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Exclusive Interview with Alexis Bittar

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

If you’re an accessory aficionado, Alexis Bittar is on your radar. Each of his designs is a statement piece of individual splendor, and last week, we had the extraordinary honor of chatting with him at an exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue event. We walked in and amongst the runway seats and audience stood two tables–and later models–adorned with lavish bounty: Alexis Bittar’s Spring 2011 collections. We saw ocean-inspired necklaces, colorful leopard prints and bejeweled masterpieces, all designed to wow.

There were three collections for spring, each with their own personality: “Lucite,” “Elements” and “Miss Havisham.” The three all had their own texture, material preference and vibrancy that appeal to three style aesthetics. However, they all hold one thing in common: personality. These pieces are not for the feeble-minded. They’re for the fashionably brave who wish to use the industry for what it’s intended to do: impress and stand out.

Here’s what the jewelry master had to say:

SA: How is the Spring 2011 collection different from your others?

AB: Well, I designed three collections, so its is a medley. Each one of them has a distinct personality. I think in general there’s this kind of [motivation] to try new textures and metals, and overall, there was a fantasy.

SA: Do you have a favorite piece or set within the collections?

AB: Sophie’s choice! There’s a bunch in there. I love the pearl collar necklace. I love the woven turquoise collar, which is all hand-done. There’s a ‘80s graffiti print that’s also really amazing.

SA: Do you have a muse?

AB: It’s tricky because again I have three collections, so each one has a muse. I try to mix it up in terms of personality. I’m good friends with Iris Apfel. She’s more mature…almost 90, and they did a whole exhibit about her at the MET. She’s got such a great personality, and she’s a fashion icon. She has great individual taste. Also…Debbie Harry. I like people who have personality, who aren’t wallflowers. I feel like if you’re going to do fashion, then at least have fun.

SA: Why did you choose Lauren Hutton for the spring ad campaign?

AB: It’s funny because when I first started to design, I was selling jewelry on the streets of New York. I remember Lauren actually coming to my table when I was 19 years old. I feel like today Lauren resembles a mother of where fashion is going this season in terms of what Chloe and Celine are doing: This very clean, very ‘70s aesthetic. When you find a face that’s iconic and of substance, sometimes that comes with age. To have an iconic face, you have to be around for a while. There’s something in the maturity of her face. She’s a strong woman. She’s my date to the MET Ball!

SA: How do you feel like your designs have evolved since setting up a table on the streets of New York? Do you feel your work still holds the same personality it did then?

AB: Definitely! I’m fortunate I’ve got a team of 12 people on the design team, and 300 total. So, I’m able to design more and more frequently. I have the privilege that I can design what I’m inspired by. For example, for fall, I’m designing this pendent that says, “Reality TV Makes Me Sad.” It’s been 20 years, but I’m much more detail oriented now. I understand the consumer better. I feel like with the older I get, the better I understand what women want.

SA: Do you have any jewelry trends you are particularly excited about for spring?

AB: I like the clean metal pieces. Also, the trend toward this multi-ethnic, eclectic feeling. I feel like mixing that up is a strong look.

SA: Can you give us fall sneak peak?

AB: For fall, I worked again with Jason Wu to design his collection. We went into this baroque, Gothic, Tim Burton look, while still being very chic. We just showed it in Paris!

SA: You were really big into the New York party scene. What of that do you see in your work today?

AB: A lot. I was going to clubs when I was 13. I feel like the whole energy of it is to have fun, and a little bit of shock. You want to keep people on their feet. Fashion shouldn’t be boring.

We couldn’t agree more.

By Meghan Turner
Interview conducted by Meghan Turner and Maia McGinley

Images: Gold ring ($325); Turquoise and varasite collar ($495); Leopard bracelet ($375) courtesy of Alexis Bittar

Tags: Accessories, Alexis Bittar, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Show, Jewelry, Saks Fifth Avenue
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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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The Fashion District: Vintage

Monday, June 28th, 2010

The satisfaction of hunting down one-of-a-kind vintage finds is uniquely satisfying in this world of mass marketed consumerism. Vintage garments and accessories elevate a look to a whole new level with their individuality and character. This is why we take particular interest in vintage-inspired events. On Wednesday from 7-11:00pm, District Bar will present the 4th installment of The Fashion District. Retro Rewind, as this particular night is titled, showcases the vintage fashion Chicago has to offer, including Deliciously Vintage, Little Black Dress Vintage, Fashion Fusion, and Funky Bro Vintage. Whether you like the subtly sexy fashions from the 50’s or the daringly bold fads from the 60’s, The Fashion District promises something for every modern girl wanting to dip into the past.

In addition to a runway show at 8pm, the night also features half price bottles of wine and salads.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Deliciously Vintage

Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Show, Deliciously Vintage, District Bar, Fashion Fusion, Funky Bro Vintage, Little Black Dress Vintage, The Fashion District, Vintage
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War of the Stylists

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

We’ve seen lots of runway competitions in the past months, and this Thursday brings a show of slightly different sorts: STYLE WARS. The annual stylist competition is hosted by VYNE, an organization that strives to fuse the luxury and sustainability industries. Appropriately, the event coincides with Earth Day at the Hotel Sax (333 N Dearborn Street) at 7pm. There, eight local stylists will use their individual aptitude to concoct several looks with garments by local designers. One stylist will be named the winner by a panel of industry insiders and will win a contract with the Timothy Priano Agency. The runway show is expected to gather a stylish audience of 500 men and women dedicated to the longevity and sustainability of Chicago’s avant-garde fashion scene. Ticket sales, which range from $35 to $60, will be donated to the Chicago Fashion Foundation. Get your ticket here.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of VYNE

Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago Runway Show, Hotel Sax, STYLE WARS, Timothy Priano Agency, VYNE
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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.”

PoorLittleRichGirls
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
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