Fourteenth: Above The Fashion Curve
When Aubrey announced she was competing at WBFF Worlds 2022 in Las Vegas, I immediately visualized designs for her pro debut. My goal was to put fashion on stage that had never been seen before.
“I’d rather be remembered for standing out than be remembered for being like the rest.”
WBFF Orlando 2021
In April 2021, my daughter Aubrey was awarded her Pro status in Orlando, Florida, at the World Beauty Fitness Fashion, Amateur/Pro Competition. Her aqua silk and chain theme wear costume took four months to design.
“In my over thirty-five years as a fashion designer, I have never been one to research or follow trends. My design ideas come naturally to me, and they often become trendsetters on stage or going down the aisle.”
I wanted to step away from the typical pageant-style fashion for this competition. I introduced texture, dimension, and a belted bottom for Aubrey’s bikini. Her gown design was the opposite of competition sequins and glitz but relatively soft and sensual.
WBFF Worlds Bikini Design
Once again, I teamed up with friend and designer Teresa Cristaldi. Only this time, she traveled from Italy to partake in another incredible fashion journey. Her added expertise in working with leather was a great asset.
“Having Teresa come from Italy was amazing! It made me feel loved. I was relieved to have extra hands and eyes, and have in-person fittings to make last minute changes. The ability to adapt under pressure separates the average from the legends, and my design team does just that.”
Photo by MJR Photography
“My illustration for WBFF Worlds included many elements never seen before in a bikini design; leather, zippers, handmade leather flowers, and illusion bishop sleeves with leather cuffs. ”
The flowers for her bikini were handmade from metallic leather in vibrant colors. They took weeks to crystallize individually. I avoided using silver rhinestones, which do reflect beautifully on stage. Instead, I chose stones similar in color to the natural leather to add richness. I wanted the flowers to look alive!
Custom accessories are the perfect finish that take my designs to the next level. This earring had the right amount of drape and flawless colored sparkle to accompany the bikini design.
I nailed the boots! Aubrey and I agree this was our favorite accessory. I always try to include Aubrey’s signature in any design I create— The Lioness!
“The spirit of the lioness is the core of who I am. It is also why I have two of them tattooed on me. The lioness is courageous, confident, independent, resilient, strong, agile, beautiful, graceful, loyal, and protective of her tribe. The symbol of a lioness on my costume each year is there to remind me of who I am.”
WBFF Gown Design
My January 2022 fashion sketch was ahead of the fashion curve when Met Gala red carpet celebs joined me five months later in the silk flower rage. I knew this gown would be a tremendous undertaking to see its fruition. Once Aubrey fell in love with the design, there was no turning back.
Sourcing silks in the precise color palette was the first step. I worked with my flower maker to determine the types of flowers to create and estimate how many to make.
The finished silk flowers looked so real, as though they were freshly picked. I work with the best flower maker in the world, and I expect nothing less!
I decided on the layout and patterning, and then the weeks of hand-sewing began.
Ayako assisted me in the tedious task of stitching and crystallizing Aubrey’s spectacular circular skirt.
Aubrey asked me to describe the person who would wear such a creation. I replied, “The Angel of Heaven’s Garden.” My response drew us even deeper together on this journey. She told me she often meditates in a scene of Heaven’s Garden. At this moment, we both knew this was the perfect design for her pro debut.
I changed from the original sketch and decided to add flower petals to the bust only and crystallize the boning on the corset. We all agreed the sheer corset would show well on stage. I created the collar from the same gorgeous beaded fabric used to create the vines on the skirt.
WBFF Registration Gown Design
I bought the fabrics for this dress design a year in advance. They hung in my design room, and I looked at them often. I had so many directions I wanted to go with this gown. Finally, I sketched this illustration and sent it to Aubrey. This silhouette would look gorgeous on her beautiful fit frame.
This earring style came very quickly to me, considering circles as the central theme of this gown design.
We had to get to work immediately upon arrival in Las Vegas. Since Aubrey lives in California, her designs were created through measurements and virtual meetings. Teresa and I travel with a sewing machine and professional iron in our carry-on. We perfected the fit of each garment and finished the design details in our hotel setting.
WBFF Worlds 2022- Aubrey Hunt
WBFF PRESIDENT & CEO / Paul Dillett WBFF EXECUTIVE VP / Allison Dillett
“Authenticity and originality are really important to me. I wanted each gown, suit, shoe, and accessory to vibrate energy of who I am; beautiful, strong, feminine, gritty, and unique. ”
“The blue gown was gorgeous because of its shape and unique fabrics. I liked how it accentuated the curves of my hips. I felt like an Egyptian goddess.”
“Fashion helps to complete the statement of who you are on stage which separates the WBFF from other federations. It’s not just about the body. It’s about the entire package~ physique, fashion, beauty, posing, confidence, stage presence, and marketability.”
“I was the only one wearing leather. The suit was amazing because it was fashionable, feminine, badass, edgy, and sexy all at the same time. The overall beauty and how different it was, drew attention.”
Photo by Dennis M. Cruz
Photo by Dennis M. Cruz
Photo by Toby Harrison
“My main goal was to bring my most confident self to the stage for my pro debut in mind, body, and spirit. It was time to level up to the best in the world and push myself further than I ever have. And I did!”
Photo by Dennis M. Cruz
Photo by Toby Harrison
Photo by Toby Harrison
Photo by Dennis M. Cruz
Aubrey Hunt Fitness Model
“I had four photoshoots the week of the show in Vegas. I love the shoots because they showcase my hard work and commitment to myself. I chose four photographers, each with a unique style, so that I could get different vibes with each shoot.”
Photo by Gilco Productions
Photo by Toby Harrison
“I have become so much more confident in my photoshoots. It doesn’t feel like hard work because I’m just being myself, and someone is photographing it. The more confident you are, the easier and more natural it becomes.”
Photo by Dennis M. Cruz
“I am not sure what’s next along my fashion journey, but I do know that whatever it is, my mom will always be a part of it. Thank you, Mom and Teresa, for being a part of my dreams! <3”
Follow more of Aubrey’s fitness, fashion, and mindset on her Instagram
Photo by Jordan Tyler Paige
See you next month on the Fourteenth