2026 Couture for a Cure

This event is tentatively sold out. Please contact Karen Carpenter at [email protected] to inquire about availability and be added to the waitlist. Thank you!

Fashion, science, hope and progress come together at the 21st annual Couture for a Cure, a glamorous celebration of Van Andel Institute’s 30th anniversary. Celebrate three decades of science and education initiatives while delving into the latest fashion on Oct. 8 at VAI.

Co-hosts Carol Van Andel and Rebecca Wierda will guide you through the trendiest fabrics, styles and outfits, curated by the luxury specialists at Leigh’s. The evening will also feature an exclusive Hellessy fashion presentation from this year’s featured designer, Sylvie Millstein. Millstein designs with a singular muse in mind: the modern woman on the go. Hellessy embodies a refined, laid-back glamour that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Known for sculptural silhouettes, compelling color stories, signature adorned denim and draped blouses with seductive necklines, each collection delivers core yet distinctive pieces — future classics that exude quiet confidence.

Alongside the fashion presentation, guests will enjoy a strolling cocktail hour, seated dinner, a chance auction and live entertainment from DJ AB. Exclusive items from Artistry will be available throughout the evening.

Suggested attire for the evening is cocktail attire.

Complimentary valet parking at the main entrance.

Founded in 2012 from her Soho studio, Hellessy is the vision of Paris-born designer Sylvie Millstein. Raised in France, Millstein’s passion for fashion began as a teenager leafing through the pages of French Vogue. Determined to one day work for Chanel and inspired by her Japanese heritage, she attended business school in France before moving to Japan, where she realized her ambition by becoming a Buying Manager at Chanel.

After more than a decade as a Senior Merchant working with esteemed institutions including Chanel, Givenchy, and Harrods across Europe and Japan, Millstein relocated to New York City with her family. Her deep understanding of the luxury womenswear space laid the groundwork for her own label.

The brand’s name is deeply personal—derived from the first syllables of her two eldest sons’ names, Hendrix and Lennox, along with her own.

Millstein designs with a singular muse in mind: the modern woman on the go. Hellessy embodies a refined, laid-back glamour that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Known for sculptural silhouettes, compelling color stories, signature adorned denim, and draped blouses with seductive necklines, each collection delivers core yet distinctive pieces—future classics that exude quiet confidence. Unexpected details, from tattooed lace accents to ribbon applications, allow for versatility and individuality season after season.

This event is tentatively sold out. Please contact Karen Carpenter at [email protected] to inquire about availability and be added to the waitlist. Thank you!

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel — Bed, Bottle & Beef
Enjoy dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a bottle of premium wine and an overnight stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Value: $500

Custom Style Experience With Leigh’s
Leigh’s will treat you and three friends to an exclusive in-store experience. Start off with makeup artists who will pamper you with a skincare consultation and makeup application as you enjoy refreshments. Next, you will meet with one of Leigh’s buyers for a private overview of the season’s hottest trends and see how they can be incorporated into your own personal style. Leigh’s has generously included four $100 gift cards so your group can shop to your heart’s content! Best of all, 10% of what you spend will benefit Van Andel Institute!
Value: $1,500

An Evening at Scholar
Treat yourself to an elevated dining experience with a $150 gift card to Scholar in downtown Grand Rapids. With its inviting atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted food and drinks, Scholar offers the perfect setting for a memorable evening out.
Whether it’s date night, dinner with friends or a special celebration, enjoy a night of great flavors, conversation and hospitality at this distinctive Grand Rapids destination.
Value: $150

The Hellessy Experience at Leigh’s
Make a statement with a $2,000 Hellessy gift card to be used at Leigh’s, where modern luxury meets effortless sophistication.
From beautifully tailored silhouettes to bold, feminine designs, Hellessy creates pieces meant to stand out. With the expert guidance and personalized service of the team at Leigh’s, the winner can find a look that feels uniquely their own.
Value: $2,000

Looking Sharp With Fitzgerald’s
Refresh your wardrobe with a $250 gift certificate to Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store. Known for exceptional menswear, personalized service and timeless style, Fitzgerald’s makes it easy to find the perfect look for any occasion.
Whether you’re searching for a sharp new outfit, updating your everyday essentials or adding the perfect finishing touches, enjoy a personalized shopping experience and discover something that makes you look and feel your best.
Value: $250

Pretty in Pink by Kendra Scott
Add a touch of sparkle to your jewelry collection with the Kendra Scott Abbie gold crystal necklace and coordinating drop earrings in pink.
Featuring shimmering pink crystals set in a classic gold-tone finish, this beautiful pairing brings just the right amount of color and elegance to any look. Wear them together for a polished statement or separately to add a little sparkle to everything from everyday outfits to special occasions.
A chic and feminine set that’s sure to become a jewelry-box favorite.
Value: $170

Private Shopping at Dime & Regal
We’re opening the Dime & Regal Showroom just for you! Enjoy a private jewelry shopping experience complete with snacks, champagne and $1,000 to spend at our shop. Make it a solo adventure or enjoy the experience with a friend.
Dime & Regal is a women-owned and operated jewelry shop located on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. Our store offers a curated collection of fine jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets from 18 independent and local artists. We also offer custom design services for custom engagement rings, wedding bands and other custom jewelry projects.
Value: $1,500

Rebel Nell Private Mural Making & Shopping Experience
Gather your friends for a one-of-a-kind evening at Rebel Nell’s Grand Rapids location with a private shopping and mural-making experience for up to 30 guests. Enjoy time to shop, connect and create together while learning more about Rebel Nell and the story behind its mission-driven jewelry.
During the event, guests will help create a custom interactive Rebel Nell mural, hear a presentation about the company and its history and enjoy a custom product presentation from a Rebel Nell team member. Rebel Nell’s jewelry is made from repurposed materials, with profits supporting programs focused on financial training, career education and other wrap-around services.
A meaningful and memorable experience that blends creativity, community and shopping in the heart of Grand Rapids.
Value: $1,550

Hellessy Styling Day at Leigh’s | October 9 | 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Continue the Couture for a Cure experience with an exclusive styling day at Leigh’s. Hellesy’s Design Director, Jeremy James, will be in store for one-on-one styling sessions featuring the Fall 2026 and Resort collections.

One-hour styling sessions. Appointments are recommended. Call 616.942.6300 to reserve your spot.

LEIGH’S | 1942 Breton Rd SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506