Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke

Kate Pankoke is a three-time Project Runway contestant, award winning designer, and Creative Director for the luxury bridal line Elaya Vaughn Bridal. In addition to her highly praised collections, Kate’s evening gowns are frequently featured at red carpet events & galas (including the Oscar’s red carpet), charity functions, news & print advertisements (including Heidi Klum’s perfume campaign), and acclaimed media publications.

At 22, Kate Pankoke, launched her line, Elaya Vaughn Bridal. Now, 6 years later, her collection is sold in boutiques around the world. Kate has appeared on 3 seasons of the Emmy Award winning show, Project Runway.

Majoring in Apparel Design and Technology at Florida State University, Kate Pankoke had to teach herself what she knows about business and her industry. Kate knows what it takes to turn dreams into reality and she is here to help you do just that.

Kate has been recognized as one of Crain’s Business Magazine’s 20 in their 20’s and Florida State University’s 7 under 30. She has shown at New York Fashion week and continues to show her latest bridal collections at Bridal Fashion Week in New York. The Knot listed Kate as one of the top 10 designers to watch.

Kate is a down-to- earth speaker with a very honest approach. She speaks to all of her experiences, the good and the bad. Pankoke speaks on topics of Entrepreneurship, How to follow your passion, and the reality behind reality TV. Kate likes to interact with the audience and discuss how each point is applicable to their situation.