Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Fashion Designers’
Mario Makes a Model
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
The Mario, Make Me a Model finalists and Briana Smith, the winner
On Wednesday night, the Fashion Focus Chicago shows continued, and we took our place in the Millennium Park tent. The night’s presentation was “Mario, Make Me a Model,” a Project Runway-like competition with a twist. The designs were exclusively by local designers, but the focus was ultimately on the models. Instead of Heidi, Mario Tricoci helmed the project, and his team of hair and makeup artists made sure each model was runway ready. The five finalists were among the dozens of models who presented designs by Calvin Tran, reddoll by Tatyana Merenyuk, Jermikko, Zamrie and Dorisa.
Calvin Tran was the first to present, showing his slinky, liquidy fabrics that hugged the models’ bodies in all the right places. He fused sexy cuts with figure-flattering silhouettes for a collection that exuded class and femininity. Ashley Zygmunt’s label, Zamrie, was next. As usual, her separates were airy, girly and casual, always boasting her ladylike spin on classic shapes. The third designer in the line-up was Jermikko, who didn’t exactly take a clear direction. The designs haphazardly bounced from oddly constructed women’s suits to a funky-patterned metallic jumpsuit to an iridescent purple gown. Next was a unique fashion concept for the show: menswear. And, Dorsia impressed the hell out of us. Every piece fit like a dream and paid particular attention to how today’s men dress…or at least how they should. Ladies, buy this collection for the man in your life. Finally, reddoll by Tatyana Merenyuk closed the show. Showing only dresses, the designs were immaculately detailed, the construction outstanding. Our only complaint is that she opened with a shortened version of a Balenciaga-like gown she showed last year.
At the close of the show, the five finalists did one last strut run down the catwalk. After many thank-yous by Mario, he announced the winner: Briana Smith. Donning a gorgeous red strapless gown by reddoll, she was presented a trophy in addition to a trip for two from Apple Vacations and a modeling contract with Ford.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Ashley Zygmunt, Calvin Tran, Chicago Fashion Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Show, Dorsia, Fashion Focus Chicago, Jermikko, Mario Tricoci, reddoll by Tatyana, ZAMRIE
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Chicago Designer Spotlight: Winifred Grace
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
I first met Winifred Grace Gundeck a little more than two years ago. At the time, I was writing a feature on her jewelry line, Winifred Grace, for a local magazine. I arrived at her small, sunlit studio for the interview and was greeted by a petite and welcoming Winni, as she is commonly called. We chatted on the lone sofa in the box-shaped studio before she showed me the work station. The table was covered in bits and pieces of metal, rhinestones and chains soon to be transformed into accessories rooted in her distinct aesthetic. After learning how that aesthetic materializes and seeing the finished product, I realized what Winifred was fashioning was a sparkling future in jewelry design.
Fast forward to present day and the Winifred Grace line has continued to blossom. Though it seemed impossible back then, the Spring 2010 collection is even more spectacular than the one I fondled during the interview. The season’s introduction of graphic brass elements adds a complementary contrast to the oxidized silver and light-catching Swarovski crystals. “I was inspired by vintage textiles and ancient tribal jewelry,” Winifred says. “[The brass] gives a unique vintage quality to the modern designs.”
Top image from left to right: Rhinestone and oxidized silver necklace (shown in the model’s hair), $185, with the oxidized chain and rhinestone bracelet, $275. Brass and jet drop earring, $115. Above image from left to right: Tiered rhinestone and brass necklace, $345, with the oxidized chain and rhinestone bracelet, $275. Cut crystal and brass charms necklace, $195.
As with every season, the spring collection includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings that together feel well-edited and perfectly cohesive. Along with the craftsmanship, what distinguishes Winifred’s designs is how she harmonizes a raw edginess with feminine flare. The quality is obvious and exceptional, the vision unique and breathtaking. Each piece is made to order and handcrafted here in Chicago by the Winifred Grace team. This includes the oxidation of metals—one of her signature techniques.
By mixing and distressing various metals, chains and embellishments, each piece embodies a versatility that can be dressed up or down. They can also easily be layered with other Winifred Grace items or with your own jewelry. Whether your look is trendy, classic or understated, the line filters beautifully into any given wardrobe. “The collection is a mix of casual, sophisticated elegance,” she says. “I’m most happy in flip-flops and a tunic but welcome the chance to put on my party shoes! I think the collection speaks to both sides of my personality.”
Tiered rhinestone and brass necklace, $548, with the cut crystal and brass charms bracelet, $460.
Just as each Winifred Grace collection is a small treasure trove of gold, silver and crystal, the label’s future promises to be just as dazzling. Soon, Winifred will introduce one-of-a-kind couture pieces available only on her e-shop and a few stores. But that’s just the beginning. “I also have some top secret plans for expanding the Winifred Grace brand into the lifestyle arena,” she says. “Stay tuned!”
We certainly will!
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Brittney Jo
Makeup: Jennifer Hanwright
Hair: Kelly Tracy
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth and Maia McGinley
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Designers, Jewelry, Winifred Grace, Winifred Grace Gundeck
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