Posts Tagged ‘Anna Fong’
Two Chicago Boutiques Open
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
When a new Chicago boutique opens, I can’t help but experience a little surge of excitement. So, it’s with double the pleasure that I inform you of two store openings: Cerato and Muse. After the demise of so many boutiques this past year, it’s like our retail community is experiencing a mini fashion resuscitation. Thank goodness!
Cerato
Our affection for Chicago designers holds no bounds. So when we learned Cerato (3451 N Southport Avenue) holds a store-full of local designs, we knew this shop was something special. The Southport Corridor storefront opens to a sunlight space that has a calming, organic aesthetic, with its blue floral wallpaper on one wall and industrial-style bricks on the other. There’s a simplicity to the space, which highlights the incredible selection, including designs by Anna Fong, jules, Kristin Hassan, Horacio Nieto, Eskell, frei, C/FAN and more. Whether it be clothing or jewelry, Cerato’s selection is a magnificent display of Chicago fashion.
Muse
Slightly off Chicago’s beaten streets, Oak Park’s got a new reason to venture beyond the city limits. Muse boutique (106 N Marion Street) caters to those seeking something special, something individual—all in a superb setting. The charm of Marion’s brick street continues into this adorable yet distinctly stylish shop. The boutique aims to inspire women of different styles with its carefully selected contemporary lines of up-and-coming, obscure and well-know labels, like Hudson, Runaway Pony, 2Love, Leigh & Luca, and many more. And, its man room in the back has seating and a flat-screen to keep your hubby occupied while you do your thang.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of Cerato
Tags: 2Love, Anna Fong, C/FAN, Cerato, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Eskell, frei, Horacio Nieto, Hudson, Jules, Kristin Hassan, Leigh & Luca, Muse boutique, Runaway Pony, Southport Corridor
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The Weekend Events + Sales
Friday, May 7th, 2010
Two looks from Gary Graham’s Spring 2010 collection
EVENTS
Fashion 2010 at The Art Institute’s Modern Wing (111 S Michigan Avenue)
The SAIC kicks off the day-long Fashion 2010 with a fashion show at 2pm. The Walk 2010, which is part of the SAIC’s annual gala benefit, starts at 6pm. Finally, end the night with NightWalk 2010, which begins at 9pm.
Hollywood Glam at Park 52 (5201 S Harper Avenue)
The Hollywood Glam Fashion Premiere & Party kicks off at 10pm. The event will feature K~Fleye, Double Stitch, Entourage Man, Kham’ryn B., and Anna Fong. Admission and cocktails are complimentary. RSVP to eve@eventsbyeve.com.
Raw/State at Sharp Building (37 S Wabash Avenue)
Now through May 23, this SAIC graduate fashion exhibition showcases the work of students pursuing SAIC graduate degrees in Fashion, Body & Garment.
Gary Graham Personal Appearance at Robin Richman (2108 N Damen Avenue)
This Saturday, meet SAIC alum Gary Graham from 5-8pm at Robin Richman. Shop the spring collection and specialty pieces for one night only.
Dress Up Grand Opening Week (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Dress Up boutique celebrates the opening of their first store. From May 8-15, shoppers can enjoy 15% off everything in the store.
The Sometimes Store Grand Re-Opening (632 W Addison Street)
The Sometimes Store celebrates its grand re-opening on Sunday from 11am to 8pm. In honor of Mother’s Day, shoppers can bring in a photo of their mom for 20% off their purchase.
Victor Alfaro Appearance at local Carson Pirie Scott Stores
The designer makes a series of personal appearances on Friday (Wilmette from 12-3pm and Lombard from 5-8pm) and Saturday (Orland Park from 1-4pm) to host one-on-one style appointments at Carsons. Receive 20% off Victor by Victor Alfaro sportswear, footwear, and accessory purchases.
SALES
Vintage Sale at Eskell Boutique (1509 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Eskell is having a vintage sale this weekend that features racks from Kokorokoko and Chi-town Vintage. Stop by Saturday (11am-8pm) or Sunday (12-5pm).
Spring Accessories Fling at Le Dress (1741 W Division Street)
From Friday to Sunday, Le Dress invites shoppers to accessorize their favorite frocks during an all-weekend celebration. Enjoy 25% off any accessory.
City Soles Spring Event (various Chicago locations)
From 10am-10pm, City Soles will offer 20% off all new spring footwear. Plus, enjoy cocktails, music, raffles, giveaways and more.
RE.STOCK your Spring Wardrobe (1452 N Milwaukee Avenue)
RE.STOCK Shop will open again this weekend in Bucktown. Save up to 80% off retail on men and women’s designer clothing from through Sunday.
More upcoming fashion events and sales
Image courtesy of Gary Graham
Tags: Anna Fong, Carson Pirie Scott, Carsons, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Shows, Chicago Sales, Chicago Shopping, City Soles, Double Stitch, Dress Up, Entourage Man, Eskell, Fashion 2010, Gary Graham, Kham’ryn B., K~Fleye, Le Dress, NightWalk 2010, RE.STOCK Shop, Robin Richman, SAIC, The Sometimes Store, The Walk 2010, Victor Alfaro
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The Creative Lounge Chicago: Nurturing Chicago Fashion and the Arts
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Some say that in life, nothing’s free. However, four Chicago fashion designers are proof that some things do come with a zero dollar price tag. In 2008, Toyota chose up-and-coming designers Anna Fong, Evil Kitty, SERPICO, and Agga B. to help launch the first and only US-based Creative Lounge. One of only three Toyota-funded design studios around the world, the lounge is a rare opportunity that reaches beyond the realm of fashion design. Though these women are the only designers with free reign of the studio, the lounge’s mission is to support and cultivate the local arts as a whole, while also promoting a collaboration between an unexpected pair: Toyota engineers and Chicago creatives.
This collaboration first took shape when the designers were flown to Japan to create garments inspired by Toyota design. When they got home, an enviable 4,000-square-foot piece of Wicker Park real estate was waiting for them. As if the free rent in a vintage building with two floors of work and storage space wasn’t enough, the car company threw in new sewing equipment, furniture and décor. Despite the sketching, crafting, and brand building going on in the studio, the adjacent reception and presentation area caters to a much larger audience with its ability to transform into a party room, sales floor, gallery, stage, screening room, conference room, and photo studio (for us!). For a deeper look at the unique possibilities that lie within the Creative Lounge Chicago, here’s a glimpse at each designer and her thoughts on this extraordinary opportunity.
Anna Fong with her designs. Top: The designers in the Creative Lounge Chicago
Anna Fong
Anna Fong, who was born and raised in Wicker Park and graduated from Columbia College, launched her line nearly three years ago. After working at Ralph Lauren in New York City, she moved back home to Chicago, where the fashion industry was finally taking shape. Since then, the Anna Fong label has grown with the industry to become an award-winning, celebrity-followed clothing line. The classically chic designs combine edgy details, dramatic cuts, and feminine silhouettes that cater to the everyday woman with a penchant for elegance and style.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Anna says:
“This is a great opportunity to give so many talented artists exposure. The lounge
is a place where we can share ideas and learn from each other.”
Lidia Wachowska of Evil Kitty with her designs
Evil Kitty
With no intention of becoming a fashion designer, Lidia Wachowska moved from Poland to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While studying to be a painter, she soon found an interest in graphic design, which ultimately changed her career path. Thus begins the story of the Evil Kitty. In 2005, she launched the line that’s anything but conventional. Through her designs, Lidia bridges the gap between two very different worlds: a funky and playful aesthetic—reminiscent of Japanese street style and punk rock—and a much softer aesthetic that nods to the ‘40s,‘50s, and film noir.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Lidia says:
“Being in this environment is amazing and really boosts your creativity.
We can do lots of things here, so the sky is the limit.”
Melissa Serpico Kamhout of SERPICO with her designs
SERPICO
Melissa Serpico Kamhout’s label, SERPICO, has grown into a successful line revered for its impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality materials. After studying fashion design and receiving degrees from both Loyola University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Melissa’s career started in a studio on Halsted. She has since expanded into a studio-boutique space where she designs and sells her collections. Though she doesn’t use the Creative Lounge as her main studio, Melissa’s contribution to the space is no less relevant.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Melissa says:
“It’s a great example of Toyota’s generosity, and [the four of us] have learned from each
other in unexpected ways–both in business and creatively. There’s a strength in numbers.”
Agga B. Raya with her designs
Agga B.
For Polish designer and stylist Agga B. Raya, fashion runs in the family. The daughter of designers, Agga was 16 when she orchestrated her first fashion show. She later moved to Chicago to work as a stylist, and now her clients include Oprah and Elite Model Management. After two years in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she started her line, Agga B. The label is rooted in classic silhouettes, accented with a modern flair. Very elegant and very wearable. For the past three years, she’s been here in Chicago, emerging as a prominent figure in the Chicago fashion industry.
Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Agga says:
“We have the best intentions to reach out and make it work. We want to invite as many
people and as many talents as possible to the lounge so they can showcase their work.”
For information about the Creative Lounge Chicago and its events, email connect@chicagocreativelounge.org.
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth
Tags: Agga B Raya, Agga B., Anna Fong, Columbia College, Creative Lounge Chicago, Elite Model Management, Evil Kitty, Lidia Wachowska, Melissa Serpico Kamhout, Oprah, Ralph Lauren, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, SERPICO, Toyota
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