Interviews: On Scene at the Front Row Challenge

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Following the Marie Claire Front Row Challenge runway show Nov. 17 at The Mohawk, I took some time to catch up with competition finalist Diya Liu, the Marie Claire editors and more.


Diya Liu
Front Row Challenge Finalist, UT Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering Senior, In Her Stilettos Personal Style Blogger

So how do you think it went?
DL: I think it went pretty well. I was pretty nervous all day. But I think in the end, it went really well. I didn’t mess up too badly with what I was supposed to say and I didn’t trip and fall, and that’s all I was really worried about. It was really weird to see the hair and the makeup and the music all come together finally, because I chose all of them independently but I never knew if it was going to be cohesive or not. But it really worked.

So is everything you’re wearing tonight from the collection?
DL: Actually my accessories are mine, but my dress and my top are LOFT.

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Zanna Roberts Rassi
Senior Fashion Editor of Marie Claire, Front Row Challenge Judge

So what did you think of the show tonight?
ZRR: I loved the show! I was super impressed about the way all the parts came together, the hair, the makeup, casting the models, to the styling of the looks. She executed her vision very well.

As Senior Fashion Editor, what was your favorite look from the runway?
ZRR: My favorite look on the runway was a Fair Isle sweater. And she had it with a gray skirt and tights and cute little booties, and then she put a little bit of sparkle around the neck. And I think it’s that combination between the cozy and the glam that looked really good.

What do you think was the best part about holding this contest for students?
ZRR: I think this is a great platform for anyone to launch a career in a creative industry, be it styling or production or hair and makeup. It’s all those things coming together and I think it’s creating an awareness of these amazing people who are out there. That’s the reason we did the whole project in the first place, because this is where it’s at, in schools.

How has your trip to Austin been?
ZRR: I love Austin so far! It’s so cool! I think it’s got a really very cool underground style vibe and I want to discover more of it tomorrow.

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Abby Gardner
Marie Claire Site Director, Front Row Challenge Judge

How did you like the show?
AG: I thought it was fantastic. I thought she did a really, really, really good job across the board. From picking models, doing the hair and makeup, styling the show, doing the music, the venue, I thought Diya did a great job. I was very impressed.

What was it like being a judge for all four of the Front Row Challenge shows?
AG: It’s really interesting because it’s very cool to see how each school, the vibe of that city kind of reflects itself in each girl’s way that she styled the collection. So I think here there was definitely an ease, like a very cool, groovy aspect to the styling. But none of it felt fussy, it all felt really cool and wearable, which seems like Austin to me.

So with the completion of the first year of the Challenge, is Marie Claire planning to continue it next year?
AG: Oh we definitely are looking forward to doing it again next year. Everyone should apply. Just stay tuned to MarieClaire.com. You’ll find out next year when it’s time to start sending in applications again.

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Waytao Shing
Event Photographer, Photographer for The Horn

What was it like as a photographer shooting the event?
WS: It was a long day, a little stressful but overall a lot of fun. Everybody was really professional.

How do you feel about Diya’s efforts to “keep it local” when selecting the hairstylists, makeup artists and photographers, like you?
WS: Fantastic. There should be more of a showcase of local talent, there isn’t enough of it. I think she really set the bar, she showed you can do a lot with the local talent here.

What did you think of the event itself?
WS: Extremely well run. It was quick, it was fast, I liked it. It was just well done.

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Christi Williams
PR Intern for Caravents Production Company

How was your experience working the show?
CW: It was really great. This is my first time doing any kind of PR internship in fashion. It’s really exciting, it’s really hectic, pretty much exactly like you see on reality shows. I felt like I should have a camera following me around.

What did you think of the show?
CW: I think it was great. Honestly I didn’t really get to watch the show because I was dealing with so many people. But I’m really glad that a lot of people came out for the show and came to support Diya. The production worked really well. I’m really surprised that they did The Mohawk. They kind of made it a little bit more glamorous, kind of grungy.

Were there a lot more people than originally expected tonight?
CW: There were about 120 seats, and there were like 400 people who RSVPed. And we had at least over a hundred people standing.

What did you think of the outfits?
CW: It was great. I saw the models rehearsing and I already saw all the outfits. I really liked that the looks for LOFT are really classic and clean cut. I like kind of the loose, relaxed feeling, but still very glamorous. Definitely different pieces that you can dress up or dress down. You can go from like the office and business clothes to casual date stuff and then a night on the town with the girls. It’s really versatile.

Check out more photos from the event!

Posted in: Events