Style Battle adds an exclamation point to fashion in GR

 The models from MUSE boutique

To say that Grand Rapids has grown up is surely an understatement given the influx of creative events and venues in the city in the past couple of years. The creative class has taken over and last thursday's Style Battle hosted by Spotlight616 at Activesite is a good barometer of this phenomenal transformation. The independent boutique retailers of the city are not content with just opening their doors to customers. In fact, these local retailers are at the forefront of fashion and events in the city. From Fashion's Night Out, to Fashion
Week Grand Rapids, to 19 Windows; it seems that there isn't a lull in activity from one month to the next.

Style Battle caught me off guard. I found out about it through my daughter Margaux who was invited to model for Muse boutique. Thinking it was a typical runway fashion show, I had no idea that this event teaming up a clothing retailer, a photographer, hair stylist, make-up artist and five models would deliver an exclamation point to what great things are happening in GR. Thanks to Spotlight616' Tina Derusha's inspired idea, retailers such a Lamb, Muse, Gina's Boutique and Leigh's concocted a high energy evening where guests experienced the buzz that came with fashion shows and photo shoots. Jammed inside Activesite, guests interacted with the models and stylists while hairspray and light flashes from the photographers umbrellas fill each designated space. Global DJ, John Acquaviva, played a guest set along with local celebrity DJ, Super Dre. Drinks were flowing and discussions on the latest fashion trends was the predominant topic of conversation.

In the end, guests voted for the best set of photographs from each team. This evening, it was the team from Gina's Boutique who took home the crown. There is no question that Style Battle will only get bigger and better with each event. I can only imagine what 2011 will bring.