Lamour’s best-known event is Providence Fashion Week, now in its third year, not to be confused with its slicker, buzzier cousin, StyleWeek Providence. Lamour sees his event as a vehicle to launch small, local brands, models, and photographers.
“The first thing I learned is that if you ignore the up and coming, you become outdated very quickly,’’ he says.
Lamour, who lives in Randolph, has also launched two other events, both in Boston: SWIM Fashion Week (also in Providence) and weekly VOGUE Saturdays (no relation to the magazine). SWIM debuted last year, aptly featuring models in swimwear and colorful accessories.
The first VOGUE event was held a few weeks ago at Vlora, a dark restaurant with hip cocktails in Copley Square. The night featured salsa dancing, a shopping party, and a photo shoot. Almost everybody involved was somebody Lamour was trying to help.
The evening featured wares from Lola’s Urban Vintage, an Allston store that’s carrying Lamour’s collection. The photo shoot was for a young swimsuit designer, Joanna Kinsman, that Lamour hopes to launch at SWIM.
Even the young women at the door checking names off the guest-list were aspiring event planners grateful for the opportunity to gain a little experience.
In the back stairwell that night, Kinsman and Lamour discussed her pieces as she pulled them out from plastic bags one by one. First, a black string bikini with elastic pearl loops replacing the strings, one meant to go around a woman’s back, the other looping around the neck.
“I need to find a more efficient way to add the pearls,’’ Kinsman explains. “I was thinking of looking for a place that already strings some of this stuff, because I strung all of those.’’
“You’re not going to find them on a stretchy thing,’’ Lamour says. “No?’’ she says, disappointedly.
“No, you won’t. Nuhh uhh. Because the strings always come solid, which means it’ll pop.’’ Conrad hands the suit back to her. “It’s cool. I like this stuff. I’m really surprised. Really good.’’
“You’re surprised?’’ she says.
“Yes - no, no, no. Good surprised.’’
