We finally have a moment to catch our breath! Okay, well not really. Initial interviews may be complete, but we’re now in the most difficult phase – the big review!!! We’re gathering in our boardroom in an hour to go over all the applicants we think have the greatest potential to be the next big thing in New York fashion.
The turnout was almost as good as Barney’s annual warehouse sale, okay obvious exaggeration, but we were extremely pleased with the 150 plus talent we met over the past few days. The one thing everyone had in common – passion – they believe in their design and they want others to as well! It’s no wonder so many stopped by the studio to meet with our team. One model made the trek from Boston, one stylist delayed an editorial photoshoot deadline, a jewelry designer rearranged her flight just so she could meet with us, oh and only two of the most talked about stars on Gossip Girl – Penn Badgley and Blake Lively came to support Penn’s family during the casting! As New Yorkers we don’t like to fawn over celebrities, they’re just people, but I’m not going to lie I did experience a little bit of OMFG when GG’s Dan Humphrey and Serena Van der Woodsen asked me to hold a Badgley/ Sneed design up to the light to admire. Amazing!
We met Rebecca Turbow, a fashion designer who only wears grey – every single day of the year – she used to wear turquoise, but got tired of it. Now it’s grey, and although her personal style remains neutrally toned, her personality and clothing line, safe, is anything but. You may recall seeing her profile in NY Magazine’s color piece awhile ago.
We also met with Chanel Kennebrew who started her collection after finding a broken sewing machine in a trashcan making the saying another one’s trash is someone else’s treasure all the more true. Her design features collage-printed pieces that are based on themes of duality and stereotypes. She also keeps everything local and sweatshop free, which is something we like to hear!
I tried to liveblog the experience along with Rad, but as you can see Wednesday’s contribution was a little light due to the constant flow of jewelry design applicants stopping by our table. It was inspiring to preview so many styles, learn about new techniques and listen to personal perspectives on design. We saw funky, bold, intricate detail, elegant, young, downtown, uptown, etc. Erica and I found ourselves constantly oohing and ahhing – needless to say, it’s going to be a hard decision!
Best of luck to everyone who applied! Stay tuned for more updates!
Lauren changed her flight to visit Jack + Bill
2 comments
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July 19, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Kim
Wow, just the sort of people that need free PR…
The media reports on the open call stated that it was for
“emerging talent that normally wouldn’t have the resources of a global agency at their fingertips.”
Yup, Bagdley Sneed Design is in dire need of PR and definitely can’t afford it on their own… Seems to me that anywhere you look online about this open call, this story is all that comes up. When will this abysmal trend of celebrities and their families adopting the moniker “designer” end?!?!
July 20, 2008 at 9:25 pm
sarah
Wow, the people you are meeting sound so intriguing!
I can’t imagine wearing any single color, every single day, but it is certainly an interesting perspective.
I really look forward to reading about your new discoveries!
It is so inspiring as a blogger to see you all take such an innovative approach to this traditional profession. It is nice to see a company whose passion and indie spirit mirrors that of their clients.