Upcycle fashion firm Franovik Designs out of Plantation recycles fabric into one-of-a-kind designs.
The models will be wearing tablecloths, curtains and even the fabric from a sofa.
That’s the whole point of the “Green Couture – Designers for a Cause” annual fashion show and dinner Thursday, July 12 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at The Signature Grand in Davie.
The charity event – produced by the networking group The Women of the Roundtable - features the eco-friendly fall collection of Franovik Designs, a team featuring fashion designer Francisco J. Perez and graphic designer Viktor M. Vega.
“I don’t sew,” said Vega from his home in Plantation. “But I grew up in a family where we would make outfits from vintage pieces. And we [with Perez] started recycling fabrics way before it was popular. We use runners, satin bed sheets, old jackets, old jeans. Anything. Whatever is around. Instead of giving it to Goodwill or throwing it in the trash and making more trash, we make new things.”
Vega said that the two evolved into fashion design through making Halloween and Carnival costumes. “We always won first, second or third prize,” said Vega, who was born in New York and grew up in Puerto Rico; Perez is a Venezuela native. “We were always in the top three.”
After a splashy debut during 2008’s Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach, a string of back-to-back fashion shows through 2010 landed the two a list of women clients “…who are going to galas and need a specific piece; something that no one else has.”
Francisco Perez and Viktor Vega.
That’s how Doris R. Muscarella, who heads up The Women of the Roundtable, discovered Franovik earlier this year. “They made me a gown for the Renaissance Ball. The theme was medieval. They did a maroon gown and they even made something for my boyfriend. They made it out of tablecloths and curtains. I love it. We got so many compliments.”
Muscarella said she knew then that she would showcase Franovik designs in one of her fundraisers. “We adopt two charities a year…and do four events a year. For this one we chose the Prestige Club because they trickle the money down to 28 other organizations.”
The up-cycled, one-of-a-kind designs start at $1,000. For more information, go to Franovik.com.
IF YOU GO:
“Green Couture – Designers for a Cause”
When: 6 p.m., July 12
Where: The Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Davie
Cost: $80 in advance; $90 at the door
Contact: 954-704-0088, 954-240-4853 or TheWomenOfTheRoundtable.com
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