Mila Hermanovski: Project Runway to Piermarini

As a destination for some of the coolest designer fashions in Dallas, Piermarini Boutique in Snider Plaza was the prime place for a trunk show and meet-and-greet with designer Mila Hermanovski.  You know her from Project Runway season 7 and All-Stars.  I got to sit down to chat with one of my favorites from Project Runway and try on some of the coolest pieces from her collection!  

The judges noticed Mila's talent early on in the Project Runway competition, her first win being the 3rd challenge.  Mila's favorite moment on the show was when Michael Kors said, "That look turned the corner and I knew it was a Mila."  She won 2 challenges and made it to the finale to show her collection at New York Fashion Week.  Mila's unconventional hardware outfit from episode 7 was my favorite Mila outfit on Project Runway.

Still a fan of the classic black and white, Mila drew inspiration for the fall 2014 collection from an excavation site near where she lives in the LA Arts District.  The layering of destruction and redevelopment was the framework for her vision.  The texture, color and geometric details that pop up in the collection represented her inspiration perfectly.  It takes serious talent to turn destruction into something beautiful, which is what Mila did.  Plus, her clothes are totally wearable and versatile.

It was always Mila's dream to have her own line.  She started out working for Calvin Klein and doing whatever she had to do to make it in the industry.  She designed TV and film costumes for 10 years before being selected for season 7 of Project Runway.  Mila has been sharing her perspective on season 13 through a blog on Lifetime's website.  It's really witty and insightful, you should check it out!         

Even though she has a super-sleek signature look, Mila was one of the nicest designers I've met.  Fame definitely hasn't gone to her head, which is something I admire.  Mila's Dallas fans got to chat with her at Piermarini for a couple of hours.  She sat with me one-on-one to let me interview her.  Her mom was even there to chat with Mila's fans, and she was just as lovely as Mila was.

For the past several years Mila's been launching her fashion line, but it's not just about making clothes.  She says to be successful, she has to know the business side and make clothes that are strong on their own, not just because she was on Project Runway.  If you're interested in working in the fashion industry, she suggests working for a fashion designer or doing an apprenticeship.  Mila sums up her style as "modern and individualist."  Mila's style icons include actress Kate Blanchett and former Elle style director Kate Lanphear.

"There's nothing like Texas," is what Mila said when I asked her about Dallas style.  The sincere friendliness and vibrant smiles are some of her favorite things about Dallas.  According to Mila, Dallas women know how to be more feminine and have fun with varied styles.

"That look turned the corner and I knew it was a Mila."

- Michael Kors

Piermarini Boutique in Snider Plaza is currently the exclusive Dallas store selling Mila Hermanovski.  John Piermarini, 23, opened his boutique after graduating from high school at Greenhill and is currently located in Snider Plaza.  Mila connected with John through Greenhill's alumni network.  Mila's style definitely matches John's selection of chic, easy-to-wear clothing and accessories at Piermarini.

I have to give a special shout out to John's mom Tina Piermarini who was decked out in Mila.  She even helped me pick out a pair of Mila leggings, which I'm so excited about finally wearing now that it's getting chilly in Dallas.  And thank you Alison Volk for inviting me to this incredible event!  
 

Not in Dallas?  No problem! Piermarini Boutique recently announced the opening of its new online boutique where you can find Mila's killer leggings & more.

Piermarini Boutique Snider Plaza Fall 2014 Fashion & Beauty Event

It's cooling down, but Piermarini Boutique is super hot this fall.  When you shop at Piermarini, you'll find exclusive designer clothes and accessories in limited quantities.  Owner John Piermarini has also recently added beauty to its bevy of stunning offerings.  At the beginning of September, the Snider Plaza boutique invited shoppers to mingle and get a taste of Piermarini's new fall collections.

If you haven't tried the Piermarini Beauty collection, you'll probably think this makeup is too good to be true.  I was so surprised to learn about some of the harsh additives that are in my everyday beauty products.  Piermarini Beauty replaces the bad stuff with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients.  They have every cosmetic essential that you could replace your entire makeup drawer with healthy and pretty Piermarini products.  The lipsticks are rich in pigment and feel luscious.  Trust me, I spent 30 minutes with fashion friend Val Valentine trying the lipsticks on the back of my hand.  According to Piermarini sales associates, the eye shadows are crease-proof and the foundation lasts all day.  One of the most popular products is the vitamin C serum that works with every skin type and corrects several common skin concerns.  Everything, even skincare, is under $50.  You can't beat that especially when you think about the hundreds of dollars you've probably spent on creams and serums that don't always improve your complexion.

with John Piermarini and Alison Volk

John Piermarini has an eye for compiling an assortment of simple and versatile clothes for men and women.  Each piece has an innovative shape and an appealing neutral color.  Some even have more than one purpose, like this sweater that can be worn as a top or a shrug.

Piermarini has some exciting stuff going on this fall.  Project Runway fans will have the opportunity to meet season 7 designer Mila Hermanovski on Friday, October 3.  See her fall collection in person... it's pretty impressive!

Interview Mania!

SMU Fashion Week may have ended, but it's not too late to get more great advice from the speakers.  I so enjoyed interviewing so many incredible industry professionals!  Click on the photo to read that interview.  Hope you have as much fun reading about these stylista pros as I did meeting them!

 Tracy Achor Hayes, Neiman Marcus' The Book

 Tammy Theis, Wallflower Management owner

 Tamar Minassian, Tootsies Stylist

 John Piermarini, Piermarini Boutique owner

 Joanna Lewis, Stanley Korshak online

 Merritt Beck, The Style Scribe Blog

 Nikki Trizza, Neiman Marcus Stylist

Elizabeth Anyaa, Fashion Designer

Small 4 Style Interviews John Piermarini of Piermarini Boutique

Piermarini Boutique is getting ready for spring, but this “old-time boutique with new designers” isn’t anything ordinary.  The owner is John Piermarini, an almost 21-year-old entrepreneur who knows how to set his fashions apart from the mainstream. 

Walking into Piermarini Boutique is unlike any other shopping experience.  The boutique is actually a charming 1904 house in a Dallas neighborhood.  The original stained glass and wood floors gives you a feeling of hominess and comfort, like you’re “shopping in your best friend’s closet.”  Since each there is only one size of each piece, customers are encouraged to buy it for a more unique and exclusive fashion experience.  Piermarini is usually the first store in Texas to carry new and up-and-coming designers, who end up in stores like Neiman Marcus after being sold at Piermarini Boutique.  So, his customers get their hands on these pieces before they hit the mainstream market.

After graduating high school, John felt he needed to “start the business at a young age and not go the traditional route.”  Always interested in the industry, John started designing at 15, and began working with his mentor and business partner, Dallas fashion designer Abi Ferrin, toward the end of high school.  They now collaborate on a line of modern slips and basic tanks called Abi & John, which are wildly popular.  John has such great advice for those who hope to work in the fashion industry (I still can’t get over the fact that he’s only 2 years older than me!).  You need “experience, and you need to understand your own style, and take risks.”  It’s a huge industry, and it isn’t always glamorous, so “you need to know and love every aspect of it.”

According to John, spring is all about “sheer layering, mixing textures, and accenting with seafoam.”  Regardless of trends, John says, “I think it’s great when you feel really great about what you’re wearing, and it’s effortless.”  Trends from around the world from places like Korea, Sweden, and Brazil, come together at Piermarini.  Undoubtedly, it’s a unique experience for dressing exceptionally.  John “appreciate[s] people who take risks in what they’re wearing,” and can’t be tied down to one specific style icon.  The Olsen twins, as well as Nicole Richie, are so ahead of their time, and take risks.  John likes it when he looks at someone’s clothing and can tell “this is them in a nutshell.”  And he loves fashion designer, Mason Martin Margiela, who is all about simple silhouettes, but doing something completely new and different with that. 

The store gets new shipments often and is always changing, so it’s fun to stop by every once and a while and she what’s new.  Spring is just beginning at Piermarini Boutique, and as always, the offerings this season will be “clean, simple, and have a little bit of an edge.”  John also helps his clients get back to the basics and finds what makes them feel great, because “trying too hard is the worst thing you can do.”  He adds, “We all have those moments where we are getting ready for an event and taking things on and off and on and off, and we’re sweating!”  Finding your “go-to” is important.  His own style in two words is “fitted and effortless.”

John hosts private events at the boutique for you and your stylista friends.  This is perfect for sorority parties or style club events.  Not a Dallasite?  Don’t freak, because Piermarini Boutique is now selling online!  You don’t need a plane ticket to Dallas, just shop like you’re in your own home from the comfort of your own home at Piermarini’s online store!  An extra bonus, SMU students get 15% off at Piermarini Boutique!

Make sure to catch John Piermarini at the Business in Fashion Panel during SMU Fashion Week TONIGHT at 6:00 in the Crow Building, room 175.  You won’t want to miss him!  

Me with John Piermarini

Abi & John tanks and slips line

Abi & John tanks and slips line

The men's section, I love the unique artwork

Parisian Stripes!

Tootsies SMU Fashion Week Launch Party

SMU Fashion Week is finally here, and is off to a great start!  The Tootsies Launch Party was tonight, and I had a fabulous time!  I met stylists Tamar Minassian (Tootsies) and Nikki Trizza (Neiman Marcus). They were both so sweet, and I interviewed both of them, so stay tuned for the articles!  I talked with John Piermarini and Nicole Tremblay of Piermarini Boutique.  We were all dying over the gorgeous, beaded gowns at Tootsies!  Then I ran into Kristi and Scot Redman of D Magazine's D Style Sheet.  We had met at the Jean Paul Gaultier press event in November 2011.  And I finally got my SMU Fashion Week t-shirt, so I'm pumped!

Me with Tamar Minassian, Tootsies Stylist

Me with Nikki Trizza, Neiman Marcus Stylist

Scot and Kristi Redman of D Style Sheet

SMU Freshmen Ashley Wali, Traci Penn, and Krystal Sarna