GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - A 17 year old Grand Rapids Community College student has a dream: to someday be a famous fashion designer. Judges at Detroit Fashion Week think she may have what it takes.
"They decided to do a high school showcase and they picked me," says student designer Rea Marie Verburg.
With her very first creation, Rea won first place in the student showcase category at Detroit Fashion Week last month. In just three weeks, her teacher at Gall Sewing Center in Grand Rapids helped Rea transform her evening gown sketch into an award winning gown that received a standing ovation on the runway.
"Lucky for us, she picked a design that was easily attainable," says Gall Sewing Center instructor Becky Kluz.
"I'm just glad I took the opportunity when it came to me and I didn't just blow it off," laughs Rea. "They were clapping for me. Everybody stood. It was awesome. It was really nice."
In a dress shop, Rea says a customer would probably pay $1,000 for her gown.
To reward her for her accomplishment, Gall Sewing Center gave Rea a top of the line sewing machine to use on future projects.
In your voice
