The Art of Fashion: Chicago Designers Bring a Little Couture to the City
Chicago is famous for many things; one of those being the city's budding fashion scene. Nothing says fashion quite like Chicago's bi-annual runway show featuring the latest collections of a few of the city's hottest designers, The Art of Fashion hosted by StyleChicago.com. This season, fashion goers gathered at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago's River North community to preview the Autumn/Winter 2012 collections of some of the city's best established designers: SWABY, Barbara Bates, Lara Miller, Cettina, Borris Powell,ZAMRIE, Eva Pazola, Miriam Cecila, Nora del Busto and Nade Baer.
From 5 until 10 p.m., guests enjoyed the ultimate designer shopping event, FashionChicago, which spanned the second and third floor of the building and featured 30 of Chicago's top accessories, apparel and jewelry designers. During the shopping event, I bumped into Anna Hovet, one of my favorite emerging designers, selling a few of her signature tees and an eye-catching piece called the 'Convertible Sophia Tunic' ($79). The tunic was loose fitting, but it had a snap that could be changed to make it form fitting. The top also featured a transparent mesh yoke with hearts on it. I'm not just talking it up; check it out for yourself!
LAUNCH: Driving Fashion Forward in Chicago's North Shore
When you receive an invite to a charitable fashion event that includes a runway show featuring local boutiques and student designers at a Mercedes Benz dealership, curiosity alone will have you requesting to be added to the RSVP list.
So, when I received a request for attendance to LAUNCH: Driving Fashion Forward, you know exactly what happened. As part of my invite, I was also asked to be a judge for the student designer competition which would award the winning designer with a $5000 scholarship. Needless to say, I was most certainly looking forward to this event.
The Autohaus Edens dealership in Northbrook hosted the event. We all know Mercedes Benz vehicles practically sell themselves. But it was the warm personal welcome by the dealership's president, Michael Rosengarden, that impressed me and had me adding Autohaus to my list of best car dealers in the Chicagoland area.
While guests shopped local vendors and mingled over cocktails and light bites, I had a chance to meet some of the Columbia College student designers.
Chloe Flora, Jessica Atkins, Agnes Hamerlik and Samm Mackin
After finding out that Columbia College's Melissa Gamble was their professor and mentor, I knew these students were quite talented and would present impressive designs on the runway.
The North Shore boutiques were the first to be featured. The list of stores included Jolie Femme, Three Sisters, Shirise Shoes, Bett's and Frances Heffernan; all of which provided the audience with some of the best trends for Spring/Summer (eg. peplum, floral, graphic prints and colorblocking).
[GIVEAWAY] Win Tickets to Launch: Driving Fashion Forward
When some of the North Shore's best boutiques partner with Mercedes Benz dealership Autohaus on Edens for a fashion event, you can pretty much guarantee it's going to be a good time.
Launch: Driving Fashion Forward is a fashion event that will include a runway show as well as a Columbia College student designer competition. Held at Autohaus on Edens, this North Shore event will also benefit the Party Dress Project, which is an organization that resells donated party dresses and then distributes all of its proceeds to local charities. For complete event details, visit dogoodersdodah.com.
I've got my tickets to the event. And now I'm looking for one lucky reader, and their guest, to join me this Sunday!
To enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets ($90 value), simply fill out the entry form below.*
Best of luck to each of you!
[winner announcement]
Congratulations to Quinarra! I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
*The giveaway ends Thursday, March 15 at 11:59PM (CST). Winner will be selected at random.
The finale headlining show for Fashion Focus was The Art of Fashion hosted by StyleChicago.com and it was certainly impressive! The sold out crowd descended upon Millennium Park to preview the Spring 2012 collections of some of Chicago's best established designers: SWABY, Squasht by Les, Lara Miller, Borris Powell, RÜCH, Zamrie, Eva Pazola, Nora del Busto, Sylwia W., Nade Baer.
Sidenote: I must admit, I had the highest expectation and anticipation for SWABY. Designer, and former Project Runway Canada contestant, Shernett Swaby has been on my radar for over 2 years. I own one of her handbags and truly appreciate the level of detail she incorporates in every piece. Even though she's been in Chicago for over awhile, it was her first fashion show here. So, I couldn't wait to see her looks walk the runway.
These designers did not disappoint! There was at least one item in each collection that I would be willing to purchase right off the runway. The show represented the versatility of the Chicago fashion scene. From the practical every day wear by Lara Miller and Zamrie to the avant garde looks presented by SWABY and Nora Del Busto, there was something for every woman.
Fashion Focus Week 2011 quickly came to end, and if you've ever believed in saving the best for last, you would have been pleased with Anna Fong's "A Mayan Tale" Collection Preview presented at the historical Renaissance Blackstone Hotel.
Anna Fong is an emerging designer whose ability to tell a story well has set her apart from many of her local contemporaries. She has been known to put a modern twist on a vintage look, which rings true in her latest collection, "A Mayan Tale."
Anna said she was inspired by her recent journey to Guatemala, where she learned about her heritage and translated that sense of identity and knowing into designs full of vibrant hues, timeless shapes and rich fabrics. There is no doubt that Anna can construct a well-designed piece.
Trendevous at Carson's: An unexpectedly great shopping experience for the department store skeptic
With Autumn in full swing, everyone is looking to update their wardrobes with items that keep them warm while maintaining their sense of style.
So, when Carson's in Yorktown Mall (Lombard, IL) invited me to Trendezvous, their Fall trend show, I was certainly curious to see what this department store had to offer this season. As a shopper that tends to avoid department stores like the plague, I was highly impressed with the fashion show.
I already expected the show to consist of items by designers such as Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, John Bartlett, Victor Alfaro, and the store's newest addition, Vince Camuto. But it was the use of Ford models and the coveted looks created by the Carson's styling team that pleasantly surprised me. The mixing of patterns, the execution of layering and subtle styling choices - like the fur infinity scarf worn off the shoulder - provided the audience with ideas on how to wear the trends this season.
Dress Code: Student Designers Continue to Shine at Fashion Focus
Nicole Paprusky (Illinois Institute of Art)
Every time Fashion Focus rolls around, I look forward to the Dress Code runway show. Featuring students from the city's top four design schools - International Academy of Design and Art (IADT), Columbia College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and Illinois Institute of Art - Dress Code usually ends up being the most innovative and creative show of the week. And this year was no different.
InspireDesign presented by Mario Tricoci and vitaminwater®
Photo by Shauna Battle
Chicago has the talent. Chicago is a FASHION city. No doubt about it. - Mario Tricoci
On Wednesday, October 19th, InspireDesign presented by Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas and vitaminwater® occurred as a segment of Fashion Focus Chicago. The event was also sponsored by Michigan Avenue magazine and Wella Professionals, and included a special opening performance by Brandon and Lucas Marx, the two sons of the legendary Chicago native and singer-songwriter Richard Marx, who rose to fame in the 80s. Although Rock may not be my genre of choice, the new generation of Marx blew their performance out the water and added an edgy element to the festivity.
The runway show featured collections of some of Chicago's most inspiring designers, including J. Chiekh, Narcisse Design, Imaginary People by Olivia Shanks, Michelle Tan and Reddoll by Tatyana Merenyuk.
The show's conclusion served as the grand finale of Mario, Make Me a Model. The competition provides five aspiring models with the platform they need to make their modeling mark. The process included a two-moth-long transformation. In past seasons, only one finalist has been named the winner. Well, it wouldn't be a fashion show without a twist. Mario decided to change the rules and choose two winners this season, Juni Park and Mercedes Johnson. And those two young women certainly deserved it!
View a recap of the entire night below:
For more information on Mario Tricoci and his hair salons & day spas, visit www.tricoci.com.
NYFW Chronicles: A day at Lincoln Center with Nicole Miller and Concept Korea
My first Lincoln Center experience was indeed a great one! To be able to attend the Nicole Miller runway show during my first visit to Fashion Week was insane!
When I arrived at Lincoln Center, I just stood there to soak it all in. The energy in Lincoln Center is electric. Street style photographers canvassing the area looking for well-dressed subjects while show goers are either chatting it up with their fashion cohorts or darting across the plaza to catch the next show or presentation.
Upon my arrival, I ran into Gabriel who was actually enjoying a day off from his action-packed, behind-the-scenes Fashion Week internship. ChiTown Fashionista was definitely representing Chicago well.
Then, it was time to catch the Nicole Miller show. As I was heading in, I was stopped several times by street style photographers and interviewed briefly regarding Fashion Week and my personal style (more to come on that). For my style to be appreciated at THE epicenter of fashion was surreal and certainly unforgettable.
Then, it was time for the show.
In the front row, I spotted Jennifer and Ashley Tisdale, Alexis Biedel as well as ELLE's Joe Zee and Keith Pollock.
I loved seeing Joe Zee capture moments with his cell phone.
I enjoyed the collection, filled with stripes and bursts of neon (click HERE to view the slideshow). I can't wait to see Nicole Miller's journey and hear more about the inspiration for the collection on the upcoming season of All On the Line.
After the show, I headed back to the main area to relish in the moment. Inside the "tents" was even more glorious. Prominent fashion figures, from editors to stylists, were reuniting with one another, recapping the shows and synchronizing schedules. The blogging community was also represented quite well. I felt right at home.
I had an opportunity to chat with celebrity stylist, June Ambrose.
When I asked how to get a petition started for her to have her own reality show (have you seen her YouTube videos?), she informed me that it is actually in the works and filming has already started. Move over, Rachel Zoe!
After pinching myself, I headed across the plaza to the Concept Korea presentation where 5 of the best emerging Korean designers were being showcased.
After seeing J. Alexander (a.k.a. Miss J) run past me like a flash of lightning, I headed up the stairs where I was welcomed by a sea of innovative designs. The Concept Korea collective consisted of Doho, Lie Sang Bong, RESURRECTION, SON JUNG WAN and Steve J & Yoni P.
Here are some of my favorite looks:
Lie Sang Bong
Steve J & Yoni P
Talk about a fun-filled day! As you can see, so much happened within a 2-hour time frame. And my one day in Lincoln Center was only scratching the surface. I can't wait to get back to New York Fashion Week to spend more time at Lincoln Center and attend more runway shows.
New York Fashion Week (#NYFW): How to Stay Up-To-Date
Wondering how to stay up-to-date on what's going on during New York Fashion Week?
Here are four tools that will help you out!
1. Youtube.com/LiveRunway
Check out the livestream of a select few of NYFW runway shows via Youtube. Can't watch in real time? No problem. Live Runway will re-air the shows throughout the day so you won't miss a beat. Also, if you text LIVERUNWAY to 310310, you'll receive notifications for the upcoming shows.
Click the image below for access:
2. The Cut on the Runway iPad App
If you don't have time to check out the videos or are constantly on the go, the Cut on the Runway iPad App is the best tool for viewing the still images from all of the Fashion Week runway shows and presentation (including London, Milan and Paris). Click HERE for more info.
3. Viddy.com
Viddy.com is a new video app for iPhone users that allows users to upload and share 15-second video content. It is the Instagram of video. Viddy has designated a specific site to contain all of the user video footage from Fashion Week. Although, the app is exclusive to iPhone users (apps for Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile will be available soon), anyone can visit the site to view and share what has been uploaded by others. Visit Fashion.Viddy.com to get started.
Fashion Talk was amazing. I, along with Fashion Design professor Susan Becker, had the opportunity to speak to a room of fashion-enthused students about our respective passions. While I focused on fashion blogging and the Chicago fashion scene, Professor Becker touched on her experience in the fashion industry. Working for designers like Marc Jacobs, Professor Becker shared stories that taught me a a few lessons as well. If only we had her course when I was attending. Who knows what path my post-college career would have taken.
Throughout my entire blogging career, which is all of 2.5 years, I have to say Fashion Talk has been my most rewarding experience to date. I truly enjoyed sharing my background (e.g. how the London markets led to my creation of ChiTown Fashionista), my achievements as a blogger (e.g. guest blogging for Rue La La) and the recent momentum within the Chicago fashion scene (e.g. Borris Powell's Oscar Design Challenge win and the Kenmore reality series, "So You Wanna Be a Designer").
After Fashion Talk, I headed to the Trunk Show, where I had the opportunity to mingle with the students. I also had my first encounter with the fantastical up-and-coming t-shirt line from Tom and John's Chocolate Factory, the colorful footwear from BucketFeet and the photography genius Gino Baileau. *more to come on all of them*
That evening, I returned home excited to make the drive back down to Champaign for the finale runway show.
As the official climax to the week-long festivities, the finale runway show was the main attraction. The looks featured designs by Goca Designs, Ciano Von Jo Designs, Kenneth Crowder and Alexandra Forrest - all of which are student designers. Also, my good friend, Jillian of Joules Jewels Vintage, made the trip downstate to showcase her exceptional vintage collection. The show was cleverly produced, the music was spot-on and the models, both male and female, worked the runway.
Here are some of my favorite moments:
Click HERE to access my Flickr page with even more pics!
From my first encounter with the committee, I knew College Couture Week would be a success. And I'm pleased to have played a part in this inaugural event. I'm certain that the next one will be even bigger and better. Maybe I'll get to moderate a panel of Chicago fashion insiders....you never know. *wink* Regardless of my involvement, I will continue to support the College Couture organization as they work to expand fashion on the campus of the University of Illinois.
After this experience, I'm even more proud to be an alum! #GoIllini
Sidenote: Special thanks goes to Jenn Ruppert and the College Couture committee for the invite! And BIG LOVE to hubby, lil sis and my friend Andrea for being my road trip buddies. Your support means the world to mean. xoxo
Last Sunday, the IADT Schaumburg design students showed up and showed out for the IMAGINE runway show!
A few weeks ago, I sat on the jury that reviewed the designs in an effort to pick the best collections and individual garments. At that point, I was already impressed by the talent these students possessed. But seeing the designs on the runway was even more impressive!
Held at the gorgeous Loft on Lake, on one of the most beautiful days this city has seen in awhile, the IMAGINE runway show was the perfect opportunity for family, friends and media to view the work of Chicago's brightest design students.
Erin Creaney and the IADT Schaumburg staff produced an outstanding show, which included Chicago designers Lara Miller and Borris Powell as the hosts and FORD models rocking the runway. I must add that the hair and makeup was phenomenal. I will be attempting those looks at home...emphasis on "attempting".
Now to the runway! Here are some of my favorite moments from the event.
fashionisto and fellow blogger, Luis of ChiCityTrends (on the right) with friends
designer: Jennifer Mathis (peep the cuff bracelets on the ankles..BRILLIANT)
designer: Ashley Martinez (I need that faux fur vest ASAP)
designer: Temi Adejutigbe; designer: Courtney Zingler (both have amazing technique)
designer: Courtney Zingler (creative mix of colors and layers)
designer: Rhonda Love (this is red carpet worthy)
Congrats to all of the students for their amazing work! The future of Chicago's fashion scene is looking even brighter.
So what's your verdict? Which designs are speaking to you the most?
On my way to College Couture Week at University of Illinois!!
It all started on Twitter...
I noticed a new Twitter follower. When I went to her timeline, I realized she was a fashion blogger and University of Illinois student. When I told her that U of I was my alma mater, she informed me that something exciting was brewing on campus and that she was going to send me an email about it. That "something" turned out to be U of I's first ever COLLEGE COUTURE WEEK!! A fashion week at U of I?! I couldn't wait to learn more and see how I could help. THEN, she told me that she was the President and Founder of the event AND that the planning committee would like for me to speak at one of the fashion seminars!
What. An. Honor! Speaking about fashion at my alma mater? I was down!
And who is this "she"? She is the lovely Jennifer Ruppert, creator of the Turquoise Lagoon blog and new intern to the amazing Sarah Vargo, whose widely known for her MAVEN Diva and Divo Series.
In addition to speaking about my blog and the Chicago fashion scene, I was able to secure a local vintage shop owner, my girl Jillian of Joules Jewels, for the College Couture Week finale runway show. The committee (shown below) also have student designers as well as Tom and John's Chocolate Factory, Ciano Von Jo Designs, Evil Kitty and Bucketfeet on board for the runway show!
back row (l-r) Thomas Mui, Kenneth Crowder, John Jeong front row (l-r) Jenn Ruppert, Leah Sammak, Caroline Smagacz
College Couture Week is officially underway and I'll be making my way to Champaign today for "Fashion Talk" where I'll be speaking along with U of I's Fashion Design professor, Susan Becker.
*Of course, I'll also be live tweeting while I'm there.*
The full itinerary is below. But you can also visit CollegeCoutureWeekUIUC.com for more details on the events and sponsors. This committee has been working HARD!
April 10th - Illini's Next Top Model April 11th - Illini's Next Top Model Finalists April 12th - Fashion Talk with Nora Del Busto April 13th - Fashion Talk with Professor Susan Becker and ChiTown Fashionista creator Nikia Jefferson (Illini Union Room 406, 5PM) April 13th - Trunk Show (Illini Ballroom, 7PM) April 14th - Couture Night Out (Clybourne, 9PM) April 17th - College Couture Runway Show (Illini Union ABC Rooms, 5PM)
If you're in the area, definitely stop by. And if not, consider making the drive on Sunday to attend the finale runway show. I'll certainly be there because I know it's going to be thebomb.com. Plus, who doesn't want to support this outstanding committee and all of their efforts?
Join the students of IADT Schaumburg as they showcase the designs of some of their best students! I've already had a sneak peek and I must say these students are TALENTED!
The event will be held in Chicago at Loft on Lake (1366 W. Lake Street).
Visit IADTImagine.com to view the fashion show teaser and purchase tickets.
I will most certainly be there. And you should too!
UPDATE: Click HERE to check out my recap and photos from the event. It was, indeed, amazing.
GIVEAWAY: Tickets to the "Rock the Red" Fashion Event
ChiTown Fashionista is teaming up with The Red Pump Project again to offer a pair of general admission tickets to one lucky winner for this year's "Rock the Red: Bold.Fashion.Awareness" event!
The event will be held on March 24, 2011, in commemoration of annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It will also be a celebration of The Red Pump Project's 2-year anniversary.
All ladies are expected to wear their fiercest red pumps while guys are being asked to wear their boldest red tie. The runway show will feature fashion from local boutiques and designers, including 14 pairs of custom made shoes by Eidia Lush!
It will be a guaranteed fun time!
The event details are as follows:
Rock the Red: Bold.Fashion.Awareness
When: March 24th, 2011 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Where: Britten Loft, 1420 S. Michigan Ave (Chicago) Why: As the ladies of The Red Pump Project stated, "Awareness is always in style"
Le Voyeur: AKIRA's Spring 2011 Fashion Show (THIS Thursday!)
AKIRA is known for having the most fabulous and highly-attended fashion shows in Chicago. So, it's safe to say that this is a "can't miss" event!
Le Voyeur will be held at one of the most beautiful venues in the city, the Lyric Opera House. Julian On the Radio from B96 and CELEBTV's Kelli Zink will host the event and FORD models will be rocking the runway.
The show will feature Spring looks from designers such as Seychelles, Chinese Laundry, Michael Antonio, Sebago, Lacoste Live, Ben Sherman, Hudson and of course the in-house label, AKIRA.
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP (complimentary drinks all night and gourmet appetizers). All proceeds will benefit the Young Professional Chapter of the Lyric Opera House.
Joe Faris with the Motor City Denim Co. design team
Fashion in Detroit occurred on the tail end of Chicago's Fashion Focus. In spite of all the events going on during Fashion Focus, I was determined to make the trip to Detroit for day #2 of the event. With an executive committee that consists of heavy hitters in Detroit fashion, including Joe Faris of Project Runway fame, I was excited to see what Fashion in Detroit had to offer.
Now, let's take to the runway, shall we?
Femilia Couture http://femiliacouture.blogspot.com/
Created and produced in Michigan, Femilia Couture is a hybrid of high fashion and organic clothing. Designers Emily Thornhill and Fotoula Lambros showcased an all-white collection on the runway. From pant suits to jersey dresses to evening gowns, everything was well made and simply adorable. Initially perceived as a only "concept", I thought the all-white idea was brilliant. It allowed the designs to speak for themselves and made women want to buy a perfect little white dress next Spring. Then, I find out that the all-white "concept" was meant to provide onlookers with a blank canvas since everything can be created in a host of different colors. I was in love. These items, already lovely and beautifully constructed in their purest form, can be produced in a color of my choice?!?! Where do I sign up? With majority of their garments priced under $200, all of which are customizable to any size, Femilia Couture was definitely one of my favorite collections of the day. I jokingly tweeted that I would have to cheat on Chicago fashion with Femilia Couture but there may be a little truth to that. *wink* Christiane LaRue by Bonnie Foley http://www.christianelarue.com
From zebra to art deco, the print dresses were feminine and appeared effortless. The French lace garments, however, were my personal favorites. The lace wrap skirt, mini-dress and formal gown were the showstoppers. The red lace and feather dress was elegant yet slightly revealing...leaving just enough to the imagination. This collection was definitely created with the flirty girl in mind. Moosejaw http://www.moosejaw.com/
Known for it's selection of cold-weather outerwear, including their signature line and other major brands like North Face, I didn't know what to expect from the Moosejaw runway show. It turned out to be the liveliest show of the bunch! The outfits weren't necessarily groundbreaking or innovative (although I did love the colorful socks and jackets with thumb holes), but who doesn't need practical outerwear when battling the cold Midwest winter? Moosejaw compensated for the lack of "design" with a high level of entertainment. Every model danced on the runway (there was even breakin' and pop-lockin') to the beat of great songs like "Din Daa Daa'. Was I overwhelmed by the fashion? Not so much. Was it a memorable runway show? Absolutely. Heike Jarick http://www.heikejarick.com/
Heike Jarick is a German born, New York based designer whose designs have graced the red carpet. Her runway show was full of color, sequin, a ton of draping and amazing statement jewelry. The porcupine-like detail on the suede collar that turned out to be beading had me in awe. (check out the closeup below).
Heike understands a woman's body. The draping and fabric choices on the dresses made me want to slip into each and every one of them. When I asked her why she decided to show at Fashion in Detroit, her response was "I was invited. So, I figured 'why not?'" And that free spirit is exactly what made me an official fan of Heike Jarick. Prophetik by Jeff Garner http://www.prophetik.com
Jeff Garner is known for his amazing sustainable fashion. Hailing from Tennessee, Jeff Garner is yet another designer who supports the great things brewing in the Detroit fashion realm. Having shown at London Fashion Week, many people, including myself, were anxious to see the collection. However, when volunteers started laying sod on the runway prior to the showing, the anticipation was amplified to the umpteenth power. What was to follow would be an unforgettable runway show with a medieval twist - as shown through the clothing, the live banjo player and cloak-wearing vocalist. The dresses had great movement. At times, the models appeared to be floating down the runway. I was also intrigued by the garments that seemed to have been dipped in contrasting dye. It was a unique technique that was very well-executed. Sustainable fashion never looked so good. Motor City Denim Co. http://www.motorcitydenimco.com
The Motor City Denim Co. clothing line exudes Americana. With Eminem's "Welcome to Detroit" song blaring through the speakers and the American flag incorporated into many of the pieces, designer Joe Faris represented his blue-collar state and America as a whole. My favorite items were the leather and denim jackets as well as the dresses with the exposed zippers. Actually, zippers were used throughout the collection, most notably as embellishments on the denim jackets and the back pockets of the jeans. Clothing aside, the real highlights of the runway show were the models. Every day women of varying heights and sizes demonstrated Motor City Denim Co.'s versatility and wearability. As an executive committee member of Fashion in Detroit, it is apparent that Joe Faris is extremely passionate about Detroit. And his collection is a definite reflection of that.
In addition to enjoying the runway shows, I met some really amazing fashionistas, photographers and designers (including Valerie Mayen from Project Runway). Fashion in Detroit was a great experience. I can't wait to see which designers will be included next year!
I've decided to end this blog post with the video that Jeff Garner played right before the Prophetik runway show. It addresses the topic of sustainability and how Detroit is adopting the concept. It made me appreciate the city even more and I hope it does the same for you…
So, who’s going with me next time?
*all photos, except for the Heike Jarick collar closeup, are courtesy of photographer extraordinaire (and my newfound buddy), George Clarence. View all of his Fashion in Detroit photos HERE.
