Chicago’s South Loop set the stage for a night where DIY rebellion and ’90s nostalgia collided on the stage. Rachel J. Penca, creator and moderator, alongside Galaxy Wolf, co-creator, put together a tight competition with Project STYLNG at Columbia College inside the Film Row Cinema, May 6th 2026. The five stylists in this style-down did their homework on ’90s style and culture. From the lace details to the pins and backwards corset, I was transported back to my childhood.
Congratulations to all the stylists who put these looks together. A special shoutout to the winner of the night, Riley McGuire, with a ’90s grunge look featuring a DIY plaid moto jacket, pins, and ski goggles. It was the details that sold the look — a perfect collision of grunge nostalgia and DIY rebellion.
Each stylist interpreted the decade differently, proving how deeply ’90s fashion continues to shape personal identity and street style today. Chloe Boehm presented a hip-hop-inspired look, Mikayla Lerczak showcased a Vivienne Westwood-inspired look, Clarissa Torres delivered a Chicana-inspired look, and Kimijah Wilson created a women’s hip-hop-inspired look.
The judges of the night had a difficult time, I’m sure of it. With judges ranging from Columbia College Chicago professors to luxury editorial stylists, the competition carried real industry weight.
I absolutely love coming out to support the future of fashion styling. The future looks bright.
