Posts Tagged ‘Borris Powell’
The Art of Fashion
Monday, November 1st, 2010
From left to right: designs by Lara Miller, Kirk James Collection and Borris Powell
Style Chicago capped off Fashion Focus with the final runway show of the week, The Art of Fashion. Like all the other shows before it, it compiled lots of local designers into a single production. As the name suggests, it fused fashion and art by combining established fashion houses and emerging talent, sprinkled with performance art. To start, the six established designers, including Lara Miller, Kirk James Collection, Paul Sisti, Lauren Lein, Borris Powell and Elda de la Rosa, presented their Spring 2010 collections. Then three emerging designers followed: Hector-Javier MonArrez, Lydia Wawrzyniak and Fraley Le.
After a theatrical introduction, the fashion creations paraded in front Chicago’s social scene. Of the six established, our favorites were Lara, Kirk James, Borris and Elda. Lara’s collection of casual knitted dresses and separates displayed her knack design that holds versatility and purpose. Kirk James showed us his flirty frocks, twist on basics and figure-flattering shapes—garments that transition effortlessly from day to night. Borris’ daywear and eveningwear was a rainbow-hued collection of jackets and dresses, including an unforgettable red cocktail dress with a voluminous tulle skirt. Finally, we saw Elda’s beautifully crafted couture. Another colorful display, her designs were suited for bridesmaids, dinner dates and galas.
From left to right: designs by Elda de la Rosa, Lydia Wawrzyniak and Hector-Javier MonArrez
After a rather awkward interception by a performance artist covered in a white sheet, it was the three emerging designers’ turn. Hector-Javier used blue and black to shade the masterfully constructed designs with pouf and pointed shoulders, oversized bows and shimmering sequins. Next was the show’s highlight: Lydia Wawrzyniak, who proved fashion is art. Her silk dresses were handmade with jaw-dropping detail, including structural tiered skirts and paper mache-like detail. Mark our words, these two designers will soon no longer be classified as “emerging.”
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Don Marshall
Tags: Borris Powell, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, Elda de la Rosa, Fashion Focus Chicago, Fraley Le, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Kirk James Collection, Lara Miller, Lauren Lein, Lydia Wawrzyniak, Paul Sisti, StyleChicago.com
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FashionChicago 2010
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
You know that feeling when you walk into a boutique, and you’re offered a cocktail? That “Oh, I’m really going to like this store” feeling. I mean, who doesn’t love a little liquid spending courage when considering a purchase? Well, tomorrow at FashionChicago 2010, an intimate event that joins local designers under one roof, you’ll be able to party hardy and spend some hard-earned cash. From 5-9pm at an 8,000-square-foot gallery space (233 W Huron Street), you’ll find an impressive collection of Chicago fashion and jewelry designers, such as Blake Standard, K. Amato, Lara Miller, JLee Silver, Kate Boggiano, Vaute Couture, Heidi Hess, Objets d’ Envy, Yana Collection, Jess Audey, Borris Powell, Zamrie, Nora del Busto, Horacio Nieto, Elise Bergman, Brynn Capella, Shernett Swaby, and more. For your drinking pleasure, beverages will be provided by HobNob Wines and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, while hors d’oeuvres will be brought in from Nacional 27 and RA Sushi.
Tickets are only $25 for VIP Tickets (including a goodie bag) and $15 for general admission. Reserve tickets here.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of StyleChicago.com
Tags: Blake Standard, Borris Powell, Brynn Capella, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Elise Bergman, FashionChicago 2010, Heidi Hess, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, JLee Silver, K.Amato, Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller, Nora del Busto, Objets d' Envy, Shernett Swaby, StyleChicago.com, Vaute Couture, Yana Collection, ZAMRIE
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Chicago Runway Shows: 312 Fashion Series
Friday, April 16th, 2010
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)
Tags: 312 Fashion Series, Anna Hovet, Borris Powell, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Shows, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller
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312 Fashion Series Premiere
Monday, April 5th, 2010
We’ve been in high anticipation for the first ever 312 Fashion Series, and the time has finally arrived. Beginning this Thursday night, the three-day series of fashion events will be held at Loft on Lake (1366 W Lake Street). Created by and for Chicagoans with a vested interested in the city’s fashion industry, the series highlights various local designers who are both well-known and highly talented. These labels include Lara Miller, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet.
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
Tags: 312 Fashion Series, Anna Hovet, Borris Powell, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller, Loft on Lake, The Underground
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Chicago Fashion at London Fashion Week
Monday, March 1st, 2010
The always titillating London Fashion Week commenced last Wednesday, and we were immediately intrigued when we learned Chicago designer Borris Powell was there showcasing his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. Known for his romantic elegance, Borris stuck with that aesthetic for his latest collection, which he presented on models with slick buns and dramatic makeup (that somewhat distracted from the clothes themselves). Inspired by a recent trip to Rome, Borris’ A/W designs are laden with flowing silks and structured bodices that incite “beauty and power,” according to the designer.
The audience of fashion insiders and press looked on as regal gowns, backless cocktail dresses, and two-toned frocks made their way down a stark runway that kept all eyes on the feature attraction. Equally obvious were Borris’ sartorial skills and knack for eveningwear that caters to women of various tastes and body types. Though the show was part of the off-schedule LFW programming, we’re always thrilled to see Chicago fashion taken to the international arena, and we look forward to seeing what Borris Powell brings to the runway next.
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Carl Yeung
Tags: Borris Powell, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Fall/Winter 2010, Fashion Week, London Fashion Week
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