Fashion Styling the Squad Up Models 4th Annual Fashion Jam

In the past few years I have participated in the annual Squad Up Fashion Models show as a fashion stylist and this year was no different! Read ahead to find out my fashion styling process and for a recap of the extravagant show and afternoon of entertainment...

The Squad Up Models 4th Annual Fashion Jam VIP Explosion took place on June 30th, from 2 pm-5 pm at the FOP Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. I styled a total of nine models for two separate scenes, some of whom I had previously styled in the other two shows (the very first show, and then last year's show) for S.U.M and a few I had never worked with before.

via GIPHY

How I Styled My Models
Once I found out who my models were, I started a thread via text message where I described what I was looking for and continued communicated through text, social media and video until I had an idea of what I needed each model to bring. Starting with the basics I asked them to show me their favorite best fitting jeans, shorts, dresses or anything trendy purchased within the last month or so... I then ask for specific colors, prints and combinations like neons, brights, black and whites, florals, or stripes And finally I let them know the theme I'm going for; my personal mood for this particular show was sexy summer time fun and I wanted the clothes to reflect that.

A Fashion Story
Fashion designers are able to tell a story through their use of color, fabrics, silhouettes and moods within a collection, but as a fashion stylist/personal stylist relying on my model's wardrobe's I have to tell a story in a slightly different way. I chose to tell the story of summer time activities- the things that we like to do in the summer and how you can dress for them. As a personal stylist I showcase what I do by shopping my models closets, styling their everyday look for the beach, a party, hanging out at the mall, a girl's night out, chilling at the park, headed to a theme park; etc... and then I add a little extra razzle dazzle to my model's outfits with unexpected accessories right before they hit the runway!

An Explosion of Talent
Between funnyman and host Brian Tidwell, (who kept the audience in stitches with his jokes while waiting in between the scenes), the seasoned models who swagged and strutted out in a stylish mix of the city's best designers, boutiques and stylists offerings, an energetic performance by rapper J Jig Cicero and tracks spinning by DJ_Ro216 paired with a soul food plate of chicken, green beans, macaroni and meatballs- this was a FULL show that was not to be missed and the audience definitely got their money's worth!

The whole afternoon was lit, but the highlights to me were the performance by Cleveland's own J Jig Cicero and the jewelry scene. Ya'll know I love it when male models can be gawked at haha! Cleveland really has an interesting mix of fashion designers and creatives that offer something for everybody! Make sure to check out all the ones who participated in the show including @officialralphie, @desidadesigner, @3dcurt and @culturebrand_ on Instagram!

​A comedian, fashion show, vendors, soul food and a performance? I would NOT miss next year's show if I were you! Follow Squad Up Models and Donnella Swanson to keep up with their upcoming events and shows and check out the photos from my scene below:

In between hair and makeup getting done, my models posed for a quick flick during our fittings so I could visually see what I was working with before the show. It helped to organize the models for the lineup order when they walked and allowed me to mix in my brights, solids and prints to give a really cool aesthetic when they all walked. Some outfit pieces and accessories had to be changed at the last minute for various reasons, so I have learned how to always have back ups for the backups and to not get too stuck on a certain look, just in case it falls apart!

Do you have a fun summer time event coming up and need help finding the perfect outfit? I would love to help! Email me: ladysilk@thehouseoffly.com Watch the short video from the show and tell me what you think- was there an outfit that you liked the best? Let me know in the comments!