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

Fashion and art will converge this Thursday evening at C/FAN’s Fall 2010 Fashion Preview. The Chicago designer and Gen Art Fresh Faces alum Christina Fan, known for her luxurious and fashion-forward take on everyday basics, will debut her collection at the Dubhe Carreno Gallery (118 N Peoria Street) in the form of a fashion installation. While models present C/FAN designs—featuring an array of gray tones on silks, wools and velvets—sculptures by renowned artist Anne Drew Potter will be on display, creating a night of artistic expression. The evening begins at 7pm, and the fashion installation starts at 8pm. Tickets include complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Get tickets here.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of C/FAN