February 19 launched the Style-Off, the stylist challenge during Pop Up Showroom: New York. Six professional stylists were given one hour to create two unique looks by combining pieces from 13 diverse contemporary collections at the Pop Up Showroom.
Each stylist was assigned two designers they had to use, and then they were turned loose in the showroom. The action was caught on film by Livid Magazine, including interviews of the stylists as they worked and the exhibiting designers. Photographers Andre Walker and Geoffrey Geiger shot the looks in the beautiful Strand Hotel which provided the perfect fashion setting, decorated throughout with vintage Conde Nast photographs.
The collections at the Pop Up Showroom were all contemporary, high quality, upscale fashion, but there the similarity ended. Each designer had a different point of view and style, and from this group, the stylists created great looks any fashionista would want to wear.
Accessories were provided by Alicia Marilyn Designs, a fine jewelry collection of delicate gold and silver jewelry that can be layered for a more dramatic look, as well as a “bubble” collection of free-form circles joined to create modern necklaces, earrings and cuffs. Moonlight Jewelry, made from recycled sterling silver, mixed contemporary, clean pieces with more romantic necklaces and earrings made with sterling silver wire and semi-precious stones. Wrapped in Beads provided hammered sterling silver and copper earrings and cuffs, offering a roughness to classy, chic jewelry. Representing France and Bolivia, two collections of fair trade alpaca accessories offering simple and 100% organic elegance by Andes Made and a fun, colorful selection of women’s and children’s scarves and sweaters by Las Gringas.
The clothing collections presented at the Pop Up Showroom blended silhouette and style from different cultures and countries. Fresh off his well-received runway show during Fashion Week, New York designer Danilo Gabrielli presented his fall sportswear collection, a beautiful combination of classic silhouettes and contemporary touches with a European spirit and Italian fabrics. From Germany, Eweline B featured the trademark German precision in a collection of dresses and sportswear referencing 60’s style with a European sensibility. Connecticut designer Daniela Vlad continues her signature finishes in her fall collection of contemporary business wear for the woman who wants to stand out in the boardroom and after 5 events. Koren Fung’s fall collection presented pieces with an interesting mix of materials: leather paired with silk, faux fur and lace separates, all with a youthful sophistication. Jessica B Creations from Switzerland represented evening wear with a collection of cocktail dresses and gowns.
Although based in the US, a group of talented designers infused their collections with their native African culture. Modahnik showed an ethically produced collection of dresses and separates of Western silhouettes made from the colorful fabrics from her native Congo. Also representing the DR Congo, DRC ApeParel creates upscale, funky urbanwear for men and women with national fabrics, that supports gorilla reserves in the Congo. From Mali and Sengal, designer Enji presented her “baby doll” collection, cute and contemporary clothing for the young at heart, each piece featuring jewelry worked into the design.
Pulling from this diverse group of designers, the stylists created unique looks that expressed a new point of view, and offered a new direction for each of the collections, eliciting surprise and delight from the observers of the challenge.
The looks will be submitted for voting on The Lane Style House facebook page and bloggers, online magazines and media outlets are invited to bring the contest to their readers and let them to pick their favorite. The Lane Style House and Showroom International will declare the opening of the voting, and the winning stylist will will receive a prize package to help them move forward in their business and career. For more information about the contest, contact Bel Esprit at belesprit@ureach.com.
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