Budding "tween'' fashion designers had an occasion to celebrate when Sally Miller, creator of couture dresses and sportswear for girls 8 to 14, held her second annual Top Designer Contest here.
Many of the girls had met Miller at a Fashion Academy Inc. workshop, where Miller empowers girls' self expression and gives them inside knowledge about the fashion industry. At these sessions, the girls learn how to create, display and market their designs in a professional manner.
The party included a disc jockey, a photographer who snapped shots of the girls posing on the red carpet, and a videographer who chronicled the event.
During the evening, Miller said she expects to be opening her first showroom early next year in Manhattan. This will be in addition to the Milltown boutique at 30 N. Main St.
Miller also said that she is launching a new line of tween bras and underwear, Sally Miller Undercover, to meet the need for foundation garments that match any wearer's skin tone. One of Miller's regular models, Amber Palmer, who is black, was having trouble finding anything suitable.
"In this age group, all the underwear is made to match Caucasian skin,'' said Debby Palmer, Amber's mother. "We are so proud and happy that Sally is introducing this new line, which Amber inspired. It's filling a real need.''
Miller said the underwear will match tones from every ethnic group. The first roll-out at the end of February will be with Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com.
The climax of the evening was the announcement of an honorable mention and three winners:
First place … Samantha Patella, 11; Second place … Julianna Favale, who was not at the party; Third place … Katherine Kohler, 11; and Honorable Mention … Christiana Sallard, 14.
Samantha, who has been interested in fashion for about a year, had attended Miller's Fashion Academy in October at the Nordstrom in Paramus. She designed two outfits, a long adult dress and a coordinating shorter dress with leggings for teens. She said that what she loved most about the Fashion Academy Inc. was learning about all the different fabrics and which ones go together with each other and with each season.
"I didn't know there were so many!'' Samantha said.
She now is serious about making clothing design her career.
As the party ended, Miller told the crowded room, "My heart could not be fuller by what I have experienced with all of you incredible girls this evening. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support and inspiration.''
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