Syracuse Fashion Week
Inside the Glam Slam.
BY Samara Lookatch ★ October 6th, 2025
Photo Credit: Zoe Xixis
At Syracuse Fashion Week’s first Glam Slam, community spirit and friendly competition blended seamlessly. On Thursday, Oct. 2, the Middle Ages Brewing Co. Beer Hall hosted the debut event, as seven teams of fashion designers, makeup artists and hairstylists took to the runway to compete. Glam Slam is a brand-new showcase where teams create looks inspired by “iconic couples,” both real and fictional. The evening was divided into two segments — competition and catwalk — and highlighted bold, over-the-top fashion, dramatic makeup and inventive hairstyles. Awards were presented in each category, along with a special performance and an overall winner.
While covering the show, we had the opportunity to talk to designer Michelle DaRin about her experience working on her Glam Slam look. DaRin chose Sonny and Cher as her iconic couple, paying tribute to the couple's iconic looks. Growing up watching Sonny and Cher, she was inspired by the sweet, happy and colorful aesthetic of the 70’s time period.
The Cher look was composed of handmade leather fringe shorts, a custom-made vintage fabric top with calf high boots and handmade stone jewelry. Sonny’s look showcased handmade striped knit pants and a vest with sleeves crafted from the same fabric. The two sang “I got you babe,” the couple's classic hit, leaving the audience in awe of the performance. DaRin took home the award for Best Performance, and she’s now setting her sights on the Style Icon contest run by Elton John. Voting begins Oct. 6, so keep an eye out.
We also spoke with Lisa Butler, the founder and creator of Syracuse Fashion Week. Butler comes from a theatrical background. While working at Syracuse Stage, she decided to enroll in graduate classes at Syracuse University for costume design, initially leading her to go into bridal and custom designs. Butler was driven to build a network of fashion shows, featuring multiple designers in Armory Square and ultimately created Syracuse Fashion Week, which debuted in spring 2014, showcasing designers from around central and upstate New York.
Butler’s favorite part about Syracuse Fashion Week is the community they've built. Many designers showcased have been a part of Syracuse Fashion Week for years and have come back each year to showcase their newest designs.
This fall, Butler wanted to create a competition style runway show. Her hair and makeup coordinator Heather Isabel (who also competed in Glam Slam) mentioned a previous competition called blowout. Inspired by this now retired competition, Butler and Isabel wanted to integrate fashion into the new competition, leading to the creation of Glam Slam.
Isabel has been a part of Syracuse Fashion Week since the beginning. Inspired by the Netflix series “The Empress,” Isabel chose Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. She was especially drawn to the show’s elaborate hairstyles, which influenced her choice of the imperial couple. For her, the highlight of Glam Slam has been the spirit of collaboration. Her biggest fashion influence is Lady Gaga — from her iconic meat dress to her more mature modern day look.
Isabel took home the award for Best Hair. The empress wore an elegant updo with a crown braid that flowed into a fishtail braid, finished with shimmering embellishments. The intricate, beautifully crafted style truly stood out — we even had the chance to watch Isabel at work backstage, and the artistry was unforgettable.
Competition was truly tight Thursday night, featuring some of the most iconic couples from Frankenstein and his bride to Beetlejuice and Lydia. With each look showcasing detailed hair and makeup, along with striking designs, each team truly brought their all to this competition.
Award winners:
Best Makeup: Mae From MAZE studios
Best Hair: Heather Isabel from Heather Rocks Hair
Best Fashion Design: Mae from MAZE Studios
Best Performance: Michelle DaRin from Michelle DaRin designs
Overall Glam Slam winner: Mae from MAZE Studios
Edited by: Madison Sherman