Posts Tagged ‘Illinois Institute of Art’
Chicago Blogger Profile: Ryan Beshel of The Bowtie Memoirs
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Sometimes there’s too many fashion events to attend them all. Fatigue can hit in a big way, and then comfy PJ’s trump the glamorous stilettos, champagne and mingling. That’s why we’re lucky local blogs like Ryan Beshel’s The Bowtie Memoirs exist. The avid event attendee makes an appearance (bowie in tow!) at local soirees and later blogs about his experience for those of us otherwise engaged. From fashion shows to store openings to product launches, Ryan’s, 27, name is a regular on party guest lists and one of the friendliest faces there—not to mention one of the best dressed. If you haven’t been already, I’m pleased to introduce you to Ryan and his fabulous blog, so that when your PJ’s call your name, you won’t miss the show. Welcome to The Bowtie Memoirs!
Besides bowties and blogging, what else interests you?
People interest me. Be it people watching or just meeting new people every day, I find that you can learn so much about yourself from others. I’m also interested in sharing experiences with others. Mentoring the individuals who are finding their way in this industry gives me great joy. After all, I was in that same place not too long ago.
Are you from Chicago?
I’m from Gurnee, about 45 minutes north of Chicago. So, I have always had ties to the city. I went to Warren Township High School, and then I went to Columbia College of Chicago for about a year to study film and video. I ended up switching my major and finally earned a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management at the fantastic Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.
How did you get into blogging?
It initially started as a recommendation by a few friends. I started attending many events and was finding that many people remembered me from event to event—thank you, bowtie! Eventually, I decided to start the blog so my family, especially my Mom, could see what I was doing here in the city. I also wanted to keep a sort of online journal that documented my life just before graduation and then after. In addition, I wanted to show what I saw of this city’s industry through my point of view.
What is your individual approach?
Well, I think relationships are so important in the industry, so I always like to touch upon who was at the events I attend. I’ll admit, I’m not a “serial blogger.” Sometimes I even miss a week or so. I focus on quality when I write my posts, and I always try to do my best to really describe what the event was like. Every now and then, I throw in a post called “Obsessions of the Bowtie,” where I highlight some of my favorite retailers, designers or products. My biggest focus is trying to expose the emerging, up-and-coming designers and products.
Who are your readers?
Many of my readers are already in the industry. It’s also those individuals who have become my friends and now check to see themselves in a post. Also, there are many students who are working their way into the industry that follow my blog. Then there is my family, who reads to see what I’m up to and check out the path that I am taking in Chicago.
Why do you think blogging is such a viral phenomenon?
Because it’s so instantaneous. When I started blogging, I would go to an event and then have a post up an hour after it ended. I was covering the event and then getting the word out about it before NBC.com, Time Out Chicago, CS, etc. Our world has learned that we no longer have to wait, and we’ve become inpatient because we have everything at our fingertips. It also offers an array of opinions, not just what the local news is telling you. Blogging offers the reader a way to connect with the writer at a more personal level.
What is your professional background?
Well, I am a new graduate, but I have completed an array of experiences. I was an editorial intern at Michigan Avenue magazine and worked directly with Susanna Negovan, the editor-in-chief. I have had the chance to work with some of Chicago’s smartest and most influential women, including the Barbara Glass of InFashion With Barbara Glass. Right after college, I worked freelance with another Chicago star and successful publicist Julie Darling. She taught me the ins and outs of public relations and introduced me to so many great people. Most recently, I interned for another fabulous woman named Sarah Burrows, the Marketing Manager at The 900 Shops.
What do you plan to do in the future professionally?
I’ve recently taken a job at a model and talent agency called Agency Galatea. I work for the Beauty and Fashion Director, Marie P. Anderson. In my new position, I assist in the daily management of models, comps and portfolios, photo shoots, runway shows, and the procurement of print work for talent. I also manage the website updates, online portfolios and social media.
What are your plans for The Bowtie Memoirs?
In the future, I’d like to look to my friends to be guest bloggers and offer yet another point-of-view on “making it” in Chicago. I’d also love to highlight even more innovative designs and designers. Keeping up with blogging with my schedule these days has been a challenge! Once I settle into work, I will have more time to really focus on the future of The Bowtie Memoirs. So, stay tuned!
What are your favorite blogs?
Of course I love Barbara’s blog and Style Admirer! I am also a lover of strong fashion images, and as cliché as it may sound…Yes, I love The Sartorialist! One of my favorite blogs is written by my friends Matt Fox and Enrique Crame III, and it’s called the Fine and Dandy Shop blog. Once you go to this blog, you’ll know why I love it so much! In the true spirit of my love for Chicago, I try to stick to local blogs when I do have the chance to browse. One of my Chicago favorites is The Midwasteland. I also enjoy Second City Style, The Coveted, and Darkroom Demons for some very cool photography.
What is your favorite Chicago boutique?
I have to admit: I’m a huge thrifter. I love to pass a few hours at Unique Thrift Store, Vintage Underground, Knee Deep Vintage, and The Brown Elephant. As for Chicago boutiques, I love The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop and Bonnie and Clyde’s. I also find some great things at Zara on Michigan Avenue. They have the best fits for tall, slim men! DNA2050 in The 900 Shops has the best denim in the city!
Who are your favorite designers, both international and local?
Internationally, I love Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. They both inspired me to get into fashion in the first place. McQueen had such an eclectic eye for menswear. Galliano, to me, is the king of the runway show. I remember watching his F/W 2007 show on YouTube and literally not being able to breathe. Locally, I love and respect the Chicago designers that I have gotten to know personally, such as my friend Christina Fan of C/FAN and Miriam Cecilia Carlson of M.C.C. I also enjoy the menswear by Donaldo Smith of Killian Gui, Jonnie Rettele of Nonnie Threads, and my good friend Maureen Refvem’s stunning pieces.
Do you have a tip to other bloggers looking to create their own online identity?
I would say to always know the intention of your blog. Do you want to make money? Do you want to fill a niche? Do you want to share a personal journey? Knowing the reason you are blogging will guide you in the right direction and act as an outline for your content. I would also say to do your best to stand out. With so many blogs on the internet, it is important to have a brand or logo or blog title that makes you different from every other blog. Finally: just have fun with it, share your passion and follow your dreams even if everyone around you thinks you’re crazy. After all, we all hold the power to be great!
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Tags: Alexander McQueen, Barbara Glass, Bonnie and Clyde's, C/FAN, Chicago Bloggers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Christina Fan, Columbia College, DNA2050, Donaldo Smith, Illinois Institute of Art, John Galliano, Jonnie Rettele, Killian Gui, Knee Deep Vintage, M.C.C., Maureen Refvem, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Nonnie Threads, Ryan Beshel, Susanna Negovan, The 900 Shops, The Bowtie Memoirs, The Brown Elephant, The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, Unique Thrift Store, Vintage Underground, Zara
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CFF’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
As Chicago’s fashion community grows, it’s critical that we support and cultivate the young talent in our city. This is a mutually beneficial pursuit, as it recognizes the designers’ work and promotes our budding fashion industry as a market in which they can lend their sartorial vision. The Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) has made this their mission, and on Thursday night, the non-profit held its 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit to honor local fashion students.
Held in the Narcissus Room in the Macy’s on State Street, the event attracted quite the crowd of industry insiders and admirers, who were treated to an open bar, silent auction and runway competition. With a fresh cocktail in hand and bids on the line for designer jeans, yoga packages, and more, guests took their seats and watched as the nine finalists–chosen from 30 design entries–presented their skill and creativity. The challenge: design an ensemble inspired by one of Chicago’s 28 sister cities around the world.
Eunyoung Joo’s winning look (left) and Michael Schellenbach’s third place look (right). Above: Randy Rusnadi’s second place look
As the models strolled down the u-shaped catwalk, each designer’s skill was obvious. Though the looks weren’t all particularly wearable, the abroad influence was there, captured in a unique and interesting way. The creations made for a tough call among the judges, who included Chicago magazine’s fashion director, Stacey Jones; “Project Runway’s” Steven Rosengard; Akira owner Erikka Wang; ZZAZZ Enterprises, Inc.’s Producer/Director, Tracey Tarantino; and Macy’s North and Northwest Director of Media Relations, Andrea Schwartz.
Unfortunately, only three designers could take home one of the three scholarships: $5,000, $1,000 and $500. Eunyoung Joo (International Academy of Design and Technology) won the competition for her Moscow-inspired dress with a fur collar and bishop sleeves. Randy Rusnadi’s (Harper College) Athens-inspired navy military jacket, gold silk top, and navy silk skirt took second, while Michael Schellenbach (Illinois Institute of Art) brought home the $500 scholarship for his red menswear jumpsuit with fur trim and Chrysler emblem belt, also inspired by Moscow.
One of our favorite looks: Anna Gaukel’s Paris-influenced design
Overall, the event was a success, bringing in about $5,500. Those funds will go back to the Chicago fashion industry through CFF’s many runway shows, scholarships and networking events that have generously supported the community for years. We look forward to seeing what next year’s finalist bring to CFF’s runway, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s finalists do in the future.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of the Chicago Fashion Foundation
Tags: Akira, Anna Gaukel, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago magazine, Columbia College, Erikka Wang, Eunyoung Joo, Harper College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology, Michael Schellenbach, Project Runway, Randy Rusnadi, Stacey Jones, Steven Rosengard
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