One of Swell’s favorite yearly events is Hurley’s Walk the Walk. A real life combination of “Project Runway” and “America’s Next Top Model”, Walk The Walk pits rival high schools in catwalk showdowns featuring retooled and restyled Hurley lines.

But the event’s real challenge is the original design competition where team’s must create stellar his and her’s ensembles. Extremely competitive, all Walk The Walk events display the same glamorous, rock-n-roll atmosphere you’d expect at Bryant Park during Fashion Week.

Last month’s Orange County leg of WTW was held at the Anaheim House of Blues and easily lived up to the hype that had been surrounding it. Packed to capacity, screaming high school students and their posses spread energy and excitement throughout the venue.  The night’s style themes included industrial designs, globe trotting, Z Boys, and Moulin Rouge.  

The pressure to impress was apparent to all, especially with such prestigious judges on hand. The celebrity panel included supermodel Bar Rafaeli, Bob Hurley, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, OTIS School of Art and Design Fashion Program Chair Rosemary Brantley, Ryan Hurley, Robert Buckley of Lipstick Jungle, Benji and Joel Madden, and Frankie Delgado of MTV’s “The Hills” and “Bromance”.

The teams were scored on overall vibe, crowd support, style and design, and illustration of Hurley’s brand message. And while it was rumored to be an incredibly close descision, pro surfer Rob Machado announced Fountain Valley High School as the overall winner.
 

As the new Orange County champs, FVHS will receive $5,000 for their school and have their winning creations incorporated into a future Hurley collection. The young designers were also invited to compete at the upcoming Otis College of Art and Design’s benefit show honoring Bob Hurley. 

Want a taste of victory? New at Swell, but quickly pouring out of our warehouse: the winning design from last season’s WTW champions, the Hurley WTW YC Maxi Dress.

Log on to Hurley’s site for full event coverage and photos.