdaye's styling turned heads. Here is again a preview of the various segments of the show and Mr Arnold's singing.
*Correction: Maria Al-Masani is a soprano, not a tenor.
But the ladies' favorite was Corey Arnold, who played the role of the playboy in an Italian Vernini suit, styled by Steve Ghadye. This combination of Ottawa's best opera and italian styling riveted, electrified and shook the hearts of hundreds of Ottawa women in attendance... especially since Corey Arnold the tenor moved to Toronto the follow year, where he continues to cause mayhem and break a lot of hearts. Corey Arnold moved the women ... and the gay men, in the audience like an earthquake. Ottawa would never be the same again.
Ottawa's former sex symbol (now Toronto's) Corey Arnold sang as models walked, and later sung a song to all the models, and had his own aria. Other notable opera singers in the beginning of the fashion show were Anja Hejnar famous for her incredible singing in the parliament of Canada, as was baritone Ryan Hoffman known for his roles in Montreal and Toronto. It was a truly delightful evening of beauty for the women and also men of Ottawa. Fajo Magazine reports
It was an Evening of Beauty: Fashion Show to Live Opera, held at Sala San Marco in Ottawa, Canada, in mid-November. Presented by Pellegrini Opera with Al Masani Royal House Jewelry, the night seamlessly blended fashion, art and opera to raise funds for the Ottawa opera company’s 2018 performance of Madame Butterfly.

A sold-out event, the evening was hosted by Al Masani, who participated in speeches, introductions of notable guests and even walked the runway with some of the models. The patron of the evening was His Excellency Claudio Taffuri, the Ambassador of Italy. Representatives from other embassies, including Yemen, were also present.
Here is Maria Al Masani with her stunning angel husband Dmitro Makienko who coordinated backstage and helped bring the event to life. Without him and his support this event would not have been possible. Fajo continues
When first entering the venue, guests were escorted to a table and a four-course meal, and invited to purchase raffle tickets. After the first two courses, attendees were treated to a runway show featuring designs from Richard Robinson, Cantas, Nouras Couture and La Maison Bridal, as well as suits from Vernini. Long gowns, two and three-piece suits, expertly coiffed hair and Al Masani jewelry made their way down the runway.
Live performances from well-known operas made this event notable and different. Singers Ania Hejnar and Corey Arnold performed songs from Puccini and Verdi as models sashayed down the runway. The event also blended the theatrical elements for which operas are known, such as when Corey Arnold sang to multiple models as he handed out roses to each, the women acting bashful, of course.
Even the little girl wanted charismatic Corey to give her a rose. Photo Courtesy of Ottawa Life Magazine
Following dessert, attendees were treated to solos by notable operatic singers, including Maria Knapik who most recently filled the role of Floria, in the opera company’s Tosca performance. After her second song, Knapik invited all singers in the audience to join her on the stage or to stand to perform the ending of a famous aria.
One of our favourite performances of the evening was by former The Four Tenors member, Remigio Pereira. His voice was clear and crisp, and the crowd seemed to stop breathing as he sang, the notes floating over the audience. All singers were accompanied by pianist Andrew Ager.
The party was still going late into the night, with more dancing and music. Truly, an art lover’s time.
Thus the fashion show began
Via Ottawa Life Magazine
Pehnawa Couture from a Richard Robinson Alumus
Emmy's by Eiman
Gown by Karissa Berisha
This was followed by Cantas,
whose sexy gowns sizzled on the runway

The fashion show's third section was "Love Local"
Noura's with Vernini Uomo male models
Lynn Mrs Ontario in Frank Lyman, MIM model Penelope in Al Masani Royal House
Nika in Al Masani Royal House
Finally we finish with the La Maison Bridal Boutique section
And finally the bride
In the next part the Count, played by Corey Arnold, dumps the new bride and then keeps giving roses and attention to various women he falls in love with and can't pick just one. The bride finds another groom, leaves and lives happily ever after.
Here are more photos of the event and the after party at Moscow Tea Room
Remigio and Maria Knapik singing
What an evening!
And of course we will never forget the queen of that night Yaakova "Jackie" Sahlen,
who was so helpful and supportive in addition to adding so much beauty to the event. She will be missed. May her memory be a blessing. Thank you Mike Giovinazzo for coordinating the photos, thank you for the makeup artists, for Bart Tecter for lighting and MCing and pulling the event together, thank you to Andre's Hair Salon, the designers, make up artists, models, photographers, volunteers, chefs, musicians and everyone who made this beautiful evening happen.
We miss you Jackie.
was a pleasure to participate and help out
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