VESSEL LIFESTYLISH MAGAZINE

RED CARPET LAUNCH PARTY

by Model Sovrenne

@sovrenne

Just a few blocks outside of Downtown Salt Lake City, I park my motorcycle. The sun is blaring down on me as I pull off my helmet and rush down the street. I bound up a set of stairs as a familiar local model, Brady Hamilton, opens the door and ushers me in with a wide welcome smile.

I am all sweaty from riding in full leathers in the Utah summer sun, while Brady is the picture of perfection in his suede heels and matching vest. Before I can think of asking for water, I’m offered a delicate glass of champagne and a plate of hor d'oeuvres. I set aside my gear and greet Brady with a balanced hug, careful to not spill champagne on his outfit. After our moment, I walk through the private venue to say my hellos.

The space is a clothing and apparel shop, Uptown Cheapskate with a stylish vaulted ceiling allowing in beautiful natural light. The light makes the entire space glow as the sunset washes everything gold. Everyone is dressed spectacularly to match their personalities. I see a massive red gown with a trailing train, bespoke suits, quiet luxury, vibrant design – and me in my riding gear because I am too stubborn to drive.

I did, however, plan ahead and have my outfit stashed in my bag. Without much delay, I step away to change out of my black leather pants and boots into a sweeping, regal iris dress. As I step back into the main space, I see photographers outline the red-carpet space as we all take turns in the flash of paparazzi.

Now, one thing about me is that I love an event that invites people to show up in their best dress/suit, with the lure of professional BTS and photography (especially when the event’s guestbook has Utah’s biggest names in the industry). However, tonight’s purpose is to humbly celebrate a man who has given all of us so much growth in our careers. Tonight is about thanking and celebrating Francis Wong. Not only is he the one who got me into Vogue, he has over 400 publications worldwide, and has just successfully launched his own Magazine, VESSEL.

“He truly is the man of the night: one of the only ones who could manage to get all of us together like this.”

He truly is the man of the night: one of the only ones who could manage to get all of us together like this. He is aptly and stylishly dressed in a dusty blue, oversized blazer, with wide trousers that make him look like he is floating throughout the room.

Even with his air of repose, he effortlessly gathers us all to attention. He announces a special challenge for everyone: a timed, surprise runway show where we can style and design our runway look based on anything the venue space has. I have always been very healthily competitive, and I have one hell of a group to compete with.

Since I have recently returned from a trip to NYC, I drew inspiration from the SoHo brunch crowd. I don a Burberry-like gingham wide leg trouser with a chiffon bralette under a loose crochet tan sweater, styled to float off the shoulders while still exposing some cheeky mid-section. The cherry on top is my sneaky find of open-toed, leather folded boots.

“I’ve spent my whole life dreaming about having friends like these…”

In the dressing rooms, the other models and I adjust looks, change hairstyles, and help each other get runway ready. We share inside jokes, catch up on each other’s lives, celebrate career wins, and discuss our sitcom-esque dating lives until Francis herds us together and sends us out on the runway. The immediate snap of professionalism from backstage to runway is exactly why one of my favorite models, Rae Serbeck, is attending not only New York Fashion Week, but Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.

One of the top winners is of course Juliana Cassiano, who radiates in any room. I mean, you can physically feel the energy coming off of this girl, which is why she is constantly on sets from dawn to dusk.

I’ve spent my whole life dreaming about having friends like these: the moment I met these people, I was terrified to lose them. But it is now years later and they’re still here, laughing with me and opening their hearts up to me. It is all because of Francis, who saw me and gave me guidance and a family in his community. So when the media of tonight is released and you see the sparkle, the talent, and prestige, I hope you know that whatever dream you may have is not a lonesome dream.