Press Release:
Monica Santos from La Palma, CA wins Grand Prize Package including internship at O’Neill, $5,000 scholarship, exposure in Teen Vogue, O’Neill wardrobe, and design sold at Pac Sun stores this Spring
Irvine, CA (October 11, 2010) – O’Neill’s 3rd Annual “Generation Next” fashion show and music event presented by TEEN VOGUE rocked the Avalon Hollywood on Saturday night in front of a sold out crowd of 1,200 students, families, celebrities, media and influencers. The highly anticipated event, open to the public for the first time, concluded a 6-month program based at O’Neill’s headquarters in Irvine, CA, where five finalists from local high schools worked diligently to create an original dress or romper and handbag with the help of O’Neill mentors.
International Supermodel and O’Neill brand ambassador, Elyse Taylor, modeled each finalist’s designs in an action packed runway show, which also showcased styles from the O’Neill Girls Spring 2011 collection. Viewers were encouraged to vote for their favorite designer via text message after the show.
The five finalists were chosen from TEEN VOGUE’s Los Angeles and Orange County It Girl Panel, comprised of over 120,000 sophisticated, fashion-savvy and highly responsive young women. The finalists for this year’s program included: Taylor Castro from Anaheim, CA (JFK High School); Danielle Torres from Eagle Rock, CA (Eagle Rock High School); Brianna Elce from Torrance, CA (Torrance High School); Alee Ramirez from Orange, CA (El Modena High School); and Monica Santos from La Palma, CA (Rosary High School).
While votes were being tallied, the packed house enjoyed a live music performance by all-girl rock band THE LIKE, whose newest album “Release Me” was produced by Mark Ronson.
The result: Monica Santos received the most text message votes for her playful slate grey romper, featuring a subtle tiger print with feather and braid accents, paired with a fringed tribal handbag.
Hosted by designer and celebrity stylist, Soyon An, some of Hollywood’s newest rising stars came out to mark the occasion: Ariel Winter (Modern Family), Erin Sanders (Zoey 101), Sasha Pieterse (Pretty Little Liars, Heroes), Booboo Stewart (Twilight), Janelle Ortiz (Disney’s upcoming movie, “PROM”), Matthew “Mdot” Finley (Camp Rock II, on world tour with The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato), reality stars of E!, and more.
Streamed live via the O’Neill Girls Facebook page for those unable to attend, the program included a short video introducing each student designer, with insights about her design inspirations and experiences as a finalist. From a floral maxi with pockets to a polka-dot mini dress with zipper detailing, each finalist put her own unique twist on the latest trends for Spring. Guests walked away with gift bags that included O’Neill gear, haircare products from Paul Mitchell, shopping discounts, and the latest issue of TEEN VOGUE.
Additional photography and video available upon request.
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About O’Neill Girls
O’Neill Girls is dedicated to and inspired by the adventurous and free-spirited young female. Driven by O’Neill’s heritage as the original California surf brand since 1952, O’Neill Girls stays true to its roots, while offering a unique fashion perspective that is modern and fresh. Featuring a range of styles for all seasons both on and off the beach, O’Neill Girls includes a blend of effortlessly cool prints, dresses, tees, denim, fleece, jackets, accessories, swimwear and wetsuits.
Featured in hundreds of magazines and available in more than 85 countries around the world, O’Neill Girls reflects its personality through innovative collections, signature events, and exceptional athletes. With talented team riders including surfers Malia Manuel and Sage Erikson, the brand continues to push the envelope of performance and is committed to providing today’s most advanced and authentic youth lifestyle products. Connecting fashion, surf and youth culture, O’Neill Girls introduced “Generation Next” in 2008 with Teen Vogue, an annual high school design program to foster tomorrow’s fashion talents and create inspiration for future product lines. For more information, visit www.oneill.com and www.facebook.com/oneillgirls.
About TEEN VOGUE
TEEN VOGUE is a Condé Nast publication bringing together style-conscious girls as the number one source of relevant fashion and beauty news. TEEN VOGUE brings the sophistication and authority of VOGUE to a new generation of savvy young adults with the desire to be on the cutting edge of fashion, beauty and style. Launched in February 2003, TEEN VOGUE publishes 10 issues a year and has a guaranteed circulation of 1,000,000.
