Last year we had the honor of planning and coordinating the legendary Luly Yang’s annual couture runway show. Named Ocean and appropriately taking place at the Seattle Aquarium, Luly’s latest collection of gowns were inspired by all forms of underwater life and designed to bring the creatures of the sea to the world of couture. We were delighted to be a part of this momentous occasion benefiting Seattle Children’s with TriWest Healthcare Alliance as the primary sponsor. It was an absolutely magical evening.
Taking inspiration from the sea and Luly’s collection, we transformed the Seattle Aquarium’s cafeteria into a beautiful VIP Pre-Party area with the assistance of Rented Elegance & Design, and additional help from Trendy Event Rentals, and Choice Linens. The aforementioned companies also helped us decorate the runway show and after party.
Photography services were provided by Team Photogenic. They also brought along their “Seen by Team Photogenic” team for on-site interviews, and before the runway show host & creator Duell Fisher talked to Travis about the details of the big night.
Trendy Event Rentals supplied us with chair covers in various shades of blue for the fashion show seating. Using 4 different blue tones, we created a wave-like pattern similar to the fish tank and lighting imagery.
The Jelly Fish inspired segment was characterized by ruffles, layers, movement and grace. The color palette included several neutral tones from diamond white to champagne and beige, along with accents of pink and lavender.
There was so much playfulness in this runway show. See how the eyeliner goes in towards the nose? It was to create eyes that were more “fish-like” (in the most fashionable way of course)!
The Stingrays & Sharks section embodied an edgy sleekness with textures of strength represented in cool grey, silver, taupe, charcoal and black. the look was enhanced by the dramatic brow treatment which took the collection to an ultra-sleek underwater level. The updo’s were inspired by the lines in a shark fin.
Tropical Fish inspired the third segment with vibrant colors and graphic prints, represented by yellow, blue, aqua, green and chartreuse with white and black accents. The music was lively and the models were sachaying down the runway.
There is a phenomenon of the sea world called Bioluminescence, where certain underwater creatures appear to glow or be lit from within. This ethereal inspiration, in Luly’s hands, was translated into elegant couture through deep violet, navy, black and blue shimmering fabrics.
The fifth and final segment of the show focused on Coral and Anemones drawing inspiration from their rich textures and fiery colors such as fuchsia, crimson and burgundy.
The finale dress took everyone’s breath away!
Following the show an after-party was open to all of the guests in the exhibit space. We had numerous mermaids, specialty cocktails, treats provided by the catering team at the Seattle Aquarium, and themed cupcakes from Trophy Cupcakes. DJ Extraordinaire Austin Beaver provided musical entertainment, and there was so much fun in the air that Luly and her guests started an impromptu dance party!
Travis and I were beyond thrilled to have custom suits designed by Luly. In honor of the theme of Ocean, we worked with her to select fabrics for custom shirts, bow ties, and pocket squares in various shades of blue to complete our outfits.
In addition to the aforementioned vendors, there are so many people who helped make the evening possible. King 5 TV’s Margaret Larson acted as the event emcee. Gene Juarez Salon & Spa provided the incredible hair & makeup services. Aaron Horton Productions documented the evening on video. izzy girl created all of the beautiful paper coordinates. Seattle Magazine acted as a print media sponsor. The lovely Rose Dennis was the PR Manager. The creative fashion show choreography was done by Anthony Tippins. Pedersen’s Rentals provided the staging. The Seattle Aquarium supplied us with an amazing venue and catering. Sound design was created by Luminant Audio and Audiosocket, and lighting design was by PNTA. EFFEN Vodka and Hedges Family Estates offered liquid libations. Red Carpet Valet provided valet services. Seattle Sundries added a lovely custom soap to the swag bags. On the day of the runway show we had our entire team from True Colors Events, and Seattle Children’s supplied us with a staff of over 30 volunteers to assist us.
Setting up the event was an absolute feat. Normally Luly’s shows have 2 days to set up, but because the aquarium has to be open to the public during the day, we were not able to begin setting up until 4 pm on the day of the show, and guests were scheduled to begin arriving just a couple of hours later! Because of this, we worked with the incredible staff at the Seattle Aquarium and the various vendors to do after-hours rehearsals and mock set ups of the event the week leading up to the runway show. One night we timed ourselves and set up the entire stage and all of the chairs, then tore it all down, just to know that we could do it. After all, there was no room for error on the day of the event.
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make the evening possible, and once again so honored that we were given the opportunity to help Luly bring her annual couture runway show to life.
