Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Fashion’
CFF’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
As Chicago’s fashion community grows, it’s critical that we support and cultivate the young talent in our city. This is a mutually beneficial pursuit, as it recognizes the designers’ work and promotes our budding fashion industry as a market in which they can lend their sartorial vision. The Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) has made this their mission, and on Thursday night, the non-profit held its 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit to honor local fashion students.
Held in the Narcissus Room in the Macy’s on State Street, the event attracted quite the crowd of industry insiders and admirers, who were treated to an open bar, silent auction and runway competition. With a fresh cocktail in hand and bids on the line for designer jeans, yoga packages, and more, guests took their seats and watched as the nine finalists–chosen from 30 design entries–presented their skill and creativity. The challenge: design an ensemble inspired by one of Chicago’s 28 sister cities around the world.
Eunyoung Joo’s winning look (left) and Michael Schellenbach’s third place look (right). Above: Randy Rusnadi’s second place look
As the models strolled down the u-shaped catwalk, each designer’s skill was obvious. Though the looks weren’t all particularly wearable, the abroad influence was there, captured in a unique and interesting way. The creations made for a tough call among the judges, who included Chicago magazine’s fashion director, Stacey Jones; “Project Runway’s” Steven Rosengard; Akira owner Erikka Wang; ZZAZZ Enterprises, Inc.’s Producer/Director, Tracey Tarantino; and Macy’s North and Northwest Director of Media Relations, Andrea Schwartz.
Unfortunately, only three designers could take home one of the three scholarships: $5,000, $1,000 and $500. Eunyoung Joo (International Academy of Design and Technology) won the competition for her Moscow-inspired dress with a fur collar and bishop sleeves. Randy Rusnadi’s (Harper College) Athens-inspired navy military jacket, gold silk top, and navy silk skirt took second, while Michael Schellenbach (Illinois Institute of Art) brought home the $500 scholarship for his red menswear jumpsuit with fur trim and Chrysler emblem belt, also inspired by Moscow.
One of our favorite looks: Anna Gaukel’s Paris-influenced design
Overall, the event was a success, bringing in about $5,500. Those funds will go back to the Chicago fashion industry through CFF’s many runway shows, scholarships and networking events that have generously supported the community for years. We look forward to seeing what next year’s finalist bring to CFF’s runway, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s finalists do in the future.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of the Chicago Fashion Foundation
Tags: Akira, Anna Gaukel, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago magazine, Columbia College, Erikka Wang, Eunyoung Joo, Harper College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology, Michael Schellenbach, Project Runway, Randy Rusnadi, Stacey Jones, Steven Rosengard
Posted in Features | No Comments »
A Fun, Sparkly Skirt Adds Oomph to Black
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Lisa at Battle of the Boutiques
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Tags: Battle of the Boutiques, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion
Posted in StyleHunter | No Comments »
Weekend Fashion Events and Sales in Chicago
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Events
N PRPA Preview at SHE Boutique (483 Central Avenue in Highland Park)
Friday is the final day to preview and pre-order N PRPA by Samantha Sleeper, a collection designed exclusively for SHE Boutique.
Alice in Wonderland Fashion Show (839 W Fulton Market Street)
Saturday night, Glam Live and Mario Ink present this Alice-inspired fashion show at Lumen. The event will feature body paint by Mario Ink, extreme makeup by Airbrush Academy, costumes by Kidi, and a live photo shoot by Goykphoto.
Exclusive Bridal Event at 1154 LILL Studio (904 W Armitage Avenue)
On Saturday from 10am-3pm, 1154 LILL Studio will host their Exclusive Bridal Event. Join them for mimosas while ordering your custom or ready-made bridal and bridesmaid bags.
Makeover Madness at Veruca Salt (1921 N Damen Street)
On Saturday from 1-5pm, head to Veruca Salt for a complimentary makeover with makeup artist Irena Schoen, and enjoy 30% off any cosmetic purchase and 20% off clothing items.
Sephora Grand Opening (108 N State Street)
This Saturday, Block 37 expands its impressive shopping selection, as it welcomes the beauty mecca to State Street.
Jean Paul Gaultier for Target (various Chicago locations)
On Sunday, the infamous Parisian designer’s capsule collection lands in Target stores!
SALES
Eclectica’s Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru Sunday, Eclectica is offering new samples and fond favorites from $79 to $99.
Beta Boutique Closing Sale (2016 W Concord Place)
Thru March 14th, get 40-90% off designer labels at Beta Boutique, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, BCBG, A. Cheng, Earnest, Ella Moss and more. Hurry in before the selection is gone!
Check out more March fashion events and sales here.
Image courtesy of Lumen
Tags: 1154 LILL Studio, Alice in Wonderland, Beta Boutique, Block 37, Chicacgo Shopping, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Eclectica, Glam Live, Irene Schoen, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, Kidi, Lumen, N PRPA, Samantha Sleeper, Sephora, She Boutique, Veruca Salt
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Ding! Ding! Boutiques Battle on the Runway
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Last Friday night, six local boutiques took to the runway for the second annual Battle of the Boutiques hosted by Chicago’s own PoorLittleRichGirls.com. The lifestyle website attracted some 300 guests for an evening of fashion, fun and friendly competition. Amidst the flow of hors d’oeuvres, sushi rolls and lots of cocktails (all for a minute $25 cover), the stylish spectators filled the seats at Lumen and watched on as 2 Sisters Boutique, Wolfbait & B-Girls, Dress Up, Hubba Hubba, RE.STOCK Shop, and le Dress presented five looks that were both fashion-forward and affordable. At the end of the show, a panel of judges, including Chicago Sun-Times Fashion Editor Jessica Sedgwick, ABC 7 News anchor Karen Jordan, and “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard declared the fashion champion.
As a whole, the evening reflected Chicago’s practical, accessible style mentality, as each outfit remained under the $200 mark and was totally wearable—not overly styled or overly serious. This made for a light-hearted show that was just plain fun for the attendees and the participating boutiques. “We had a great time,” says Julie LaBarge, owner of RE.STOCK. “Everybody did a great job on their outfits, and I really loved the outfits by 2 Sisters Boutique.”
From left to right: Looks by 2 Sisters Boutique, Hubba Hubba, and Wolfbait & B-Girls. Top Image from left to right: Looks by le Dress, Dress Up, and RE.STOCK Shop.
In fact, 2 Sisters Boutique won the runway competition after showing such looks as a ethereal teal frock and layered organza dress. RE.STOCK, which is Chicago’s only traveling designer boutique, pulled from its ever-changing inventory and showed pieces like a hooded sweater by local designer JLee Silver. Wolfbait & B-Girls displayed a range of hippy-chic-meets-urban-cool threads, and Hubba Hubba wavered between rocker glam and classic shapes that work for a variety of personal styles. Last year’s winner, le Dress, showed us five flirty dresses that had attendees longing for the warmer days to come. “It was fun to [compete] again,” says Eva Anderson, co-owner of le Dress. “Last year, we didn’t know what to expect, so this year we went in it to have a good time and show great clothes.”
Indeed, we did see some great clothes, but there was a more important message to be had: Chicago’s boutiques offer relevant and interesting garments that don’t have to cost a month’s rent. In fact, shopping at local boutiques is more critical now than ever, as our fashion community has drastically downsized in the past year. “This was a great event to have,” says Eva. “Especially nowadays when so many local boutiques have closed. People could come see what boutiques have to offer.” And Battle of the Boutiques showed us exactly that.
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth
Tags: 2 Sisters Boutique, Battle of the Boutiques, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Show, Dress Up, Hubba Hubba, Jessica Sedgwick, JLee Silver, Karen Jordan, Le Dress, Lumen, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, RE.STOCK Shop, Steve Rosengard, Wolfbait & B-girls
Posted in Features | No Comments »
CFF’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
This Thursday, the Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) is doing its part once again to advance our city’s budding and talented fashion designers. The 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit will be held at the Macy’s on State Street and hosted by Catie Keogh of NBC’s 24/7 Chicago. After the finalists present their wares to a panel of judges, three of the emerging designers will take home the coveted scholarship money. The evening begins at 6pm and ends at 8pm. Tickets for members are $30 online and $35 at the door, and non-member tickets cost $40 online and $45 at the door. The online pricing ends today, so be sure to snag your tickets, which go toward CFF’s future events and scholarships that nurture Chicago’s fashion community.
Get tickets HERE.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: CFF, CFF 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Runway Show
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
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
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Weekend Fashion Events and Sales
Friday, February 26th, 2010
EVENTS
Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen (839 W Fulton Market)
Tonight at 7:30pm, PoorLittleRichGirls.com is hosting the 2nd Annual Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen.
The Vintage Bazaar at Dank Haus (4740 N Western Avenue)
On Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, more than 40 vendors will be at The Vintage Bazaar selling their vintage clothing and accessories at Dank Haus in Lincoln Square. Admission is free.
SALES
Mulberry & Me End-of-Season Sale (2019 W Division Street)
Thru the end of February, stop by Mulberry & Me for 50-70% off fall/winter clothing and accessories.
Eclectica’s Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru March 7, Eclecticais pricing their new samples and bestsellers from $79 to $99.
RE.STOCK Redux (1022 W Armitage Avenue)
RE.STOCK is extending their stay in Lincoln Park for a special 2-day sale this Saturday and Sunday. Designer clothing for men and women will be up to 80% off retail.
Image courtesy of Eclectica
Tags: Battle of the Boutiques, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Sales, Dank Haus, Eclectica, Lumen, Mulberry & Me, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, RE.STOCK, The Vintage Bazaar
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Battle of the Boutiques
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Looking for something new to do next Friday night? Chicago lifestyle website PoorLittleRichGirls.com is hosting its second annual Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen, where local stores will compete for the title of “most stylish” boutique. This year’s contenders include Wolfbait & B-Girls, 2Sisters, Hubba Hubba, Dress Up Boutique, and RE.STOCK, who will compete against the 2009 defending champ, le Dress. Each boutique will present five looks that will be judged by former “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard, Chicago Sun-Times Fashion Editor Jessica Sedgwick, ABC 7 News anchor Karen Jordan, and the audience. B-96’s Showbiz Shelly will be the evening’s emcee.
Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show ends around 10:30pm. General admission tickets are $25 and include two hours of complimentary cocktails courtesy of Ultimat Vodka & PAMA Liqueur, appetizers by Hub51, swag bags, and giveaways. VIP tickets are $35 and provide access to the VIP lounges (a guaranteed seat for the show), deluxe swag bags, and champagne. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop Studio-808, which will feature accessories by local designers.
For tickets, click HERE.
Tags: 2Sisters, ABD 7 News, B-96, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway, Chicago Sun-Times, Dress Up Boutique, Hub 51, Hubba Hubba, Jessica Sedgwick, Karen Jordan, Le Dress, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, Project Runway, RE.STOCK, Showbix Shelly, Steven Rosengard, Studio 808, Wolfbait & B-girls
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Preview
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
New York Fashion Week kicked off last Thursday, and here in Chicago, we got a show of our own. That same evening, local designer Christina Fan debuted her fall 2010 collection to a crowd of Gen Art members, fashion insiders, and media at the Dubhe Carreño Gallery.
The artsy West Loop setting created a stark canvas on which C/FAN’s designs were presented in an edgy-meets-sultry fashion installation. Christina’s guests crammed themselves in the narrow gallery, where wine flowed, hors d’oeuvres were devoured, and a local DJ created a hip audio backdrop. Toward the rear of the gallery, a light installation of white umbrellas illuminated the presentation area and sculptures by Anne Drew Potter acted as a backdrop. Models soon appeared in sets of three, and one-by-one they walked the teeny, tiny “runway.” What was originally meant to be a typical installation turned into a pose-hold-walk routine that offered views to only those standing in the front couple rows.
If you were as lucky as I to see Christina’s designs, you were treated to a show of luxe fabrics and an earthy palette ideal for fall. The overall theme seemed to be sharp, daring cuts, including exposed midriffs, plunging necklines, asymmetrical hems, and batwing sleeves. Texture was also a key element as satiny silks, coarse goat and lamb furs, and liquidy velvets made their in and out of the installation. As Christina is known to do, the fall 2010 collection is loaded with wearable pieces that keep Chicago’s fashion sensibilities in mind, while also appealing to fearless trendsetters. “My inspiration is a woman who is carefree while still being sensual and soft,” says Christina. “She’s someone who isn’t afraid to experiment.”
This was my second encounter with C/FAN – the first was at Gen Art’s Fresh Faces last October. The fall collection maintains the same aesthetic I enjoyed then, but Christina brought the design and craftsmanship up a notch and presented some quality designs I look forward to seeing on the backs of stylish Chicagoans.
Christina Fan (center) with her models
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Tim Musho of Fig Media
Tags: Anne Drew Potter, C/FAN, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Runway, Christina Fan, Dubhe Carreno Gallery, Fall 2010, Gen Art
Posted in Features | No Comments »
Maria Pinto Closes Her Doors
Monday, February 15th, 2010
Maria Pinto’s Spring 2010 collection
This economy has claimed the careers of too many Chicago fashion designers and boutiques, and now Maria Pinto has announced she is among them. Since 2008, the designer seemed to be rising to the top on the hem of her custom creations for Michelle Obama, but the crippling slip in the luxury market proved too difficult to overcome. Having also designed garments for Oprah and the uniforms for the 2016 Chicago Olympic bid, Maria made quite a name for herself in Chicago and elsewhere, but on Saturday, she told the Sun-Times she has terminated the Maria Pinto label and is closing her West Loop boutique.
In a statement to the Sun-Times, Maria said: ‘‘After 20 years of pursuing my greatest passion and striving to build a successful high-end fashion business, the time has come for a new chapter in my life. I am confident that the ‘Maria Pinto’ name will not go away, but will merely take a break, before emerging in a new form. I plan on using the next several months to explore different avenues and opportunities for business, as economic conditions improve.”
We look forward to seeing what that new form will be, and we hope we see it soon.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Maria Pinto
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Sun-Times, Maria Pinto, Maria Pinto Closes, Michelle Obama, Oprah
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »