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Going Green Fashionably

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Orange dress by Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage; black dress by Mountains of the Moon;
pink dress with floral print by Vaute Couture; and ivory coat by Vaute Couture.

Walking into Vert Couture’s runway show last Sunday, I realized I don’t have a single ethically produced item in my wardrobe. Aside from the fact that eco-fashion is a fairly new (and quickly growing) art, I think my closet is green-free because sustainable clothing and accessories have a reputation of being hippy-like designs made with coarse fabric and scrap metal.

The designers at Vert Couture didn’t live up to that reputation. Much of what strolled down the runway was surprisingly soft, form fitting and expertly tailored. In fact, most of the items didn’t look environmentally friendly at all—and I say that in a good way. The garment designers of the evening included Frei Designs, Vaute Couture, Mountains of the Moon, students from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage, and Nudie Jeans. The show was accessorized by the equally eco-responsible Mohop Shoes, Kailia Footwear, Fanta Celah, and McGowan and McClain.

Some of my favorite designs included a cobalt bomber by Vaute Couture, which also presented a number of jackets, coats and dresses that I could easily see myself wearing. The black origami-style dress (above) by Mountains of the Moon was a delight. It’s movement was marvelous, and it’s bodice fit like a glove. Bryant’s vintage pumpkin orange dress (above) was the perfect fall piece, especially when paired with a leather bomber and leopard print tote. A faux leopard print, of course.

From the organic martinis and hors d’oeuvres to the intimate setting in the Chicago Cultural Center, the evening seemed to be a real success. We look forward to what Chicago’s eco-friendly designers bring to the runway next year.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Komifoto

Tags: Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Events, Fanta Celah, Fashion Focus, Frei Designs, Kailia Footwear, McGowan and McClain, Mohop Shoes, Mountains of the Moon, Nudie Jeans, Runway Show, Vaute Couture, Vert Couture
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Fashion With Focus

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Dresses by Imaginary People

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

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
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

Tags: C/FAN, Chicago Fashion, Dorsia, Events, Fashion Focus, Gen Art Fresh Faces, Imaginary People, JLee Silver, Kristin Hassan, Red Doll by Tatyana
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Vintage Shoppers Rejoice

Monday, October 26th, 2009

October is proving to be a big month for vintage shoppers, and this weekend the Chicago Vintage Show and Sale is giving them another reason to shop their hearts out. The weekend starts off Friday night with a Preview event, where shoppers can get first pick of the 15,000 items brought in from the best vintage vendors around the country. On Saturday and Sunday, the doors will open so all thrift-sters can treasure hunt and check out the “Road Vogue – Vintage Motorcycle Jackets.”

Booth after booth will fill the 9,000 square feet in the Plumbers Hall Complex (Steven M. Bailey Auditorium). Vendors will cover their tables with jewelry, broaches, bags, hats and shoes while garment racks will be adorned with furs, coats and clothing, each with their own history of being passed down through the generations. With some much shopping to be had, be sure to set aside some quality vintage time.

Preview:
Friday, October 30, 6-9pm
$25 in advance, $35 at the door

Main Show:
Saturday, October 31, 10am-6pm
Sunday, November 1, 11am-5pm
$10 in advance, $15 at the door

Location:
Plumbers Hall
1340 W Washington Blvd (between Randolph St. & Washington Blvd)

Purchase Tickets Here

Photography by Chelcie S. Porter

Tags: Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Vintage Show and Sale, Events
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