Everyone who works in fashion has a different story — a unique explanation of how they got there and what inspired them. Some were immersed in fashion at a young age; others got their start in the industry by accident.
“Arizona Storytellers: Stories of a Stylish Life” brought together eight individuals from different backgrounds and careers in fashion to share their stories at the Phoenix Art Museum on Wednesday, March 4.
Arizona Republic and azcentral.com writer Megan Finnerty introduced the featured tellers — including stylists, designers and models — to more than 200 guests.
The first speaker of the night was Celine Rille, Arizona Costume Institute Nouveau chapter founder. Rille shared her story of how a college boyfriend influenced her to embrace her unique style.
Rille said he questioned why someone as unique as she dressed like everybody else, and this struck a chord in her. It was as if he gave her permission to be herself, she said.
As a result, she said she began to dress more like herself, even if it wasn’t what people were used to seeing. She credits the finding of her personal style to her friend.
Retired custom bridal designer Francesca Bianco followed Rille. Bianco worked for Saks Fifth Avenue under Adolfo, whom she referred to as the “American Chanel.”
She said she witnessed some interesting events while working there, like an encounter between Rose Kennedy and Gloria Swanson, who was rumored to be the mistress of Kennedy’s husband.
Bianco said everyone held their breath expecting a catfight as they watched both women make eye contact and then stride past each other practically touching shoulders, heads held high in the air. Everyone exhaled when it was over, she said.
Next was John Stevens, Barney’s New York display manager. His story was about his first display featuring bridal gowns from designer Jim Hjelm.
He and his colleague thought they were creating a “matrimonial paradise” complete with a fabulous garden scene and fresh flowers for the window display, Stevens said.
He said they decided to use red gels for lighting and it came out looking like a graveyard featuring “brides in hell.” They had to try and do damage control before Hjelm visited the store and saw the display, Stevens said.
Dennita Sewell, fashion design curator for the Phoenix Art Museum, was next to share her story.
She once accidentally stepped on an Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo suit black chiffon pocket square, which was the most famous piece of that designer’s work, said Sewell.
Galina Mihaleva, costume designer at ASU’s School of Film, Dance and Theatre spoke of her love for designing, which she realized at a young age.
Mihaleva showcased three of her designs at the event.
After, stylist and model Maggie Heiser spoke to the crowd about how she got her start working for Pauline Trigère, a French-born American fashion designer.
Stylist Oscar De Las Salas was next. Salas was an architect who fell into the fashion industry by helping a woman who couldn’t decide what to wear.
This sparked a long line of interested women seeking fashion help from him.
The last speaker of the evening was Sheree Hartwell, owner of Ford Robert Black Agency. Hartwell shared stories about her mother and how she taught her you don’t need a lot of money to dress fashionably.
The event highlighting fashion, beauty and self-expression was presented by Alliance Bank of Arizona partnering with Arizona Costume Institute Nouveau, azcentral.com and Arizona Republic.
Contact the author at Madison.Rowbotham@asu.edu. Contact the columnists at syaghsez@asu.edu and lallnatt@asu.edu
