DESIGN WITH A DIFFERENCE: Couture for a Cure

If you hadn't heard already, we are of the persuasion that the relationship between fashion design and interior design are linked, and their interlacings have us wrapped up again.  

Interior designers and fashion designers alike are fiercely motivated to create work that goes beyond what can only be seen.  

Design is about far more than an aesthetic expression of beauty; design cuts deeply into our most intrinsic human needs.  Fashion for health.  Interiors for education.  Name your cause, designers step up to callings of great significance.  Today, I want to lean into fashion with a cause, but you will not want to miss our next entry about the Caliber Collection and their amazing collaborator, Grand Rapids-based furniture and lighting designer, Joe Jeup.

Earlier this month, Jennifer and friend and interior designer Suzanne Makarewicz, headed out for a night at the Van Andel Institute, just a mile from our new studio space, for the 2016 Couture for a Cure event.  Here they stand in front of the oversized glass Chihuly, "Life", a 14-foot spiraling double helix in the lobby of the VAI building designed by renowned architect, Rafael Viñoly.

Suzanne Makarewicz (left) and Jennifer Butler (right)

Our friend, Rebecca Wierda, president and co-owner of Leigh's has been partnering with the Van Andel Institute for Couture for a Cure for over ten years.  Wierda shared for MLive last week, 

"Couture for a Cure follows Fashion Week in New York and brings the hottest looks home to West Michigan.  I am grateful to be a part of this special evening and help make a difference in the lives of others."

Couture for a Cure takes design to the runway, with 100% of all the proceeds from the evening going directly back to the Van Andel Institute supporting their research that ultimately improves the lives of those suffering from cancer and other neurodegenerative diseases.  This year, models wore the celebrated fashion designer Wes Gordon previewing his spring 2017 collection.  It was such an inspiring evening for a wildly important cause, and demonstrates how design leaders are coming together to influence West Michigan for greater good.

In her fight against stage IV colorectal cancer, model, Trina Isaac Taylor, walks the runway with determination and poise.

Visit WoodTV8 For more Photography from the evening.