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She'll be sipping Moet in heaven
Andrew Tillett
22 April 2008
The late fashion designer Dea Latorraca with friend Tom Goulos.
FRIENDS last night described aspiring Elanora Heights fashion designer Dea Latorraca as someone who would be "sipping Moet in heaven's VIP lounge" as they struggled with their grief.
Miss Latorraca was killed early yesterday after she hit a tree on Mona Vale Rd outside St Ives Shopping Village.
Police believe Miss Latorraca, 22, lost control of her Holden Astra in wet weather, spun backwards and slammed into a tree just after midnight as she was driving home from the movies.
She was trapped in the car and did not regain consciousness after suffering major internal injuries. An ambulance rushed her to hospital, but she was declared dead a short time later.
Investigations into the accident are continuing.
Close friend Tom Goulos became friends with Miss Latorraca a few years ago when she visited Melbourne.
He quipped through his grief Miss Latorraca would be up in heaven "sipping Moet in the VIP lounge".
"Dea would do amazing things like surprise me on my birthday and fly to Melbourne without telling me and just turn up at my party with that cheeky grin of hers," Mr Goulos said.
"She was also extremely supportive at times when I needed it the most. She had a huge heart and that is why she had so many friends. She lit up a room and knew how to get a party started.
"So many people feel they have lost a piece of their heart, as do I."
Miss Latorraca had ambitions to make a name for herself in the fashion world after being inspired as a seven-year-old by the classic style and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Some of her designs were auctioned in the Starlight Foundation Annual Ball, and her gowns featured in the Miss Earth Australia Contest. Friends said she was working towards launching her own fashion label.
Family gathered at Miss Latorraca's parents' house yesterday to help her mother and father and two older brothers come to terms with her death.
Friends left flowers, cards and a Calippo ice block a favourite treat in tribute at the accident scene.
About 25 people met at sunset on Shelly Beach to light candles.
Tori Oliver was one of Miss Latorraca's closest friends, having met her in Year 7 at Brigidine College.
"Dea was just so beautiful," Miss Oliver told The Manly Daily.
"She was so fun loving, a great girl. She was really outgoing and adventurous. She made friends where ever she went. We're still in shock.
"Dea loved her fashion. She would make an outfit so easily.
"I remember one time we were going away and Dea wanted a new dress. She got some material and put it together that morning.
"Gold and diamonds, she loved all that bling. Whenever we went out, she always looked the best."
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