Pretty in Pilsen (2150 S Canalport Avenue)
On Friday, stop by Pretty in Pilsen from 5:30pm to 8pm to get an early start on your holiday shopping! Shop local designers like Kate Boggiano, Audey, Cole Haddon, Anna Hovet, and much more.

Latin Fashion Week’s Structure at Circuit Night Club (3641 N Halsted Street)
The big party for LFW 2010 will kickoff at 6pm on Friday with a cocktail reception. The fashion show will begin at 8pm and will promote fashion for men and women from international and local designers. A portion of proceeds will go to The Center on Halsted.

Elizabeth & James Trunk Show at Krista K Boutique (3458 N Southport Avenue)
Krista K will host an Elizabeth & James Trunk on Friday during store hours. Shop the fabulous jewelry collection, and enjoy special discounts during the event.

A Passport to Design Fashion Ball at Mercedes-Benz of Chicago (1520 W North Avenue)
Latin Fashion Week 2010’s big fashion ball will begin Saturday at 6pm with an awards reception. The main event will start at 8pm in the form of a fashion show and dancing begins at 10pm. Some of Chicago’s most influential fashion personalities will attend so get your tickets now!

Erin Gordon Holiday Trunk Show at Sarca (710 N Wabash Street)
On Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Leslie Prizant Goodman hosts an in-store shopping party presenting the Erin for Sarca jewelry collection. Meet jewelry designer Erin Gordon and receive a complimentary oxygen treatment. RSVP is required.

ShopSwagg at Excalibur (632 N Dearborn Street)
ShopSwagg is hosting a fashion & beauty shopping fundraiser on Saturday. There will be exclusive deals on clothing, beauty treatments and more.

Foursquare at Cynthia Rowley (810 W Armitage Avenue; 1653 N Damen Avenue)
Through this weekend, you can receive an exclusive Foursquare discount at all Cynthia Rowley store locations (Chicago, New York, Boston, and Charleston). Show your mobile device to a sales associate and receive 20% off full-price items and 10% off sale items.

Fashion Sense at Trattoria Roma Restaurant (1535 N Wells Street)
Latin Fashion Week will hold a 2-day pre-holiday shopping extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm in Old Town. It will feature an array of premier clothing, accessories, make-up and salon boutiques.

Brynn Capella Holiday Trunk Show at Cerato Boutique (3451 N Southport Avenue)
Stop by Cerato Boutique on Saturday (10am-6pm) or Sunday (11am-5pm) for the Brynn Capella Holiday Trunk Show, which will feature the Rockstar Collection. Guests can enjoy 10% off purchases of $200 or more.

Fashioning Desire at City Gallery (Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Avenue)
Now through the end of January 2011, stop by Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers. Chicago’s lively and diverse fashion photography scene will be on display, featuring the work of nine local photographers. 

Image courtesy of Pretty in Pilsen

From left: designs by C/FAN, Audey and Miriam Cecilia

Fashion Focus Chicago kicked off Tuesday night in Millennium Park with its first 2010 runway show. The evening belonged to the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s talented resident designers, who, as usual, didn’t disappoint. Before the show, a line of the city’s fashion advocates—stretching to the corner of Randolph and Michigan—waited anxiously to get a look at CFI’s latest creations. Inside we found a tent bursting at the seams with fashion insiders and fashion lovers, all thrilled to be a part of the electric festivities. After taking our seats, the show soon began with a warm welcome from designer and Executive Director of CFI Lara Miller and Andrea Schwartz, the VP of Media Relations from Macy’s, the show’s host. Then, the lights dimmed and DJ Sye provided the energetic musical accompaniment to the designs of 13 residents from this year and previous years.

From left: designs by Kristin Hassan and Evil Kitty

Kristin Hassan was the first to present, once again proving her knack for very feminine womenswear. We saw lots of polka dots and girly accents like lace and tulle on elaborate dresses and gowns. From where we sat, the construction looked fantastic, creating form-fitting and interestingly detailed designs. She topped off each look with accents such as tulle flower brooches and a new pom-pom approach to the giant floral headwear we remember from last year.

Next up were Kate Boggiano’s California girls. Donning oversized sunglasses and a daisy behind one ear, models sported summery separates, dresses and jackets. The silhouettes were simple and often structural, balanced with lavish details like draped and ruffle collars. A colorful palette appeared on solids and a few prints. Overall, it was a collection for a serious woman looking to bring out her sunnier disposition.

We know and love Evil Kitty for her punk-chic aesthetic, and that’s exactly what she showed us. Using soft fabrics with hard details, she created pieces like a flowy, silk tank dress anchored with a studded leather belt. We saw a black lace cocktail dress with royal blue lining and a very chic, Audrey Hepburn-ish pale blue mini dress. Other designs included a hot pink bolero with large spikes protruding from the back.

From left: designs by Anna Hovet and Kate Boggiano

Agga B. is one of our favorite Chicago designers. Her designs are chic, artistic and relevant, making them highly desirable to stylish urban-estas who are no strangers to high fashion. This collection fused the sophisticate and the femme fatale with pieces such as a tulip skirt with a fan of protruding wings around the backside. Agga’s color of choice is black, though hints of pale pink lighted the tone a bit. To cap off the collection, we saw a to-die-for sleeveless fur coat and a magnificent black LBD with gold beaded sleeves and fur trim on the shoulders.

Anna Hovet stuck with the basics for her latest collection. However, she put a casual 80s spin on the designs. Always pretty and girly, we saw a pastel blue skort with an asymmetrical skirt, barely there hemlines and loose-fitting cotton tanks. There were flowy trapeze dresses and a form-fitting black jumper with open slits on the back. Overall, we saw references to decades past that are definitely still au courant.

Woven design elements was the universal theme for Nora del Bursto. Mostly solids, there were a few odd prints thrown in for variety’s sake–many of which didn’t feel particularly reverent to current times. However, we did love the clean lines and attention to detail. A simple white sleeveless cocktail dress stood out with a single geometric, crisscross shoulder. The same was true of a black haulter dress with a crisscross neckline. Another black number had woven detail that ran down the torso, seemingly requiring a surgeon’s steady hand and patience to produce.

From left: designs by Agga B. and Nora del Busto

For a few minutes, Audey took us frolicking through Millennium Park. First, we saw an empire dress with a green floral print and sunshine yellow tulle underlay. Later, the same print appeared on a floor-length maxi that was positively delightful. Her lightheartedness continued onto other tops and dresses that displayed animal and bird prints.

Though we often take notice of C/FAN’s work, she pleasantly surprised us with this particular presentation. She’s known for her luxe basics in solid hues, but she’s obviously expanding beyond that. Pieces we expected were cropped silk tops with plunging necklines and tapered trousers with lovely draping at the hips. The unexpected came from sheer silk dresses—both body con and billowy—displaying a sunset and lone tree print.

Killian Gui made it clear he loves his men’s dress shirts. One after the other, button-ups paraded down the runway, presenting white ones, white ones with black sleeves, plaid ones, two-toned ones and others. So, I’m sad to say, nothing we haven’t seen before…many times. We could see Killian has serious construction talent, but we’d love to see a tad more variety.

From left: designs by Nonnie and Killian Gui

Next was Alidade, who left us with thoughts of summer in Nantucket. From khaki skirts to sky blue shorts to gray cardigans, the designs were simple and preppy. The fit looked fantastic, but we couldn’t help but wish for a little more detail than trim on some sleeves and oversized pockets. There were a few designs that had us craving a little more oomph, but others were right on mark.

From Nantucket prep to 30s pin-up, Dottie’s Delights immediately cranked up the heat. Her vintage-inspired lingerie was both sexy and glamorous, with waist clinchers and garters, thigh-high hose and haulter bras. There was flair that included French lace, velvet and hot pink sequins. These are definitely underthings that are meant to be seen.

From left: designs by Dottie’s Delights and Alidade

After Dottie’s lingerie glued men’s eyes glued to the runway, CFI gave them one final menswear presentation: Nonnie. Appealing to manly men and metros alike, this collection gave us basics and vision that fused the past and present. He nodded to the 50s army cadet with browns and taupes and the latest trends with details like skinny ties. All in all, the dress shirts, button-up vests and slim pants provided something for every urban male.

Last but not least, we saw the ethereal sophistication and glamour of Miriam Cecilia. Soft, flowy garments balanced body con, structural designs, producing dresses, gowns and tops we loved. For embellishment, she added metallic leaves on the bodice, neckline and skirt of multiple frocks, as well as pouf shoulders and ruching on several cocktail dresses and gowns. The detail was impressive and so was her ability to make the ladies swoon.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Deal Paul

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Bright Pink

Pretty in Pilsen (2150 S Canalport Avenue)
On Friday from 5:30-8pm at Pretty in Pilsen, enjoy a private shopping event with five Chicago designers and boutiques: Kate Boggiano, Cole Haddon, Audey, Objets D’Envy, and Anna Hovet. RSVP required.

Fashion Show at The Griffin Lounge (326 W Chicago Avenue)
On Friday beginning at 9pm, view more than 50 dresses and a new lingerie line at this fashion show fundraiser. Tickets are still available for purchase.

Anastasia Chatzka Fashion Show (1524 N Lake Shore Drive)
On Friday starting at 7pm, witness an intimate Parisian-inspired fashion show that presents Anastasia Chatzka’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Space is limited. RSVP required.

Krista K Multi-Designer Trunk Show (3350 N Southport Avenue)
Through Sunday, stop by Krista K for its Multi-Designer Trunk Show. This dress showcase will feature more than 500 dresses, and you’ll enjoy 20% off all these summery flocks.

Old Town Art Fair (Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street)
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm, the country’s oldest outdoor art fair, the Old Town Art Fair, will feature more than 260 different artists, jewelry designers, and more.

SALES

Jules’ Father’s Day Promotion
Now through June 18, Style Admirer readers can enjoy 20% on Jules jewelry via the designers’ online boutique. Use promo code: StyleAdmirer20.

Hubba-Hubba Promotion (3309 N Clark Street)
Through June 21, Hubba-Hubba is having a dress sale. Customers can take 20% off all dresses, and if you purchase two dresses, you’ll receive a free pair of sunglasses.

More upcoming events and sales

Image courtesy of Kate Boggiano

Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I kicked off my nights at the 312 Fashion Series. The events were a roundup of notable Chicago designers who presented their fall collections at Lofts on Lake. Admirers of Lara Miller, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet arrived at the industrial space eager to watch as the designers’ vision materialized on the runway. In the wide-open space framed in four brick walls and a vaulted wood ceiling—an organic backdrop for the show—a DJ played tunes representative of each designer’s aesthetic while bartenders supplied the cocktails. At showtime, we took our seats and looked on as Chicago fashion strolled down the catwalk.

On the first night, the show was divided into vignettes by Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet. This mix of very different design approaches created an interesting glimpse at the range of aesthetics our local talent can provide. During each designer’s presentation, models took the runway at once, creating a runway show turned fashion installation.

Horacio Nieto’s Fall ’10 womenswear and menswear. Top image: Lara Miller’s Fall ’10 collection

On Friday, Lara Miller proved once again that she is the princess of eco-design. The light-as-air fabrics—hand-loomed recycled cotton and bamboo, organic jersey, vegan silk—were spun into soft, feminine shapes that, above all, were incredibly wearable. Earth-toned wrap dresses, a jumpsuit (that I am dying to own), cardigans, leggings, suits, et al, fell completely in line with what Lara does best: taking eco-fashion to the next level of craftsmanship and wearability. The latter became a focal point in the show, as models rounded the u-shaped runway, halted at center stage, and stripped off their garments to display how one piece can be altered into something completely new. This two-in-one design approach not only added an incredible dynamic to the show, it displayed how Lara considers consumers’ expectations of versatility and style.

Saturday night belonged to Horacio Nieto. Unlike the bulk of his local counterparts, Horacio designs both womenswear and menswear. Menswear was the first presentation, and my favorite. The military-inspired jackets, vests, and trousers had sharp cuts, clean lines, and body con shapes. Seemingly made for the confident, fashionably in-the-know male, several of Horacio’s designs had me silently wishing he would repurpose them for a woman’s wardrobe. What he made for the ladies, though, was much more simplistic in nature. However, particular details embodied an exciting futuristic element. Pointed shoulders (as seen on an amazing one-sleeve champagne cocktail dress) and deep cuts on some of the gowns, dresses and jackets created sexy focal points, while other designs were much more classic and refined. This range, I believe, showed his understanding of his clientele, who won’t settle for merely one given style.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Paul Saini (Lara Miller) and Kayoua Xiong (Horacio Nieto)

Modern Vintage Chicago at the Beaux Arts Plumber’s Hall (1340 W Washington Street)
On Saturday (10am to 7pm) and Sunday (10am to 5pm), you’ll find the best dealers carrying clothes, estate and costume jewelry, handbags, shoes, hats, scarves, vintage fashion magazines, and much more. Tickets are $8 online and $10 at the door.

Anna Hovet Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday, Anna Hovet hosts a trunk show at the Incubator pop-up shop in The 900 Shops from 10am to 7pm.

Enjoy a Tax Break at Le Dress (1741 W Division Street)
On Saturday and Sunday, Chicago’s dress-only destination honors the end of tax season with a 2-day discount celebration. Shoppers will be treated to a 10.25% discount on their entire purchase.

Helen Yi Pop-Up Shop at 116 E Oak Street
On Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Helen Yi brings her goods to a pop-up shop just off the Magnificent Mile. Designer labels include Barbara Bui, Derek Lam, and Isabel Marant.

Spring Blowout Sale at BADC (3221 N Sheffield Avenue)
Borrow a Dress Couture is holding a Spring Blowout Sale this weekend. Dresses are being sold at up to 80% off retail.

Fix Offers Free Tote With Purchase (1101 W Fulton Market)
Through April 30, receive a free eco-friendly canvas tote with any purchase (tote shown above).

More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales

To kick off the event, designs by Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet will be presented in vignettes in conjunction with a cocktail reception. Friday and Saturday night belong to the eco-friendly Lara Miller and modern-chic Horacio Nieto, respectively. On these two nights, you’ll be able to shop Lara’s and Horacio’s latest collection and watch their runway show. During all three nights, enjoy complimentary cocktails and an exclusive after party at The Underground. Tickets range from $35 to $55, and each series begins at 7pm and ends at 10pm.

We’ve got our tickets! Do you?

Get tickets here.

By Meghan Turner

As you know, we’re devoted to our fair city’s fashion community—to its growth, its talent and its profitability. That said, we adore those who share this mission, and the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) is one of those institutions. Every year, CFI chooses six local designers, or “Designers in Residence,” who learn the economics, marketing and merchandising of fashion from industry experts. During a reception and fundraiser tomorrow evening at the 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue, CFI will formally announce the 2010 crew, which includes Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Stephanie Kuhr. Then, from Thursday, March 18 to Saturday, April 18, the 900 Shops will host a pop-up store devoted to CFI’s three-years of designer education. The 2010 designers, as well as CFI alum, will be participating and offering their goods to shoppers though a series of events and trunk shows. Here’s the month’s schedule:

MARCH

Tuesday, the 16th, 6 to 8pm: “Launch” Event Reception and Fundraiser. Tickets are $25.
Thursday, the 18th, 6 to 10pm: Furio Fall/Winter 2010 Collection Launch
Saturday, the 20th, 12 to 6pm: Cynthia Ryba Trunk Show
Saturday, the 20th, 12 to 8pm: 2010 New Designer Trunk Show
Sunday, the 21st, 12 to 2 pm: Afternoon Tea and Dresses Showcasing Jess Audey’s Fall 2010 Collection
Friday, the 26th, 8 to 11pm: Anna Hovet Fall 2010 Fashion Show
Saturday, the 27th, 10am to 7pm: Zamrie Spring 2010 Trunk Show
Every Friday: get fitted for a custom Kate Boggiano shirt

APRIL

Saturday, the 3rd, 12 to 6pm: Nora del Busto Trunk Show and Champagne Reception
Thursday, the 8th, 7 to 10pm: Kristin Hassan Summer 2010 Show and Event
Friday, the 9th, 12 to 6pm: Yana Collection Fall 2010 Trunk Show
Saturday, the 10th, 11am to 4pm: Evil Kitty Trunk Show
Thursday, the 15th, 12 to 8:30pm: Agga B Trunk Show
Saturday, the 17th, 10am to 7pm: Anna Hovet Trunk Show
Every Friday: get fitted for a custom Kate Boggiano shirt

*Store hours: The retail store will be open 10am to 7pm Thursday through Saturday and 12 to 6pm on Sundays.

By Meghan Turner