Welcome to Studio 2154
(l-r) Violinist Alison Khan, Samantha L. Trammell, Mink Basket Couture, Samuel Lavey, Doien-Demi Couture, Joshua Gonzalez: Maestro/Orchestra Conductor, Trumpet: Luke Finaldi, (kneeling) Louis Angel, Art Curator
Should you be fortunate enough to obtain tickets, you will soon find yourself a part of something utterly fabulous! Sam Lavey (Doien-Demi Couture) and Samantha L. Trammell (Mink Basket Couture) dreamed up a fantasy made in heaven, a tribute to the era and institution of the legendary Studio 54, of New York City. This is not a throwback event, the focus is on the future of our great city and it is the spirit of Studio 54 that will be revisited in an effort to prove that New York can, once again, be the capital of art, fashion, and glamour that it once was.
There’s always been a connection between art and fashion, but what sparked the idea of doing art exhibits?
That very connection between art and fashion. Fashion has always had its muses that created an ambiance, atmosphere, and mood. Art galleries are known for luxurious surroundings, inspirational artwork, and most are ideally located in Manhattan. Just the all-around fusion of art and esthetic beauty when you walk into an art gallery makes them ideal spaces to have fashion shows.
Louis Angel, Samantha L. Trammell, Samuel Lavey, Joshua Gonzalez
Your current exhibition is inspired by Studio 54. Where does that connection fit into fashion and art?
The theme for the event is loosely inspired by Studio 54. We more so wanted to capture the "spirit" of the time and what that energy represented. Studio 54 was known for housing Manhattan's exclusive and elite, be it the arts, entertainment, or fashion, so we intend to do the same. The curator for this exhibition, Louis Angel is choosing the artists. In negotiations with him about this event, we gave him carte-blanche with the artwork. We're expecting a very diverse display representing the spirit of Studio 54, along with some modern pieces also.
Who came up with the concept?
Doien and Mink Basket collectively.
I’m a dinosaur, though I was still too young to party at Studio 54. I know I’m asking you to disclose your age, but have any of you ever been? Were you around back then?
Sam: No, no, I don't think so.
Samantha: Yes, I was well underage, but managed to swindle myself in anyway.
Joshua Gonzales, Alison Khan, Luke Finaldi
The word on the street is that attendees must come dressed to impress. Please tell me that we don’t have to don polyester shirts and platform shoes.
No, this is not a costume party or a throwback event. However, as much work was put into creating this event and all of the fine details; we expect people to dress appropriately, accordingly.
The location of the event won’t be revealed until tickets are purchased, why is that? Is it to create an air of mystery and exclusivity?
Exactly, mystery and exclusivity, only a fraction of the spirit of Studio 54.
Without giving away too much, what can guests expect?
One hell of a New York experience!
How long has each of you been in the business?
Sam: Since 2004
Samantha: I've been in the arts and entertainment field all of my life.
How did the pandemic affect your business, if at all?
Sam: In the beginning, it was horrible, information was stagnant and chaotic. All we really knew was that clients were canceling, if not postponing their orders. Once the lockdown was in effect we simply closed up shop. As a small business, we found it easier to conserve our resources and come back stronger as things are returning back to normal.
Samantha: I simply never stopped working in one capacity or another pertaining to Mink Basket. I continued to create pieces and ramped up my publicity because I knew we wouldn't perpetually be in the same space with the progression of the virus. I did stop promoting sales, which gave me more time to update my website and social media platforms. It didn't affect my business as much as I thought it would and I'm extremely grateful for that.
Devynn Renee
What would you say are some of the challenges of your business post covid?
Sam: Sales is a big one, costs, and materials also. The garment district was struck down very hard. Most vendors shuttered, or took the pandemic money and retired.
Samantha: As Per Doien, I face the same dilemma of finding appropriate fabrics and other materials also.
Are you planning on being a part of New York Fashion Week in September?
Sam: This event is a prelude to NYFW, there would be no point in showing again one month later.
Samantha: I concur.
What’s on the horizon for your respective businesses?
Sam and Samantha: For a very long time our businesses were online and we got most of our clients through word of mouth. However, It's high time that our clients had an opportunity to step into our world. We will be collectively introducing a luxury boutique specifically curated with exclusivity in mind.
Follow this link for tickets to the best time of your life.
Photographs: Eugene Manning/@pmphotographynyc, MUA For all group photos: Destiny Daniel/@makeupslayer.dest, MUA / Hair Stylist For Devynn Renee: Shira/@milencebeauty. Model Devynn Renee is wearing pieces from Mink Basket Couture and Doien-Demi Couture Fall/Winter collection 2022.