MILES OF STYLE The Style Cup is not without its growing pains, but every year it is reorganized and gets better and better and will undoubtedly become everything it should: a slickly produced event that focuses on some of the absolutely amazing local work done by stylists and salons. Le scandal of the night was the upstart Fashionista taking top prizes in the categories Day Fun and Warm Evening, as well as winning Best Collection. “They’re not even a salon!” said the whispers across Styleville. I say, “Puh-leeze.” Lisa Brooks, who founded Fashionista, has been doing hair in this town for a long time. So what if her new business is not a salon but rather a “production company” of sorts – part of what her company does is hair and make-up, among so many other services they offer. To say she shouldn’t be eligible to win is absolutely ludicrous. Her company did win, through amazing design, execution, and presentation. Also new and making a strong presence was Premiere Atelier with dazzlingly creative work that establishes them as a major player in the style scene. They won the Fantasy segment and were the runner-up in Warm Evening. Avant was runner-up in two categories, including Best Collection and Spring Bride, neatly showcasing their well-established talent and artistry. Dezire Beauty Salon won the Spring Bride segment and was the runner-up in the Fantasy segment. They are new to the scene and showed several spectacular looks. Catena’s Hair Studio, an original Style Cup participant, was runner-up in Day Fun. The teams from Salon Bali, Maximum FX, Daya, Innu, and Transformation also had stunning and incredibly imaginative entries, adding an enormous range of color and drama to the event. As a fundraiser for Project Transitions, the Style Cup raised more than $14,000 – almost triple what it raised last year – and organizers Natalie Watson, David Schneider, and Chelsy Binyon pulled off another fabulous event.
This article appears in April 16 • 2004.