Photos courtesy of Clane Gessel Photography
Luly Yang’s A Monarch’s Tale: The Journey of a Decade Couture show delighted the elegant crowd this past Friday night, April 27. In addition to celebrating 10 successful years in the fashion industry, the show also benefited the Seattle Children’s Hospital uncompensated care division.
The Seattle-based designer’s event was held at Fremont Studios and produced by the power duo, Travis McBurney and Jesse Brix of True Colors Events. Models stood on platforms to display some of Luly’s most impressive dresses from past collections in one part of the space, and the VIP area featured plush seating and its own private bar. After having the chance to network, guests were ushered into the runway area, where the catwalk backdrop glistened with beautiful motion graphic images of butterflies and Luly’s logo.
The show started with a welcome from event Emcee Margaret Larsen, host of NBC’s show New Day NW, and thanking the night’s sponsors including Tri West Healthcare, Gene Juarez, Rented Elegance, Choice Linens, Glassybaby and Precept Wines.
Daiv McIntyre, CEO of Tri West, shared some moving words explaining why he supports Luly and the Seattle Children’s Hospital where he had been treated as a child many, many years ago. The program continued with an address by Michele Smith, the Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation Trustee who explained that last year about $11.3 million dollars were giving in health care services to children at the hospital using funds from the uncompensated care funds pool. This means that children that have grave conditions but have no coverage are still able to get the care they need regardless of whether they can afford to pay.
A short video showcasing one of the families that had benefited from uncompensated care followed and then Josh Ellis, US Army Officer and father of 3 year old Selah Ellis, a beautiful little girl that had undergone heart surgery at 3 months old at Children’s, shared his story and his gratitude to the hospital and everyone for their support.
Selah, who received assistance from Seattle Children’s Hospital as an infant, takes a turn down the runway.
Soon after, the fashion portion of the night began with a fun runway show starring 5 Children’s Hospital patients ranging from 3 to 17 years of age. Little Selah started the show looking like a little pink fairy princess! The fundraising part followed with Michele Smith asking the audience to raise their hands to commit to donations in various different ranges. After a brief intermission, Seattle Magazine Fashion Editor Kate Calamusa told the story of Luly Yang, and the traditional Couture Client Show followed after that, showcasing custom creations modeled by the clients themselves.
Luly Yang unveiled an extensive collection with several looks broken up into five different themes–Grand Canyon, Bamboo, Amazonia, Antarctica, and Celebration. The dresses featured beautiful details, including textures, scallops, ruffles, and feathers. Models sported trendy blunt bangs and mile high updos, which added a signature flair to the collection and was much more interesting than, for example, traditional formal updos.
While still adhering to a common style and her chosen themes, Luly managed to create a wide variety of styles and colors so that there is something for everyone. Here are some favorites:
A model wearing Luly Yang’s unique updo
This floor-sweeping mustard yellow dress features beautiful texture
Love the ruffles on the sides!
This dress, part of the Antarctica set, is incredibly elegant and classic
Luly’s finale dress is stunning
Overall, it was one of the best productions in Seattle I’ve been to. Congratulations to Luly Yang for a decade of success!
