The Stephen Barrett Salon teamed up with Fremont boutique clothier Les Amis to stage a fun and fresh fall fashion show this weekend. The guests were treated to delightful sweets, fine cheeses and an open wine bar and all chatted casually while DJ Mike Check provided a down-tempo sonic backdrop. The space is clean, bright, and airy with vaulted ceilings and understated fixtures in white and stainless steel. Interior designer and salon co-owner Lara Taylor designed the space and handles much of the business, while stylist Stephen Barrett focuses on his art, creating "impeccable foils and luxurious long cuts" alongside the other four committed stylists.

The atmosphere and the approach of the salon has a New York vibe. It's upscale, but not pretentious. The cuts are customized and edgy, but neither conservative nor off the wall. Lara taylor explains that everyone at SBS has enormous respect for other salons in town and is glad that the best of them all have their own niche. The fashionable and well-groomed crowd that had assembled for the show was a fine testimony to the savvy of the salon.

The nine looks showcased were created by Megan Dyer of Les Amis while the salon did make-up and hair. All the models were given dark, dramatic eyes. I wouldn't say that this make-up complimented all of the clothing, but it was at least well-executed and the models looked lovely. The clothing represented many different local designers and the palette was equally varied.

I loved the first two looks immensely: a black dress with a slatted back and high waist, and a gorgeous, gun-metal stunner with loose cords, a low neckline and flowing cuts that looked soft and striking at once. Other favorite looks included a flouncy, silky blouse in dark blue with rust-coloured flowers. The sleeves billowed above the wrists much like the outrageous, eye-catching hair of the model which was tinged a similar color as the flowers.

On both the models and guests, accessories were bold and beaded. Intricate belts, luscious pearls, and vivid necklaces adorned many a novely neck and waist. One guest (pictured below) was sporting a particularly striking find from a vintage shop in New York. It seems that the salon is already bringing a New York sensibility to Seattle in more ways than one...or at least bringing it to the surface.

Check out the Stephen Barrett Salon online or on Facebook for more info about their styling approach and frequent events.