The South Bay Galleria’s Project style contest finale has finally arrived. Fans will have the chance to meet and mingle with fashion celebrities at the live style-off event on Saturday at 2 p.m. Project Runway designer Nick Verreos and celebrity stylist Jeannie Mai, the host of The Style Network’s “How Do I Look?” will be at the event to judge the final contestants.
“Part of the fun of fashion is rubbing shoulders with the stars of the industry. Through this event, South Bay Galleria is giving our shoppers the chance to do just that!” said Mickey Marraffino, Regional Marketing Director of South Bay Galleria. “Nick and Jeannie are well-loved for their unique styles and knowledge of the latest fashions and trends, and we look forward to sharing their expertise with the South Bay community as they host and judge this exciting finale.”
Five local contestants will participate in the finale, including four semi-finalists from four rounds of the online contest, as well as one wild card winner.
Christy Chen won the first round with a red strapless floral dress from Forever 21 and tan braided wedges. She also found a lighter colored denim jacket from Nordstroms and a flower ring from Forever 21 and a flower necklace from her own closet and topped off the look with gold leaf earrings, “because they are different but still match the outfit,” Chen said in her contest submission. Chen is inspired by people on TV and her own personality.
“I like to be myself in the outfits I wear and don’t care what people think.” Chen won with 767 votes.
Jennifer Gonzalez won the second round with just 156 votes. She chose her outfit for the comfort and simplicity of it, with a slight touch of edge. “I wanted to showcase an outfit that can be worn from a.m. to p.m.,” Gonzalez wrote in her submission. “I’m always on the go and always wear outfits that are presentable for any occasion.”
“They were on my ‘want’ list for some time now,” wrote Gonzalez. “Lucky me I found them in my size and on sale! Nude pumps are a classic and a closet essential.”
Her final eembellishment, a gold spike cuff from forever 21 brought her outfit to a p.m. feel, she said.
Tori Thompson won the third round with 519 votes because of her practical outfit. “The look I have styled for this competition really exhibits the type of person I am,” wrote Thompson in her submission.
“Although I love fashion, practicality is always on the forefront when I am shopping.” Her outfit included a gold Michael Kors watch, other gold jewelry, nude wedges, shorts and a printed top. She wrote that she is inspired by street style.
“I’ve always been a fan of the trickle-up theory and I love that fashion trends do not have to start at the top,” wrote Thompson. “I am constantly amazed by fellow fashion bloggers and individuals I see walking the streets of L.A.”
Round four winner, Brittany Donaleshen won with 297 votes for her vintage style.
“I created an outfit any girl can wear,” Donaleshen wrote for the contest. “It is stylish, edgy and cute.”
Her outfit included maroon pants, a vintage top and a Paris necklace from her closet.
“I’m inspired by life in a general sense,” Donaleshen wrote. “I express myself through what I wear and am inspiredby all different things whether it be nature, life, or just Me!”
During the style-off, each contestant will be given a $200 South Bay Galleria gift card and one hour to create an outfit for the judges. Verreos, Mai and the Galleria’s Nordstrom’s head of personal shopping Sean Dennison will judge the event during a live fashion show.
“It is impossible to resist the energy in the mall as this event takes place,” said Marraffino. “The contestants are racing around to put together just the right fashions, and our celebrity hosts will be sharing their inside fashion knowledge with the attending fans.” Shoppers enjoying the finale will also have the opportunity to text their vote for “Fan Favorite” during the contest. The Project Style finalist who receives the most votes from fans will be awarded a $500 gift card to South Bay Galleria.
The live style-off event will be from 2 – 3 p.m. in the mall’s center court. For more information, visit http://www.southbaygalleria.com/
