I’m not big on reality TV. Like at all. (Sorry, no Kardashians, Basketball Wives, Love and Hip Hop, ‘Real’ Housewives of OrangeCounty/BeverlyHills/Atlanta/AnywhereUSA talk here.)
However, I must confess there are a few that I get sucked into every now and then, and one of those is Project Runway. I just love seeing all of the unique, sometimes terrible, sometimes amazingly beautiful designs that stylists come up with under such overwhelming pressure and little time.
So, as a fashion enthusiast, I was really excited to hear about The Style Exhibit coming here tonight. The event, presented by Coveted Productions, will showcase the works of some of the area’s newest stylists and designers.
It kicks off at 8 p.m. at CoHabitat in downtown Shreveport. And it’s not just a fashion show, but an actual exhibit where you can view the each stylists latest fashion photos, styling segments, a beauty lounge and more.
Plus, there’s going to be live music, cocktails and a tasty dessert bar. The best part of all is that it’s free! The only thing you need to bring is a toy, canned goods or clothing, all to be donated to Toys for Tots.
I had a chance to chat with the brainchild behind the event, Jaleesa McDowell, event producer and President of Coveted Productions, and she shared more about what to expect at tonight’s event.
Donecia: What gave you the idea to put together a show like this?
Jaleesa: The idea for the show came from wanting to spotlight fashion stylists, because I feel like they are always looked over. I wanted to produce a fun, fashionable, and chic event for the city of Shreveport/Bossier as well. I always enjoy providing a platform for emerging creative professionals to express themselves. I also want to prepare everyone for my next Style Social. (Style Social: is a women’s networking and ‘glambar’ soiree. It includes shopping, fashion shows, makeup, hair and nail touch-ups, glam-gift bags, networking, dessert/candy bar, cocktails and more.) The next Style Social will be in the spring of 2012.
Donecia: How did you choose the featured designers?
Jaleesa: I always try to find great talent, that doesn’t receive a lot of recognition. I also enjoy helping new fashion companies, and stylists/designers. I always enjoy spotlighting and supporting my peers. I believe that’s extremely important to help others and support their dreams. Each stylist participating is extremely driven and passionate about their dreams, and I believe that’s where we all connected as young professionals.
Donecia: Who would enjoy a show like this?
Jaleesa: The person who would enjoy a show such as the Style Exhibit would be creative professionals, fashion enthusiasts, someone who may be searching for style inspiration, or anyone looking to meet and network with others in the fashion community and fashion talent in Louisiana.
Donecia: What are some of the highlights that we can expect to see in The Style Exhibit?
Jaleesa: The highlights you can expect from the show are the amazing fashion stylists/designer spotlights! The ChariDi & Rediva fashion segment will serve up great fall trends with beautiful vintage inspirations. Mykal Chu is an excellent designer, and has great upscale and structured pieces. Irene by Jessica Johnson offers a lot of colorful patterns and beautiful floral prints. Sirrah Styling will have a styling booth also where attendees can receive style advice – the owners have great style! I am excited for everyone to experience the fashion segments, because it’s a lot of great talent here and in the surrounding areas.
Donecia: What sets The Style Exhibit apart from a typical fashion show?
Jaleesa: What sets this apart from the typical fashion show is that it’s not just a fashion show. It’s more of an event. When I produce events I like for the attendees to interact. We have a few elements that will allow attendees to interact, like the beauty lounge sponsored by Atelier Salon, a dessert bar by Dough Buddies, a nail polish tester booth by Gotshops247.com, and a fashion photo exhibit.
