STYLE WARS FAQ
0. The Application Form isn't working!
Have you tried updating to a new version of your browser? Firefox 3.5 is pretty good. Otherwise, you can just email the info to hello@houseofdiehl.com
1. Can I get in on this?
Sure, if you are over 21 by November. Even if you haven't blown a major designer; aren't the lovechild kid of a big-name celeb; don't know Lagerfeld from Jagermeister; and refuse to air kiss, french kiss, or ass kiss—you can still get in on this kick-ass opportunity. Anyone can participate online, and the Live Style Battle is open to anyone who can get into the venues (bring fake id, a celebrity, a camera crew, and cash, if necessary).
2. Why should I be involved?
A. To call bullshit on fashion that favors dictation over participation, imitation over innovation; brands that buy their way into your wardrobe... trends that are style-jacked from your streets and sold back to you for 10 times the price, talent that has none.
B. You're the bastard offspring of Edward Scissorhands and John Galliano, and you want to kick-start your world domination plan with a feature in your favorite style mag.
C. You like sharp things, and your parole officer doesn't
D. MOST IMPORTANTLY: The chance to be crowned the 2009 Style Battle Champ, mad prizes, a feature in SURFACE MAGAZINE, with all the props and pajama-parties that'll get you.
3. How do I get involved?
First, fill in the application form by !NEW DATES! Oct 30 (MIA), Nov 3 (NYC), Nov 9 (ATL), Nov 14 (LA), Nov 19 (SF). If you're one of the chosen, you'll compete in the live show, in three knockout rounds of battle (quart final, semi final, and final). Beat your opponents, and win the crazy money prizes, and then come to NYC for the Grand Slam Final in 2010.
4. Who's in this VIP selection committee?
Who isn't! Check back often for updates.
5. OK, what if I didn't register, didn't do any challenges, just heard about it on the day of the show, but I could kick 10 shades of Vogue out of anyone in the competition, and I really want to compete?
We know your pain. We're leaving a space in each show for a wildcard competitor. Just buy your ticket and be the most perverse... sorry, persuasive... on the night.
6. I wasn't one of the selected. You guys wouldn't recognize talent if it sat on your face. Can I still compete?
Like (5), turn up on the night and persuade us to put you in the wildcard spot. Cry, if you have to---just wear waterproof mascara and don't stain my dress, bitch;)
7. I'm a battle star galactica in the bedroom, but I can't do it on stage!
Think of the love. Think of the feature about you in your favorite magazine. Think of the trip to New York, and adoration of the crowd. Now take two Atavans, a shot of whiskey--and get up there, you nonce!
8. What makes a good piece of Instant Couture?
Just the perfect piece of fashion: relevant, irreverant, unexpected, ingenious--and wearable for precisely one evening. Think transformation. An umbrella as a bustle=good; and umbrella as a more elaborate umbrella=bad. Show us the beauty in the boring! Bring out the treasure in that trash! Destroy, re-create, never imitate.
9. How do I learn how to do it?
Look at the pictures. Look at the video. Experiment often. Improvise. Fake it til you make it, Baby!
10. Tell me again, what if I win in my city?
You take home a swag bag the size of an Escalade, and a warm feeling of satisfaction. Then, we fly you to New York (unless you already live here) to compete in the Grand Slam Final. The champion gets a major head-start in his chosen creative profession with a feature in Surface magazine. Maybe we'll also make a trophy. In lucite or something.
11. Is it just individuals?
Nope. Teams of any size can compete. But, we can fly at most two of you into NYC if you win in your city.
12. What if I don't want to compete?
Follow it online. Come watch it live. This is still the greatest show on earth!
13. Do I have to be in fashion?
Not at all. Style Wars is not about fashion, it's for anyone with style, creativity, ingenuity. It's not what you do, it's what you can do. Some of the fiercest battlers know how to perform when the spotlight's on.
14. What if you are not coming to my city?
Pick the city nearest you. We can't pay for your travel to the city battle, but it'll be well worth it!
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