Evening of August 11, 2011 at the Supperclub, San Francisco
An evening of inventiveness created by Project Ethos; a flavor fashionista challenge inspired by Glaceau Vitamin Water Zero. Four San Francisco designers were handpicked to enter one design that was enthused by one of the flavors of Vitamin Water Zero. They were to create their designs from eco friendly and recycled materials. The winner of the challenge is to receive $3000 to buy sewing machines or as marketing capital.
With well over 200 attendees the room bustled with excitement as DJs entertained, bartenders poured cocktails, and media waited to capture the moment. The lights dim, the runway lit and the evening begins. First a tantalizing runway show from Fredericks of Hollywood swimwear. The swimsuits shouted glitter and glamour. This was followed by Cardiwear by Kymaro, a bright red wrap that can be worn in countless ways to show various styles.
Finally, the moment the crowd was awaiting the four designers. In order of appearance: Larissa Verdussen displayed a backless dress with a silk screened bottom made from a cut up blazer. Pictures and scenes of historical importance printed on the jacket. Lauren had a pink flowing gown of Grecian quality, giving her model the look of a young Greek statue. Verrieres & Sako created a strapless evening gown with tiers of shades of pink; any Cinderella would love to wear to the ball. Wen Guo had a very interesting piece that started as a bubble dress and opened to a long dress, the pieces could then removed to reveal a two piece 70s inspired outfit.
The audience was asked to participate to choose the winner much like Americas Next Top Idol- Text to a number with the designers’ initials to choose a winner. Moments of silence as everyone was busy texting away to choose who will be the victor of the fashionista challenge. And the winner is… drum roll please, Larisa Verdussen for her incredible and unique design. Larissa triumphed as she won by a landslide.
Backstage, I had a moment to briefly interview Larissa. She was one of the last participants to join the competition even though she was had been invited two months ago. Her reason being she wasn’t sure then if she would be able to but she was encouraged when asked a second time. She felt “driven” literally as that is the drink she chose as her inspiration. She designed the dress in two days and felt that it represented her as fresh, strong and stimulated. Larissa designs many of her dresses that way and creates almost two to three new one’s a week. Always one of a kind! When asked if she felt under pressure for designing so quickly, she only laughed and replied “I love the pressure, I love creating and even better when it’s fresh”. As her design for the competition, is after all, right off the press just hours before. Larissa has not completely decided how she will spend her prize but a lot of it will be dedicated towards sewing machines.
Congratulations to Larisa Verdussen and all the other designers who participated. The Project Ethos event was also sponsored by Glaceau Vitamin Water Zero, Carlton Hair, Buildanest.com, Fredericks of Hollywood, and Cardiwrap.
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