I recently had the opportunity to work as a stylist at the Magnolia Showroom event in Madrid, and it was an experience that perfectly combined fashion and business. Magnolia Showroom is a key space for showcasing new slow fashion designers. For over 12 years, this platform has helped smaller, sustainable brands connect with buyers, press, and the wider fashion community. It’s not just about displaying beautiful collections; it’s about giving these brands the visibility they need to grow.
What makes events like Magnolia so special is that, although Madrid is the capital and undoubtedly a creative hub, there are almost no events like this that are open to the public. It’s crucial to organize more of these showcases where brands can connect directly with their customers in a more intimate setting. Events like Magnolia are open to a wider audience, including people who might not usually have access to exclusive fashion events but certainly have the wallets and interest to invest in unique pieces. It also provides a fantastic alternative to fast fashion, showing the public that sustainable fashion can be both stylish and accessible.
At this event, my role was to style the models, helping to bring each brand’s vision to life. Magnolia typically offers designers a space to set up their collections, but I wanted to do more to help these brands stand out. I organized live model styling to show how the designs look on real people, making it easier for buyers and attendees to imagine the clothes in their own wardrobes.
What made this experience even more exciting was the collaboration between brands. Rather than showing full looks from just one brand, I mixed and matched pieces from various designers. This not only highlighted the versatility of the collections but also showed how easily brands can work together to create fresh, unique looks. Accessories were a big part of this too, as some designers only focused on accessories. Pairing them with clothing lines created complete, polished outfits.
My background working with fashion startups helped me understand how vital this type of exposure is for these brands. I’ve seen how difficult it can be for new designers to get their collections noticed. Magnolia not only provided the platform but also offered social media support and coverage from fashion magazines, further helping these emerging brands grow their visibility.
In the end, Magnolia Showroom was more than just a fashion event. It was a space where business and creativity met, giving emerging designers a much-needed opportunity to connect with the fashion community and showcase their work in a meaningful way. It was exciting to be part of that, helping to style the models and boost the brands’ visibility.
So, if you are an emerging brand and would like to spread the word about your designs, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Magnolia will be organizing its next event on the 26th and 27th of December, 2024, in the heart of Madrid. I’d be happy to connect you and provide some background info about the vibrant fashion scene here, along with key insights into your target customers!
What do you think of the looks presented? Which one is your favorite?
