'Gramicci has hired Fiji Survivor' contestant Michelle Yi as an assistant designer. In addition to appearing on the CBS reality show, the competitive climber studied design at the University of Cincinnati. Yi, 24, established a reputation for style at climbing competitions with outfits ranging from legwarmers to leather chaps.
Sarah Mark, head designer at Gramicci, said, “Michelle is a wonderful addition to our design team,” she commented. “Our team lives, eats and breathes in our product, testing it all the time to make sure it functions the way we want it to. We look forward to Michelle contributing her expertise of climbing, her great design sense and, most importantly, her vibrant spirit.”
“I am excited about my role at Gramicci and hope to take the natural beauty I have had the privilege to see and offer it to other people through our designs,” Yi said.
Gramicci said it expects Yi to help introduce younger consumers to the company's line, which has been on an expansion kick following a makeover two years ago.
“Michelle will bring excitement and, as we know from Survivor, a more aggressive approach, that I envision will make a big impact on our company,” said president Marty Weening.
