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

There’s no doubt the economic crisis downsized the festivities at Fashion Focus Chicago, but the designers of Gen Art’s Fresh Faces runway show braved the downturn masterfully. As if acknowledging shoppers’ shallow pockets, the emerging designers’ wearable, versatile pieces were the driving force behind each collection.

C/FAN

C/FAN’s über comfy basics made their way down the runway to start the show, and start it off right. The collection’s superb craftsmanship was evident in the lightweight, fluid movement of the silky tanks, tees and dresses—all must-haves for spring/summer. The short shorts, leggings and cropped pant kept with the collection’s simplistic yet chic aesthetic. Not a print in sight, the solid grays, blacks and gorgeous pale pinks will work seamlessly with any wardrobe.

KRISTIN HASSAN

The Kristin Hassan collection paid homage to the eccentric ‘80s trend. Neon pinks and radiant metallics, mixed with the some natural hues, flooded the runway, dazzling viewers with their eye-popping colors and expert quality. Massive flower headwear was a playful addition to the already loads-of-fun spring collection that included vintage-inspired blazers, tie-waist skirts, tuxedo-front tops and dresses, and sparkling gold leggings, to name a few. Clearly, Kristin has an affection for Marc Jacobs, and we love that about her.

DORSIA

Made definitively for the urban male, Dorsia gave Chicago’s men something to look forward to this spring. Though the collection included items we’ve seen many times before, the leather jackets and tailored blazers and vests—boasting fantastic lines—were layered atop plaid button-down shirts in a variety of blues, purples and greens. Jeans completed most of the looks, but, thankfully, a few pairs of shorts with interesting plaid cuffs gave us an unexpected detail. Dorsia’s mix of edgy sophistication and preppy hipster was somewhat an odd styling combo, but the collection did seem to have something for every city guy.

JLEE SILVER

If the ladies couldn’t see themselves in one of C/FAN’s or Kristin Hassan’s creations, JLee Silver’s spring line has them covered. The slightly more conservative collection included an earthy palette and ladylike pieces that will transition from work to play with ease. Lovely tie-dyed dresses (topped with a floppy hat) offset solid mauve, tan, brown and black dresses and halters in a variety of materials, from rustic linen to touchable satin. The slinky black maxi, with its clinched waist and bodice drapery, exuded understated sex appeal and will take you from spring to fall effortlessly.

IMAGINARY PEOPLE

Imaginary People is known for their fashion-forward attitude, and spring ’10 is no exception. Not for the fashionably shy, the collection’s dramatic cuts, plunging necklines, and asymmetrical hems are made to stand out. Crowd favorites were the two black and white leggings with bold, graphic prints, but the billowy tops, backless vests, harem pant, and micro-mini dresses were just as attention grabbing. Though the collection predominately featured a palette of B&W, Imaginary People knows how to work color. A bright, hibiscus-print dress and matching leggings as well as two electrically hued halter dresses had us dreaming of jet-setting to the tropics.

RED DOLL BY TATYANA

Red Doll by Tatyana made for a glamorous ending to the show. The collection started with a nod to 80’s prom: an exquisite dress with a flower print bodice in silver lamé and a voluminous cream tulle skirt. As the collection of dresses progressed, so did the maturity level, but the intricate attention to fit and detail never faltered. From a sweet, white trapeze frock to tiny LBDs, the designs showed Tatyana’s understanding of girls and women with very different styles. Some dresses were over-the-top, elaborate creations, such as the aqua dress of scrunched fabric, but the red gown with shoulder detail was positively breathtaking in its simplicity. Though it reminded us of Bottega Veneta’s Fall/Winter ’09 white gown with knotted shoulder straps, Red Doll’s was a youthful, sexy version that stayed on our minds even after we left the show.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Billy Rood Photography