Teams go head to head in Syracuse Fashion Week’s Glam Slam

DJ and Emcee Joe Grosvent blasts EDM remixes as event-goers mingled and laughed. Event-goers were dressed casually in outfits ready for the changing weather. Many rocked flared and bootcut jeans with long sleeve shirts and cardigans. The room was lively and bright inside the event space as the audience waited for the show to begin. 

Once the audience’s chatter died down, models entered rocking avant garde makeup, hairstyles and outfits. As they each walked up and down the runway, the music played louder while some people cheered and gasped excitedly at the astonishing outfits. Photographers flashed their cameras trying to catch every angle and judges took quick notes on each look. 

This wasn’t just a catwalk for the models, it was a performance. 

Syracuse Fashion Week hosted its new show, Glam Slam at Middle Ages Brewing Co. Beer Hall on Thursday night. The show was a catwalk and competition featuring seven teams that were tasked with creating looks that matched the theme, “Iconic Couples – real or fictional.”

Winners were selected in five categories, which included best makeup, best outfit, best hair, best performance and the overall Glam Slam champion. The event’s proceeds benefited the Food Bank of Central New York and the categories are judged by six celebrity judges: Michael Benny, Jamie Owens,  Jennifer Corbacio, Kristina Scalone, Ashley Miller Hansen and Karen Belcher.      

The show was full of memorable highlights and each look had unique aspects to it. Shaiyla Brice of MLT Beauty started the show off with a bang featuring looks inspired by the titular 90’s movie character, Edward Scissorhands and Kim Boggs. The models sported silver glitter ensembles that glimmered under the bright lights. One model wore a silver top with flared sleeves and black bottoms while the other wore a black button down with a matching silver skirt. 

Heather Isabel of Heather Rocks Hair took the audience through the historical story of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. As narration played, the models wore prince and princess costumes. The empress donned a full length white gown with matching lace gloves and a gold corset while she carried a parasol with floral detailing. The emperor wore a cropped black suit jacket and pants. The jacket was adorned with gold buttons and intricate detailing on the shoulders. The look was made complete with gold platformed boots. The two models showed off their looks as they waltzed up and down the catwalk, acting out the story as it went on.

Mae Scialdone of MAZE Studios was introduced with the phrase “Halloween came early” as she presented her looks inspired by Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein. The audience was brought into the story as the bride let out a bloodcurdling scream. She wore a white lace dress with tattered tights and white combat boots. Her outfit contrasted with Frankenstein’s all black outfit with silver accessories and jewelry. As the music played, the bride ran away from Frankenstein as he chased her through the audience and they shared a dance.

Chanice Carfagno-Stevens channeled Hollywood with Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz. Deetz strolled out first from the curtains wearing her iconic red dress from the movie looking around before she screamed “Beetlejuice!” Another model came out as the iconic character wearing a plum suit and they danced to Pitbull’s “Shake Senora.” 

Michelle DaRin of Michelle DaRin Designs channeled the 1970s with a throwback moment from Sonny and Cher. The pair sported similar ensembles with brown suede and various colorways. The models grabbed two mics and sang their rendition of the duet, “I Got Your Babe” to the audience. 

Rounding up the show, Mary Homer of Homer Couture was assigned the style of an Indigenous hunter and huntress. The hunter wore a black vest and pants with white detailing on the trim. Attached to the pants were extra fabric that featured a paw print and traditional embroidery. The huntress wore a black two piece set featuring fringe and white stitching. Her models ended the show with a war cry before they did a choreographed and precise walk down the catwalk.

After every model did one last walk down the runway, the judges deliberated as each team waited in anticipation. With a sudden hush and silence from the judges, the winners were announced. 

For best hair design, Isabel won for her fairytale – like hairstyles. For best performance, DaRin won for her models’ rendition of “I Got You Babe.” Scialdone had an awards sweep of best makeup, fashion design and took away the title of overall Glam Slam champion. 

When the night was over, Grosvent bidded the audience goodnight as music played by saying, “A Thursday in the books, thank you for all of your donations and support. We will see you next time at Syracuse Fashion Week!”