Driehaus Design Initiative: Emerging designers fashion show honors late founder

The Driehaus Design Initiative (DDI) presented its first Fashion Awards show since the untimely passing of its founder, Richard Driehaus. The event was by-invite-only and held at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago on May 16. Event producers were Tracey Tarantino and Michelle Molise.

The runway show spotlighted emerging talent from Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There was a special presentation from DDI alum Julie Mersine Romeli and Mira Horoszowski (of Mira Couture), that closed the show. Spectacular decor by Kehoe Designs (Austin) and BlackOak Productions made the event a visual feast.

The fashionable evening, co-hosted by Sylvia Perez (Fox-32 news anchor) and Linda Yu (former news anchor/reporter), was managed by The Curio (Ian Gerard). The show was also a competition with fashion industry insiders Mark Roscoe (designer, film producer), Peach Carr (designer) and Wendy Krimins (VP, Neiman Marcus Group Chicago Market) serving as judges.

A video presentation opened the show and highlighted Richard Driehaus, his life and passion for this project. It was a heart-warming clip that left many teary-eyed. Richard was a driving force in the fields of design and particularly delighted in presenting the winners of each fashion competition with their awards. He passed away on March 9, 2021.

On this night, winning designers were Jules Gourley (first place, $10K), Brianna Yanga (second place, $7K) and Alexandra Seward (third place, $4K). Yanga also won the Neiman Marcus award which means her collection will be featured inside the Neiman Marcus Michigan Ave. store and she will also receive a $250 gift card.

Other emerging designers included Gracie Norine Gelinas, Mireya Barrientes, Dasia Yoo, Shuwen Yang, Mia Hitterman, Lily Lee, Lexie Jones, Norma Espinoza, Madison Chain and Azula Cazares.

As a surprise, “Bachelor in Paradise” star Kenny Braasch and his wife Mari Pepin Braasch made a guest appearance. Kenny met Mari from “The Bachelorette” show on ABC and was a top model for several years at the Driehaus Design Initiatives show. He recreated the “Kenny Walk” on the runway, much to the delight of guests.

Other event contributors included 312 Entertainment (sound), ZAZU Salons (hair and makeup), Allan Bourgeois Photography, Mirar Media (video), Kehoe Designs (décor), BlackOak Technical Productions and Select Models. 

The mission of the Driehaus Design Initiative is to promote design, education and foster public appreciation of fashion design and history. Welcome back DDI! We’ve missed you.