ALL ACCESS: Fashion with Raina Silberstein email: rs@sillsmodels.com

FASHION FOR A CAUSE WITH LOVE

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:48:02 -0800

Just before New York Fashion Week, the glamour began in Los Angeles. While Stacey Sills of Sills Models, 20 models, 3 designers, and 12 hair and make up artists were prepping for the event, at an exclusive neighborhood known as Holmby Hills; I was on the corner of Sunset and Ivar seconds away from Cabana Club.

What was the occasion? The First Saint Valentine and Fashion Runway Show Fundraiser for Tele Sofa a charity which promotes human development and digital literacy through film and art. Hosted by Runway Magazine, the event showcased Jacob Meir celebrity shoe designer of Shoes for the Stars and Tal Sheyn fashion designer of Tal Sheyn Signature Designs.

Fashionably early, I strolled over to the club. No lines, no worries, I assumed getting in would be a breeze. I talked to two cute boys with clipboards in hand. “Raina Silberstein, Fashion Journalist” I said. “I believe I am on the list”. And yes, yes I was.. Now I just need to get past the bouncer I thought. I did my signature bat the eyes, shimmy the shoulders, which works every time. However this particular time (having forgotten my ID) it didn’t go as smoothly. Having spent at least ten minutes talking my way into the club, I was ready for my grand entrance.

On the other side of the red ropes, I couldn’t get past the bar without club-goers pushing and shoving for a vodka cranberry with lime. I heard one man say, “this place is way over capacity”. I cautiously made my way through the crowd while dancing to live pop and rock beats by De’Sha in the tropical venue.

Young Hollywood gathered on and off the red carpet as interviews were taking place. As for the Best Dressed guest, Rachel Carlson of Rachel Appelle apparel takes the prize. Dressed in her own design, a pistachio colored shift dress with sequined accents, tasteful cut outs, and mini-martini glasses repeating a pattern. This look reinvented the typical cocktail dress. Her ten person entourage (including Sills Model Cheryl Stallard) were all styled to the nines with her signature designs; even had their own hair and makeup team. In an on-camera interview with Devaux of Pax Stereo she confessed, “ I like to design beautifully made tailored and structured garments.” Including a menswear white and gray snakeskin fitted blazer, which took 23 poisonous snakes to create.

Lounging in a large Cabana doubling as backstage, I spoke with Sills Models, Jennifer Carrillo, Jacqueline DePaul, Dvil Monroe, Yesenia Osuna, Eebony Browne, fierce beauties all trying to stay warm before their fashion preview. H&M was in full swing. For hair, models fashioned three feet of extensions wrapped up in a high bun, then tapered down into a Rapunzel-esque braid. “Each look took around 20 minutes, pulled hair up in a ponytail and then we attached synthetic extensions,” said Monte of Koby B Sherman Oaks.

The clock struck twelve, red rose petals went up into the air, and the show began. Towering models fashioned Tal Sheyn’s feminine and chic collection with exaggerated sleeves, extended collars, voluminous gowns, and sexy onesies in an array of colors from pinks, peaches, turquoise and purples. The outfits were perfectly paired with a plethora lace up boots and stilettos. When asked what was your inspiration for the line? She replied, “ Beauty. I wanted to create something young and fresh that every girl could wear. ”

After the runway show, guests were anything but shy as they got low, low, low on the dance floor. Before too long the club cleared out as attendees prepared for a romantic weekend with their loved ones.

BEST DRESSED AT THE 51st ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 16:21:16 -0800

Award Season is back again. We have seen gowns from design houses all over the globe. With the conclusion of the 51st Grammy Awards, these artist prove they are in tune with fashion.

As much as I loved gowns worn by Kate Beckinsale and Miley Cyrus, I have to give the best black dress award to Taylor Swift. She looks romantically rough around the edges in a Kaufman Franco black jersey gown, with wrap around patent leather strapping. Taylor, you are “a princess in a fairytale”.

Flirty and sophisticated award, Kate Perry wears a bubblegum-pink dress by Lebanese designer Basil Soda. This daring look reflects her racy lyrics and proves that she is not afraid to rock out as a soloist.

Best pop of color, in a Tadashi strapless column gown with a sweetheart cut and pleated bodice, The Hills reality TV star Audrina Patridge looks like a bombshell.

Leave Paula Alone, her warrior princess-meets-lemon head look gets the it’s not that bad award. I will have you warned, it’s not the dress. There has been a small glitch with accessories; off the shoulder armor, a hair piece, and what would be more appropriate than a matching metal belt? It seems as if she made the common mistake of piling on much to much. I am happy to say I am going to let her wardrobe malfunction slide. However, I don’t advise trying this at LAX, there is no way she would get past security let alone a metal detector.

A MAN'S JOB

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:18:59 -0800

It is the first time the Latino Fashion Group of Chicago has come to Los Angeles. There could not have been a better man to plan, produce, and execute the International Spa and Salon Expo (ISSE) event. Chosen to inspire, motivate, and build confidence for Latinos as well as all multi-cultured stylists. Marcel Munoz comes from a Mexican and Cuban background himself.. As a young child, he would play with his mothers locks. There was no denying it, he always had a knack for hair. 25 years later and well into his career, Mr. Munoz feels fortunate that he has achieved his goals. Film, Magazines, Theater, and Travel -- he has done it all. Now, he happily volunteers his expertise to charities and specialty organizations which he supports.

In spite of the schedule conflict competing with Super Bowl Sunday, the 2009 event exceeded attendance expectations with more than 33,000 beauty professionals roaming the show room floors. Held at the Long Beach Convention Center the three-day agenda calls for a rehearsal, high fashion presentation, and bridal show.

DAY ONE

Call time: 11:30a.m.

Stacey Sills and the talent of Sills Models prepare for a big weekend of back-to-back shows. The screening process encompasses hair and make up consultations, trimmings, and wardrobe fittings.

DAY TWO

Curtains up! Dressed in white denim, black boots, and artistic body painted tattoos, male models of Sills Model Agency blow glitter into the audience during their fierce entrance.

It’s “Heads Up with Marcel” a short promotional video flashed exclusive photos of Marcel Munoz work at the opening of the show.

The high end fashion show showcased Past to Future. Starting with the 1700s for a historic Marie Antoinette in a charcoal gray satin day gown with a voluminous cascading curls, to modern day in an exotic skin tight onesie with metal pieces.

Fast forward to the 1940s with an elegant royal purple drop-waist dress with hair in a bun and a net appearing like a lace mask over the models face. Years later for the futuristic version, metal fan skirt, and boots that definitely weren’t made for walking. Famous for disco glam we boogied to the 1970s with a platinum metallic dress and wavy hair. In 2020, a body suit that looked like liquid, keeping same signature black and white look of the previous decade.

Present day, wardrobe was casual; a zip up embellished jacket and dark wash denim. For makeup, focus was on the eye, Ruby Cosmetics revealed how to create a smoky eye perfect for a going out look. In the future Marcel Munoz forecasts a dramatic and sexier look: lips that pop in shades of bubble gum pink, enormous undo’s with side braids and dangling tendrils.

Needless to say, the hair was over the top, with extensions and ornaments added to create an exotic effect. Sills Models were poised and professional even when hair spray was spraying from heavy duty cans. The show successfully emphasized the evolution of hair, make up, and fashion.

DAY THREE

“Not your typical bride” Bridal Presentation.

The girls were cast to fill six distinctly different looks. Four male models rocked exaggerated features like chiseled chests, they wore nothing -- simply make up body painted to appear like a tuxedo.

The six month planning process included: creating a concept, recruiting: models, wardrobe, hair, makeup, photographers, assembling: music, wardrobe, choreography, and using techniques that are possible to emulate.

Marcel Munoz expresses, “ My main focus is to give the audience something they can take home. Ideas and techniques that they can implement in their careers and in their salons and spas.”

Another benefit to attendees was a classroom setting in which Mr. Munoz allotted time for Q+A. From one licensed professional to the next, they played show and tell. Advice? Tools? Products? Techniques? He shared easy tricks to achieve the look without the drama.

Congratulations to a team of professionals that gracefully brought the creative vision to life: Ruby Cosmetics, Alterna hair care products, metal pieces from Original Creations by Leon and Leon Photography, and of course Stacey Sills of Sills Models.

NOT WORTH THE TRANSIT

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:13:15 -0800

I attended Focus Apparel and Accessories Show and Transit the LA shoe show at the California Market Center as a guest of Niki Shadrow Productions. Niki’s glam squad consisted of Geri, her mother and agent, Trisha the shoe designer, Carrie Zack and Nigel Ayers of Carrie Zack Events, Kirk the producer, and me, Raina, her styling assistant.

The two trade events in L.A. feature clothing, accessories, and shoes in an intimate, loft setting. Bridging the gap between emerging designers and established brands. The goal is to bring together a fresh mix of contemporary collections for men and women.

Amid live DJ beats, cocktails, and a creative, chill vibe in the Penthouse, Floor 13, we had the royalty treatment to view up and coming collections.

From eco-friendly designers, to a collection of hand painted spoons by Jimbob and Janine, and even designers who give back to charities like Pablo’s garden, I had seen it all. Some interesting new players like Rough Justice women’s shoe collection. With peep-toe patent cowboy boots perfect for Brooke Hogan or Tara Reid? Also, showcased brilliantly designed patent oxfords and preppy pumps with extra cushion.

In the end, the designer I believe deserves to be in the spotlight, is Micha Kuechenhoffof Micha Design. She is innovative, fabulous, and affordable. Her avant-garde jewelry collection is handmade and one of a kind. She creates layered statement necklaces, bracelets, rings, and dangling brooches. The line incorporates charms, chains, feathers, and even an outlet plate for a light switch! Her excitement was contagious. I got all gaga for the brand. She nominated me to model her pieces for the afternoon- it’s not hard to get on my good side- I am now happy to return a favor. Check out her website www.michadesign.myshopify.com

Unfortunately, the trade show was improperly scheduled for in between seasons and many brands were showcasing their old collections. Yes, we are in a tough financial crisis, but we expect to be tempted to buy. There is no excitement in purchasing the same snakeskin tote we have been carrying over our shoulder for the last few months. My advice: Be fresh, be daring, and we will shop. Consequently, our economy will slowly but surely rise to the top, again.

PERSONALITY, PASSION, PROFESSIONALISM

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:07:24 -0800

January 2009, Downtown Los Angeles experienced the largest fashion event of its kind. Held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) had its 21st annual event. 1200 fresh faced hopefuls traveled from all over the globe to showcase themselves for a chance to be the next “it guy” or “it girl”. Meanwhile the biggest names in the business sat back and observed these first-timers go to work.

Whether taking workshops on “Perfecting your Performance” or “The Runway to Success” participants had the opportunity to learn the inside scoop about the high pressure and fast paced fashion and entertainment industries. The events week of activities celebrated many firsts. First catwalk, first cold read, and of course the attendees first shot at fame.

Renowned fashion show producer, Michael Maddox , chose 40 models to participate in the chance of a lifetime. The contestants underwent a 24-hour transformation in which they were formally trained as to how to capture an audience. The twenty-two minute performance showcased designer collection s including the green line by M Herrera. In addition to the glamour, the show did nothing less than entertain; male models in boxer briefs and guys sporting vibrant tracksuits while break dancing in rollerblades.

The IMTA annual event could not go on without the commitment and collaboration exemplified by all agents, casting directors, personal managers, speakers, judges, VIPS, IMTA Alumni, IMTA Directors, crew, and contestants.

As a honorary guest and VIP of Sills Models, Hollywood CA, I chose to shadow CEO and model agent Stacey Sills. Dressed in her signature look a white button up blouse, polished pearls, KROQUE denim high waist pencil skirt, and her funky fiery red hair by stylist Marcel Munoz -it instantly registered this woman means business.

I spent the week shadowing Stacey Sills as she diligently scouted and recruited models for her agency. What was she looking for? Her platform consists of “Happy Healthy Natural Beauty” translation: models who exude confidence and an approachable personality. Her clients value females and males of every ethnicity, shape, and size.

Friday, the final day was scheduled Model Callbacks. It was an intensified afternoon as Stacey held three minute interviews with over 300 models looking to become the newest members of her agency. The one-on-one session allowed for a question and answer period, collecting comp cards, and a preview into the model’s portfolio. Stacey was eager to give guidance as well as dish out advice on how to improve each models look book. With Sills Models clients on a national scale, Stacey was able to book models from everything to the Super Bowl in Florida to runway shows in Detroit, Michigan.

Throughout the week, I observed Stacey maneuver her way through out the industry and make many friends. A large asset to the IMTA event, she was hand picked to judge numerous competitions such as Swimwear and the Makeup Competition. The day following the event, on Stacey’s birthday, she single handedly put together a go-see for her client, designer M Herrera, in which 16 male models were ready to greet him. With her personality, passion, and professionalism she has proved she is making an impact in the world of fashion.