Posts Tagged ‘Evil Kitty’

Great Ways To Spend The Snowy Weekend

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

Pretty in Pilsen (2150 S Canalport Avenue, between Halsted and Cermak)
Pretty in Pilsen is back just in time for the holiday shopping season! Stop by Friday from 5pm to 9pm for amazing deals at a fun-filled night. Customers can also receive special discounts and incentives for donating items.

Vintage Heaven Christmas Sale at Heaven Gallery (1550 N Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd floor)
The Vintage Heaven Christmas Sale will take place at Heaven Gallery on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. Stop by for wonderful and unique holiday gift ideas.

Cerato Boutique Designer Series (3451 N Southport Avenue)
Stop by Cerato Boutique on Saturday from 10am to 6pm and join designer Christina Fan of C/FAN for Cerato’s 12 Days of Shopping Designer Series. Buy 2 basics; get the 3rd 50% off. Be the first to view, pre-order and receive 15% off C/FAN’s spring collection.

Evil Kitty Trunk Show at Local Lookbook (1211 W Webster Avenue)
Stop by the Evil Kitty Trunk Show on Saturday between 10am and 5pm for an array of items from Evil Kitty’s recent collection. Many of these items are perfect for holiday gifts, such as apparel, accessories, jewelry, and other fun & unique items.

Lara Miller Trunk Show at Macy’s on State Street (111 N State Street)
On Sunday, stop by the Lara Miller Trunk Show from 11am to 4pm to spruce up your wardrobe with new jewelry and accessories from Lara Miller. This will be Lara’s last trunk show at Macy’s in 2010.

Fashioning Desire at City Gallery (Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Avenue)
Now through the end of January 2011, stop by Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers. Chicago’s lively and diverse fashion photography scene will be on display, featuring the work of nine local photographers.

Tags: Cerato Boutique, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Evil Kitty, Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers, Lara Miller, Local Lookbook, Macy's on State Street, Pretty in Pilsen, Vintage Heaven
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CFI Presents at Fashion Focus

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

From left: designs by C/FAN, Audey and Miriam Cecilia

Fashion Focus Chicago kicked off Tuesday night in Millennium Park with its first 2010 runway show. The evening belonged to the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s talented resident designers, who, as usual, didn’t disappoint. Before the show, a line of the city’s fashion advocates—stretching to the corner of Randolph and Michigan—waited anxiously to get a look at CFI’s latest creations. Inside we found a tent bursting at the seams with fashion insiders and fashion lovers, all thrilled to be a part of the electric festivities. After taking our seats, the show soon began with a warm welcome from designer and Executive Director of CFI Lara Miller and Andrea Schwartz, the VP of Media Relations from Macy’s, the show’s host. Then, the lights dimmed and DJ Sye provided the energetic musical accompaniment to the designs of 13 residents from this year and previous years.

From left: designs by Kristin Hassan and Evil Kitty

Kristin Hassan was the first to present, once again proving her knack for very feminine womenswear. We saw lots of polka dots and girly accents like lace and tulle on elaborate dresses and gowns. From where we sat, the construction looked fantastic, creating form-fitting and interestingly detailed designs. She topped off each look with accents such as tulle flower brooches and a new pom-pom approach to the giant floral headwear we remember from last year.

Next up were Kate Boggiano’s California girls. Donning oversized sunglasses and a daisy behind one ear, models sported summery separates, dresses and jackets. The silhouettes were simple and often structural, balanced with lavish details like draped and ruffle collars. A colorful palette appeared on solids and a few prints. Overall, it was a collection for a serious woman looking to bring out her sunnier disposition.

We know and love Evil Kitty for her punk-chic aesthetic, and that’s exactly what she showed us. Using soft fabrics with hard details, she created pieces like a flowy, silk tank dress anchored with a studded leather belt. We saw a black lace cocktail dress with royal blue lining and a very chic, Audrey Hepburn-ish pale blue mini dress. Other designs included a hot pink bolero with large spikes protruding from the back.

From left: designs by Anna Hovet and Kate Boggiano

Agga B. is one of our favorite Chicago designers. Her designs are chic, artistic and relevant, making them highly desirable to stylish urban-estas who are no strangers to high fashion. This collection fused the sophisticate and the femme fatale with pieces such as a tulip skirt with a fan of protruding wings around the backside. Agga’s color of choice is black, though hints of pale pink lighted the tone a bit. To cap off the collection, we saw a to-die-for sleeveless fur coat and a magnificent black LBD with gold beaded sleeves and fur trim on the shoulders.

Anna Hovet stuck with the basics for her latest collection. However, she put a casual 80s spin on the designs. Always pretty and girly, we saw a pastel blue skort with an asymmetrical skirt, barely there hemlines and loose-fitting cotton tanks. There were flowy trapeze dresses and a form-fitting black jumper with open slits on the back. Overall, we saw references to decades past that are definitely still au courant.

Woven design elements was the universal theme for Nora del Bursto. Mostly solids, there were a few odd prints thrown in for variety’s sake–many of which didn’t feel particularly reverent to current times. However, we did love the clean lines and attention to detail. A simple white sleeveless cocktail dress stood out with a single geometric, crisscross shoulder. The same was true of a black haulter dress with a crisscross neckline. Another black number had woven detail that ran down the torso, seemingly requiring a surgeon’s steady hand and patience to produce.

From left: designs by Agga B. and Nora del Busto

For a few minutes, Audey took us frolicking through Millennium Park. First, we saw an empire dress with a green floral print and sunshine yellow tulle underlay. Later, the same print appeared on a floor-length maxi that was positively delightful. Her lightheartedness continued onto other tops and dresses that displayed animal and bird prints.

Though we often take notice of C/FAN’s work, she pleasantly surprised us with this particular presentation. She’s known for her luxe basics in solid hues, but she’s obviously expanding beyond that. Pieces we expected were cropped silk tops with plunging necklines and tapered trousers with lovely draping at the hips. The unexpected came from sheer silk dresses—both body con and billowy—displaying a sunset and lone tree print.

Killian Gui made it clear he loves his men’s dress shirts. One after the other, button-ups paraded down the runway, presenting white ones, white ones with black sleeves, plaid ones, two-toned ones and others. So, I’m sad to say, nothing we haven’t seen before…many times. We could see Killian has serious construction talent, but we’d love to see a tad more variety.

From left: designs by Nonnie and Killian Gui

Next was Alidade, who left us with thoughts of summer in Nantucket. From khaki skirts to sky blue shorts to gray cardigans, the designs were simple and preppy. The fit looked fantastic, but we couldn’t help but wish for a little more detail than trim on some sleeves and oversized pockets. There were a few designs that had us craving a little more oomph, but others were right on mark.

From Nantucket prep to 30s pin-up, Dottie’s Delights immediately cranked up the heat. Her vintage-inspired lingerie was both sexy and glamorous, with waist clinchers and garters, thigh-high hose and haulter bras. There was flair that included French lace, velvet and hot pink sequins. These are definitely underthings that are meant to be seen.

From left: designs by Dottie’s Delights and Alidade

After Dottie’s lingerie glued men’s eyes glued to the runway, CFI gave them one final menswear presentation: Nonnie. Appealing to manly men and metros alike, this collection gave us basics and vision that fused the past and present. He nodded to the 50s army cadet with browns and taupes and the latest trends with details like skinny ties. All in all, the dress shirts, button-up vests and slim pants provided something for every urban male.

Last but not least, we saw the ethereal sophistication and glamour of Miriam Cecilia. Soft, flowy garments balanced body con, structural designs, producing dresses, gowns and tops we loved. For embellishment, she added metallic leaves on the bodice, neckline and skirt of multiple frocks, as well as pouf shoulders and ruching on several cocktail dresses and gowns. The detail was impressive and so was her ability to make the ladies swoon.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Deal Paul

Tags: Agga B., Alidade, Anna Hovet, Audey, C/FAN, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Fashion Shows, Chicago Runway Shows, Dottie's Delights, Evil Kitty, Fashion Focus Chicago, Kate Boggiano, Killian Gui, Kristin Hassan, Macy's, Miriam Cecilia, Nonnie, Nora del Busto
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New Boutique: Local Lookbook

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Aviation is an unexpected platform from which to launch a career in fashion. Halli Mulei, however, did just that. Now the owner of Local Lookbook (1211 W Wester Avenue), a new boutique in Lincoln Park, Halli is a 14-year veteran pilot with a clear understanding of style. With this new endeavor, she offers a selection of clothing and accessories that puts Chicago designers at the forefront. With local labels such as Evil Kitty, Zamrie, Marisa Swystun, jlee silver, TZEN and Objets D’Envy, the boutique sells some of the most popular fashion brands owned and operated right here at home. Other labels include Crystal Wells, caro and Elizabeth Smith, which creates a well-rounded inventory in a charming, Parisian-inspired shop.

It’s a lovely thing when local fashion fosters local fashion.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Local Lookbook

Tags: caro, Chicago Boutiques, Crystal Wells, Elizabeth Smith, Evil Kitty, Halli Mulei, JLee Silver, Local Lookbook Boutique, Marisa Swystun, Objets D’Envy, TZEN, ZAMRIE
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Chicago Fashion Entertainment This Weekend

Friday, April 9th, 2010

A glimpse at Winter Kate’s spring/summer ’10 collection

312 Fashion Runway Series at Loft on Lake (1366 W Lake Street)
On Friday beginning at 7pm, the Lara Miller Collection will be the first independent designer show of the 312 Fashion Runway Series. On Saturday, Horacio Nieto presents his Fall/Winter 2010 womenswear and Arlo menswear collections to close out the 312 Fashion Runway Series. Tickets are still available, so get yours now!

Yana Collection Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Friday from 12-6pm, CFI alum Yana German launches and displays her Fall 2010 collection.

Allison Schiller Trunk Show at Krista K Boutique (3458 N Southport Avenue)
On Friday from 10am-7pm and Saturday from 10am-6pm, shop the entire collection and meet local designer Allison Schiller. Enjoy 20% off any two or more Allison Schiller jewelry pieces.

Nicole Richie Personal Appearance at Nordstrom (55 E Grand Avenue)
On Saturday from 1-3pm, meet Nicole Richie as she presents the her just-launched collection, Winter Kate. Bohemian chic at its best.

Evil Kitty Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday from 11am-4pm, Evil Kitty hosts their Spring 2010 Collection. Enjoy complimentary sips and nibbles and a mini makeover by Sugar and Spice. RSVP to lidia@evilkitty.net.

2010 Creative Chicago Expo at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington Street)
All day Saturday, artists in all disciplines, including fashion, are invited to an annual gathering of resources, services & expertise specifically for people in the arts. Discover more than 120 vendors and services, 25 workshops and discussions.

Spring Blossoms at Alice Berry Studio (1820 W Cortland Street)
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, some of your favorite Chicago designers will display their spring collections and have a sample sale.

Images courtesy of Winter Kate

Tags: 2010 Creative Chicago Expo, 312 Fashion Runway Series, Alice Berry Studio, Allison Schiller, CFI, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Designer, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Shopping, Evil Kitty, Horacio Nieto, Lara Miller, Michigan Avenue, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Nicole Richie, Nicole Richie Winter Kate, The 900 Shops, Winter Kate, Yana Collection, Yana German
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Tomorrow: Chicago Fashion Incubator Launch Event

Monday, March 15th, 2010

As you know, we’re devoted to our fair city’s fashion community—to its growth, its talent and its profitability. That said, we adore those who share this mission, and the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) is one of those institutions. Every year, CFI chooses six local designers, or “Designers in Residence,” who learn the economics, marketing and merchandising of fashion from industry experts. During a reception and fundraiser tomorrow evening at the 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue, CFI will formally announce the 2010 crew, which includes Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Stephanie Kuhr. Then, from Thursday, March 18 to Saturday, April 18, the 900 Shops will host a pop-up store devoted to CFI’s three-years of designer education. The 2010 designers, as well as CFI alum, will be participating and offering their goods to shoppers though a series of events and trunk shows. Here’s the month’s schedule:

MARCH

Tuesday, the 16th, 6 to 8pm: “Launch” Event Reception and Fundraiser. Tickets are $25.
Thursday, the 18th, 6 to 10pm: Furio Fall/Winter 2010 Collection Launch
Saturday, the 20th, 12 to 6pm: Cynthia Ryba Trunk Show
Saturday, the 20th, 12 to 8pm: 2010 New Designer Trunk Show
Sunday, the 21st, 12 to 2 pm: Afternoon Tea and Dresses Showcasing Jess Audey’s Fall 2010 Collection
Friday, the 26th, 8 to 11pm: Anna Hovet Fall 2010 Fashion Show
Saturday, the 27th, 10am to 7pm: Zamrie Spring 2010 Trunk Show
Every Friday: get fitted for a custom Kate Boggiano shirt

APRIL

Saturday, the 3rd, 12 to 6pm: Nora del Busto Trunk Show and Champagne Reception
Thursday, the 8th, 7 to 10pm: Kristin Hassan Summer 2010 Show and Event
Friday, the 9th, 12 to 6pm: Yana Collection Fall 2010 Trunk Show
Saturday, the 10th, 11am to 4pm: Evil Kitty Trunk Show
Thursday, the 15th, 12 to 8:30pm: Agga B Trunk Show
Saturday, the 17th, 10am to 7pm: Anna Hovet Trunk Show
Every Friday: get fitted for a custom Kate Boggiano shirt

*Store hours: The retail store will be open 10am to 7pm Thursday through Saturday and 12 to 6pm on Sundays.

By Meghan Turner

Tags: 900 Shops, Agga B., Anna Hovet, CFI, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Christina Fan, Cynthia Ryba, Donaldo Smith, Evil Kitty, Jess Audey, Jonnie Rettele, Kate Boggiano, Kristin Hassan, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Nora del Busto, Stephanie Kuhr, Yana Collection
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The Creative Lounge Chicago: Nurturing Chicago Fashion and the Arts

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Some say that in life, nothing’s free. However, four Chicago fashion designers are proof that some things do come with a zero dollar price tag. In 2008, Toyota chose up-and-coming designers Anna Fong, Evil Kitty, SERPICO, and Agga B. to help launch the first and only US-based Creative Lounge. One of only three Toyota-funded design studios around the world, the lounge is a rare opportunity that reaches beyond the realm of fashion design. Though these women are the only designers with free reign of the studio, the lounge’s mission is to support and cultivate the local arts as a whole, while also promoting a collaboration between an unexpected pair: Toyota engineers and Chicago creatives.

This collaboration first took shape when the designers were flown to Japan to create garments inspired by Toyota design. When they got home, an enviable 4,000-square-foot piece of Wicker Park real estate was waiting for them. As if the free rent in a vintage building with two floors of work and storage space wasn’t enough, the car company threw in new sewing equipment, furniture and décor. Despite the sketching, crafting, and brand building going on in the studio, the adjacent reception and presentation area caters to a much larger audience with its ability to transform into a party room, sales floor, gallery, stage, screening room, conference room, and photo studio (for us!). For a deeper look at the unique possibilities that lie within the Creative Lounge Chicago, here’s a glimpse at each designer and her thoughts on this extraordinary opportunity.

Anna Fong with her designs. Top: The designers in the Creative Lounge Chicago

Anna Fong

Anna Fong, who was born and raised in Wicker Park and graduated from Columbia College, launched her line nearly three years ago. After working at Ralph Lauren in New York City, she moved back home to Chicago, where the fashion industry was finally taking shape. Since then, the Anna Fong label has grown with the industry to become an award-winning, celebrity-followed clothing line. The classically chic designs combine edgy details, dramatic cuts, and feminine silhouettes that cater to the everyday woman with a penchant for elegance and style.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Anna says:

“This is a great opportunity to give so many talented artists exposure. The lounge
is a place where we can share ideas and learn from each other.”

Lidia Wachowska of Evil Kitty with her designs

Evil Kitty

With no intention of becoming a fashion designer, Lidia Wachowska moved from Poland to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While studying to be a painter, she soon found an interest in graphic design, which ultimately changed her career path. Thus begins the story of the Evil Kitty. In 2005, she launched the line that’s anything but conventional. Through her designs, Lidia bridges the gap between two very different worlds: a funky and playful aesthetic—reminiscent of Japanese street style and punk rock—and a much softer aesthetic that nods to the ‘40s,‘50s, and film noir.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Lidia says:

“Being in this environment is amazing and really boosts your creativity.
We can do lots of things here, so the sky is the limit.”

Melissa Serpico Kamhout of SERPICO with her designs

SERPICO

Melissa Serpico Kamhout’s label, SERPICO, has grown into a successful line revered for its impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality materials. After studying fashion design and receiving degrees from both Loyola University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Melissa’s career started in a studio on Halsted. She has since expanded into a studio-boutique space where she designs and sells her collections. Though she doesn’t use the Creative Lounge as her main studio, Melissa’s contribution to the space is no less relevant.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Melissa says:

“It’s a great example of Toyota’s generosity, and [the four of us] have learned from each
other in unexpected ways–both in business and creatively. There’s a strength in numbers.”

Agga B. Raya with her designs

Agga B.

For Polish designer and stylist Agga B. Raya, fashion runs in the family. The daughter of designers, Agga was 16 when she orchestrated her first fashion show. She later moved to Chicago to work as a stylist, and now her clients include Oprah and Elite Model Management. After two years in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she started her line, Agga B. The label is rooted in classic silhouettes, accented with a modern flair. Very elegant and very wearable. For the past three years, she’s been here in Chicago, emerging as a prominent figure in the Chicago fashion industry.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Agga says:

“We have the best intentions to reach out and make it work. We want to invite as many
people and as many talents as possible to the lounge so they can showcase their work.”

For information about the Creative Lounge Chicago and its events, email connect@chicagocreativelounge.org.

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth

Tags: Agga B Raya, Agga B., Anna Fong, Columbia College, Creative Lounge Chicago, Elite Model Management, Evil Kitty, Lidia Wachowska, Melissa Serpico Kamhout, Oprah, Ralph Lauren, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, SERPICO, Toyota
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