VLK was proud to receive the “Best Craftsmanship” Award at IIDA Houston City Center’s Product Runway 2025: The (Design) Eras Tour, held on May 2, 2025 at POST Houston. The award recognized VLK’s innovative and meticulously crafted design inspired by the era of Architectural Minimalism. This annual competition brings together architecture and design firms from across the region to showcase creativity through fashion constructed from architectural materials.
Now in its 17th year, Product Runway challenges design teams to create garments inspired by a designated theme. This year’s event spotlighted the theme The (Design) Eras Tour, a nod to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, celebrating iconic periods in design history through wearable art. Beyond the runway, the team had to create an original art piece to be auctioned for $600. VLK also chose to contribute to the event as a gold sponsor. Proceeds from the event raise funds for the Houston Furniture Bank, the Texas Association for Interior Design (TAID), and the IIDA Education Fund. A distinguished panel of industry leaders and design professionals evaluated entries on creativity, craftsmanship, and innovative use of materials.
VLK’s team translated architectural principles of balance, rhythm, and functionality into an elegant, structural garment to represent the era of Minimalism. The submission showcased sustainable materials and innovative detailing with the support of garment sponsors. Additionally, the team volunteered at Houston Furniture Bank and participated in Zero Landfill at LaNova Warehouse to sort miscellaneous material samples donated by various firms. Materials included in VLK’s final design included layered, recycled polyester textiles from J. Tyler , used as the gown’s base and structural support; a focal angular collar created from PVC edge banding provided by Design One Source; and custom heat-fashioned steel accessories from Cronan & Agility, designed to guide the viewer’s eye across the gown’s silhouette.
The final design debuted at IIDA Houston City Center’s Product Runway, an inspiring showcase of industry talent and dedicated philanthropy. VLK is honored to receive this award, which reflects the firm’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and community impact.
About IIDA TX OK Chapter: IIDA is a professional networking and educational association supporting design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients. Their vision is to support culture, enhance business value, solve problems, and positively impact the health and wellbeing of people’s lives through a greater understanding of interior design.