I can't think of a better setting than the pretty hilltop white village of Chulilla for the XX Edicion de los Premios a la Moda para Jovenes Disendores (Best new young designer of the Valencian Community) and the best model (or Perfect Profile); the winners of which to go forward to represent the Comunidad Valenciana in the national finals in Madrid this September (models) and March (Designers)

We started the evening having drinks on the terrace of La Casa Serena looking over the gorgeous view and chatting to the owners (more on them and La Casa Serena later ) and then trekked up the narrow windy and steep roads and alleys for dinner with members of the jury at Restaurante Los Cinglos -where we were served the nicest, most succulent baby lamb- after which we climbed the last stretch of the mountain to the very top of this lovely village, up a fairy lit path into the scene of the competition, El Attico, a lovely old stone building -an abandoned refuge- with the most remarkable views (too dark to see properly at night; we were so fascinated we took a second look the next day in daylight.)

A catwalk lay in front of us with a backdrop of the orange logo of the pasarela complemented by beautiful and dramatic flower arrangements whose centre-pieces were gorgeous birds of paradise! - congratulations to Carolina de Cot Floristas.

While we waited for the jury and the audience of about 600 to take their seats, we were treated to some delicious wine from one of the evening's sponsors, Bodegas Emilio Clemente from Requena, who had set up a stand to promote their small but excellent selection of wines. I urge you to try these lovely wines; they offer FLORANTE, a fruity and fresh White(Chardonnay/Sauvignon) and two excellent reds - PEÑAS NEGRAS (A tinto Joven and a matured, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and EC Crianza (we couldn't resist buying a selection of them). With a bar set up to one side and Bodegas Emilio Clemente on the other, there was no shortage of refreshment for the audience.

But back to the Pasarela, Rafael Fons, one of the organiser's of this event was also our compere for the night. He gave us a brief history of this, the 20th edition of the show, but only the third here in Chulilla.

The first models to appear on the catwalk showed examples of work from the designer Higinio Mateu, patron of the event. The clothes were exciting and very this summer.

Then the competition began, each designer talked us through their collections. The models who took part were to be judged for their own ability as well as their designers.

The three finalists were, Laura Trivino, Elena Ochoa and Alejandro Resta, a very distinctive difference of styles between the three, from silky little shifts in multi colours from Laura to straight from Hollywood 40''s glamour from Alejandro Resta and a fascinating bow adorned collection from Elena Ochoa.

The four model finalists were Araya Frasquet, Helena de Fe and Rocio Flores and Bel Sanchez.

The judges included the President of the judges, Mº Luisa Martinez ( director or f ISEACV) Martin Perez Rippoll (ddesigner), Regina Diaz (Carolina Cot Floristas), Rosa del Toro (model), Mabel Salas (Bodegas Emilio Clemente), Juliia Nunez (122 Colecciones) and Loli Cava (Concejala de Cultura).

Whilst the judges decided on the merits of the entries and the models we were entertained by an excellent Jazz band, and also had the pleasure of an incredible display of beautiful wedding dresses from Higinio Mateu .      

The winners were proclaimed by Luisa Martinez, president of the judges . They were awarded exciting looking goody bags bursting with presents from the boutique Avenida 122, wine from Bodegas Emilio Clemente and of course, their wonderful new titles!!

The first prize for the 'Joven Disenadora' went to Laura Trivino, with her silky collection.

The best model? Seventeen year old and 1.75m tall Araya Frasquet from Betera. Laura will go on to the National final in Madrid in March2010, and Araya to the Young Model of the year for Spain in September.

As people slowly drifted away down the hill the jazz band continued playing, a very pleasurable end to a perfect evening.

The Pasarela Joven de Chulilla was a huge and very professional presentation from this small and welcoming village. 

We would highly recommend a visit to next year's Pasarela, but don't wait until then to visit Chulilla! Just 60kms, about an hour's drive west of Valencia towards Requena, this typical white village is lovely to visit any time of year. There are a selection of fine eating houses offering hearty and delicious mountain food; Rich casseroles, delicious roasted meats and game - many have terraces to watch the world go by over a drink.

There is a fascinating Islamic castle set in the side of the mountain and caves to explore and lovely riverside footpaths to explore in the Canyons del Turia, water filled rivers to paddle in and cool natural pools to swim in . Hill walkers and hikers will love the many tracks up the La Penata or the La Pena Mosen. In the valley below the village there is even a spa-hotel 'The Balneario'.

Of the many places to stay, we particularly recommend the charming Casa Rural Serena in the heart of the village of Chulilla.

LINKS

Village
http://www.chulilla.es/

Video of Pasarela
http://www.serrania.tv/videos/view/11

Restaurante Los Cinglos
http://loscinglos.iespana.es/

Casa Rural Serena - full review here
http://www.casaruralserenachulilla.com/

Balneario
http://portal.balneariodechulilla.com/

Bodegas Emilio Clemente
http://www.eclemente.es