There is more to the fashion industry than modelling — this was the theme behind the first ever STyle Bermuda fashion conference held over the weekend at the Hamilton Princess, Princess Lounge, hosted by accessories editor for W Magazine and owner of STyle Bermuda, Shiona Turini.

“In Bermuda, there is a misconception that the only career in fashion is modelling, and a lot of young ladies believe they don’t have to go to college to do this,” Ms Turini said.

“I created the event to expose students in Bermuda to the benefits of pursing higher education and all of the fields available to them in the fashion industry.

“I also wanted to show them they can take their love of fashion and turn it into a career in both the US and at home.”

Seventy girls, ages 14 and up, gathered to listen as six guest speakers from across the fashion spectrum shared their own stories and talked about other positions in the fashion world, including public relations, editorial, accessories and photography.

After introductions, the girls were split into five groups or “breakout sessions” and had a one-on-one chance to talk with the guest speakers, as well as voice their interests and complete a few activities to get them thinking about what goes on behind a photo-shoot.

The guest speakers were Kristi Henderson of Vibe Vixen who works in editorial for Vibe Vixen and whose style motto is “Never ask for permission, only forgiveness”.

Aixa Weeks, fashion editor at Giant magazine who stressed: “When it comes to an image, it’s all about the accessories and heels bring a whole new definition to R-E-S-P-E-C-T. However, confidence is the best accessory. Don’t leave home without it!”

Demetira White, manager of public relations, accessories and fine jewellery for Christian Dior, said: “Don’t be afraid to find great pieces anywhere and everywhere.”

Nicole Gibbons, who does public relations for Victoria’s Secret and admitted she can’t live without a comfy pair of jeans and a watch.

The advice from Tina Langley, accessories editor at Seventeen magazine, was to “know how to mix high and low and you can never go wrong, especially with great accessories”.

Wouri Vice, fashion stylist to the stars, tried to impart that each girl is special in their own right.

One of the breakout sessions was used as a styling competition for the students to create a photo-shoot, with the winning group to be featured in an upcoming edition of Teen Showoff. SHOWOFF publisher and chief editor Patrice Morgan was on hand to select the winner.

Ms Turini, Ms Morgan and Beitressa Mandelbaum, accessories market editor at W Magazine, assisted the girls with their styling choices, while Ms Weeks helped the girls decide on a theme for each photo-shoot and which girl would take on which role for that shoot — three models, a photographer, a stylist, makeup and hair artists and a creative director.

The groups had 30 minutes to get styled, posed and snapped by local photographer Vince Roberts.

During their shoots, some girls broke away from the pack, taking leadership to a whole other level, while others just needed a little coaxing to get their own opinions out there.

At the end of the day, the guest speakers/judges chose several outstanding girls to be the recipients of such prizes as Roberto Cavalli and Stella McCartney sunglasses, jewellery and a Chanel wallet.

After an impromptu walk-off, dream became reality for Rochelle Minors, a 17-year-old student who won the opportunity to compete against 15 other girls’ world wide for a chance to be styled and photographed for a fashion shoot in an upcoming issue of Giant magazine. (For more information on the contest, visit www.giantmag.com.)

Those of you who missed out on this opportunity the first time around may have another chance, as Ms Turini is interested in hosting another conference later on in the year.