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Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Fashion Shows’

J.Cheikh Presents to Chicago

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

The men of Chicago often don’t get the attention they deserve. There are very, very few local fashion shows dedicated to menswear, so when one comes up it’s a show to be seen. Last week, J.Cheikh showed its collection to Chicago for the first time. The brainchild of Sophie Lin (previously with Shorty Clothing) and her husband Cheikh Lam, this locally produced label launched in the Fall 2010 with a focus on adding a distinct flare to classic menswear.

Presented at the industrial Loft on Lake in the West Loop, the show opened with a lively solo by violinist Katarina Visnevska, who rocked out in a gold sequined hoodie. Next, the models whipped by one-by-one as they donned crisp dress shirts, straight-leg pants and tailored blazers in the colors every man loves: black, white, cream, gray and, of course, metallics. The tailoring was reminiscent of “Mad Men’s” slim fit, but this collection came with a bit more pizazz. This came from silver jacquard pants, blazers with dressed-up lapels, silk separates, velvet suits and fox stoles. The outcome was a collection built around the pieces men love to wear–but those same men have grown a bit board with the predictable. They’re looking for something more daring, more eccentric and just plain lively.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Eddie Ellis

Tags: Cheikh Lam, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Shows, J.Cheikh, Katarina Visnevska, Sophie Lin
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Block 37 Runway Show

Monday, November 15th, 2010

With new stores such as Michelle Tan and Akira joining the likes of Zara, Anthropologie and Sephora, State Street’s Block 37 has earned a place as one of Chicago’s major shopping destinations. This Wednesday night from 5:30 to 7:30pm, Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice from “Project Runway” will host a formal runway event that showcases clothing and accessories from retailers in Block 37. This free event, held inside the shopping center, allows you to shop directly from the runway, whether that be for yourself or for those on your holiday gift list. Get an up-close view as seasonal looks make their rounds down the catwalk, and even enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening…

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Block 37

Tags: Akira, Anthropologie, Block 37, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, Chicago Shopping, Michelle Tan, Sephora, Zara
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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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CFI Presents at Fashion Focus

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

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

Tags: Agga B., Alidade, Anna Hovet, Audey, C/FAN, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Fashion Shows, Chicago Runway Shows, Dottie's Delights, Evil Kitty, Fashion Focus Chicago, Kate Boggiano, Killian Gui, Kristin Hassan, Macy's, Miriam Cecilia, Nonnie, Nora del Busto
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Fearless Fashion

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

If you’re absorbed in the Chicago fashion community, chances are you’ve heard of the Stitches Fashion Program. If you haven’t heard of Stitches, its mission is to help Chicago’s fashion entrepreneurs establish effective sales and financing so that they may blossom right here in the Second City. Tomorrow night, the program sponsors Fear No Art and Fashion, a celebration of art, fashion, innovation and creativity. Saper Laws Fashion, Media, and Entertainment Practices will co-host the event from 6:30pm to 8:30pm with Dr. Julia Rahn, owner of Flourish Studios, and Elysabeth Alfano, creator, executive producer and host of WTTW11’s Fear No Art Chicago. Along with hors d’oeuvres and fine wines, enjoy the company of other Chicago creatives in Flourish’s beautiful space (3020 N Lincoln Avenue). Also purchase goods from Stitches Fashion Program designers, including K. Amato, Kate Boggiano and Mata Traders, and enjoy an informal fashion show featuring the latest collection by Lauren Lein.

Tickets are $25 at the door.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Lauren Lein

Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, K.Amato, Kate Boggiano, Lauren Lein, Mata Traders, Saper Laws, Stitches Fashion Program
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Fashion Salvation

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Last Wednesday night, I attended Fashion Salvation, a runway show at Salvage One. I always wanted an excuse to lounge in the unconventionally stylish space—a graveyard of architectural relics—and this show provided the opportunity to do so. Surrounded by larger than life Grecian columns, carousel horses, and monstrous neon signs, the evening immediately took an enchanting tone. Produced by Y.E.S. (Young Executives for Success) to raise money for Dress for Success, a program dedicated to supplying professional attire to disadvantaged woman, the event was impressive from beginning to end. Juggling a cilantro-spiked cocktail and tasty canapé, I took my seat in one of the mismatched antique chairs surrounding a runway draped in Persian rugs. Shortly afterward, fashions from Bonnie & Clyde’s boutique, Marisa Swystun and Agga B took the stage.

A grayscale collection from Bonnie and Clyde’s was edgy, futuristic and grungy (look shown above center). Zombie-like models showcased men’s and women’s separates with modern cuts of leather, jersey and denim that lay somewhere between street urchin, avant-garde and Edward Scissorhands. The gauzy tanks, long tube skirts, fitted jackets and thin sweaters were both practical and appealing. With the addition of clunky combat boots, bug-ish magnifying eyewear, and gothic makeup, the show’s aesthetic was reminiscent of one Mr. Rick Owens.

Marisa Swystun’s collection had more movement and shape (above left). Silky, feminine dresses, skirts and hand-printed kimono tops are clearly her specialty. It was as if she created each colorful, airy piece specifically for a hot summer evening. The collection covered a wide range of styles, from floor-length, bohemian frocks to shorter, more conservative cocktail attire. While soft and sweet was the overall theme, the element of surprise was still there. One-shoulder numbers and zipper detailing showed some attitude.

Like a harmonious fusion of Bonnie and Clyde’s edginess and Marisa’s glamour, Agga B’s looks (above right) fell somewhere between feminine and dangerous. Her perfectly executed designs came in sultry neutrals, but with a pinch of glitz. Hot pants, sequined bodysuits, and silk capes were the central theme for her cohesive collection. The combination of sporty and glam, incredible use of material, and fresh silhouettes brought to mind what gripped me about Prada’s spring runway. Agga’s professional styling skills were evident throughout: pant-less models armed with red lipstick and dark sunnies helped create a femme-fatale-meets-bathing-beauty vibe. Very sexy and very chic.

Though all entirely different, each featured collection was dense with creativity and artistry. While the spirit Salvage One added its own energy to the event, it was the show-stopping designs that really made magic that night.

By Maia McGinley

Photography by Landtex Graphics

Tags: Agga B., Bonnie and Clyde's, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, Chicago Runway Shows, Dress for Success Chicago, Marisa Swystun
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GUESS and Lucky Magazine Party

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

There’s a trio of fashion heavy-hitters joining together to celebrate summer fashion and benefit a worthy cause. This Thursday night from 7-9pm, GUESS and Lucky magazine celebrate Spring/Summer 2010 with a private cocktail reception hosted by The Haute Closet’s April Francis, a local wardrobe consultant and blogger. Located in GUESS’s Michigan Avenue store (605 N Michigan Avenue), local tastemakers will enjoy specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and mini makeovers (courtesy of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics) while shopping GUESS’s latest collection. Guests will have the opportunity to style their own head-to-toe GUESS look to be photographed on Lucky’s Style Spotter photo set and posted to LuckyMag.com. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, an organization dedicated to providing a safe environment for young people. Get 20% off your purchase when you donate a minimum of $5 to this organization. When the reception commences, head to Manor at 10pm for the exclusive after party, where GUESS will present a fashion show its newest threads.

Image courtesy of GUESS

Tags: April Francis, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, Chicago Shopping, Guess, Lucky magazine, The Haute Closet
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