Stī(-ə)l\ 2 a : a distinctive manner of expression

Stylist Carmen Lilly visited the showroom and with her brought a gaggle of style references. From her tall curly hair to her studded Miu Miu platforms Carmen works collected pieces in a way that is confident, eclectic and exciting.

Carmen interned for me many years ago at Alice Roi. Instantly commanding attention her questions and interest in the industry was inspiring. It was clear that her ambition would guide her to a successful spot in fashion. Now a stylist and personal shopper her days are spent shopping and seeking out special pieces for the lucky women she dresses. Some of her favorite pieces from the fall collection included a purple leather skirt, cobweb crew neck sweater and the printed leopard fur coat with the white fox collar.

Her unique almost unedited mix always catches my attention.  The look this time layers a ton of cliché adjectives in one look. Vintage inspired shades: Pretty pink lipstick: Casual pastel cardigan over the Prim tailored heather gray top: Preppy khaki reworked in Sexy skin tight pants with a subtle rolled cuff: Edgy studded, strappy zip platforms and Ethnic and Modern bangles and bracelets stacked up each wrist. The Subversive pierced bag, Exotic gold ring, Homely coat and Glamorous Japanese manicure are just the finishing touches of a Carmen’s Thursday morning look. 

To say her look is eclectic would be an understatement. Carmen credits Diana Ross and Grace Jones as style icons and describes her personal style as “DYNAMIC”.  My take on her style, WONDERFUL.

Karen Walker shades, Stella McCartney top, DVF cardigan, BCBG ring, JBrand khakis, Miu Miu shoes, Matthew Williamson coat, Emilio Pucci bag, personal collection of bracelets, nails by Naomi @NaomiNailsNyc

Sə-ˈpȯrt\ 2 a (1) : to promote the interests or cause of (2) : to uphold or defend as valid or right

Not sure if it is the same in all industries but fashion seems to be one that is built on support. My first internship at Calvin Klein came at the suggestion of my father’s friend; my internship with Fashion Group International came about from the recommendation of a professor at Parsons. The interest and encouragement of peers and mentors has always been a huge part of becoming designer almost dependant on this support.

With Dallin Chase the support the last four years has been tremendous. Editors and retailers have taken time to see me along the way, some who knew me well before I began Dallin Chase others who saw something in the collection the first season out.  Fabric suppliers and local factories that worked with me on creating Dallin Chase and helped me push concepts to fruition. The truth is once a sketch leaves the sketchpad the amount of people that are involved

in getting it to the end customer is innumerable.

We presented our Fall 2011 collection. Many of the guests were familiar ones, others new to Dallin Chase, most of them part of the process that makes this industry so wonderful. New York Fashion week starts tomorrow so as you sit back and enjoy your favorite collection on www.style.com take a second to remember all the amazing, talented and devoted “fashion people” behind the logo at the end of the runway.