Posts Tagged ‘Jess Audey’

FashionChicago 2010

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

You know that feeling when you walk into a boutique, and you’re offered a cocktail? That “Oh, I’m really going to like this store” feeling. I mean, who doesn’t love a little liquid spending courage when considering a purchase? Well, tomorrow at FashionChicago 2010, an intimate event that joins local designers under one roof, you’ll be able to party hardy and spend some hard-earned cash. From 5-9pm at an 8,000-square-foot gallery space (233 W Huron Street), you’ll find an impressive collection of Chicago fashion and jewelry designers, such as Blake Standard, K. Amato, Lara Miller, JLee Silver, Kate Boggiano, Vaute Couture, Heidi Hess, Objets d’ Envy, Yana Collection, Jess Audey, Borris Powell, Zamrie, Nora del Busto, Horacio Nieto, Elise Bergman, Brynn Capella, Shernett Swaby, and more. For your drinking pleasure, beverages will be provided by HobNob Wines and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, while hors d’oeuvres will be brought in from Nacional 27 and RA Sushi.

Tickets are only $25 for VIP Tickets (including a goodie bag) and $15 for general admission. Reserve tickets here.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of StyleChicago.com

Tags: Blake Standard, Borris Powell, Brynn Capella, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Elise Bergman, FashionChicago 2010, Heidi Hess, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, JLee Silver, K.Amato, Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller, Nora del Busto, Objets d' Envy, Shernett Swaby, StyleChicago.com, Vaute Couture, Yana Collection, ZAMRIE
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Chicago Runway Shows: 312 Fashion Series

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I kicked off my nights at the 312 Fashion Series. The events were a roundup of notable Chicago designers who presented their fall collections at Lofts on Lake. Admirers of Lara Miller, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet arrived at the industrial space eager to watch as the designers’ vision materialized on the runway. In the wide-open space framed in four brick walls and a vaulted wood ceiling—an organic backdrop for the show—a DJ played tunes representative of each designer’s aesthetic while bartenders supplied the cocktails. At showtime, we took our seats and looked on as Chicago fashion strolled down the catwalk.

On the first night, the show was divided into vignettes by Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet. This mix of very different design approaches created an interesting glimpse at the range of aesthetics our local talent can provide. During each designer’s presentation, models took the runway at once, creating a runway show turned fashion installation.

Horacio Nieto’s Fall ’10 womenswear and menswear. Top image: Lara Miller’s Fall ’10 collection

On Friday, Lara Miller proved once again that she is the princess of eco-design. The light-as-air fabrics—hand-loomed recycled cotton and bamboo, organic jersey, vegan silk—were spun into soft, feminine shapes that, above all, were incredibly wearable. Earth-toned wrap dresses, a jumpsuit (that I am dying to own), cardigans, leggings, suits, et al, fell completely in line with what Lara does best: taking eco-fashion to the next level of craftsmanship and wearability. The latter became a focal point in the show, as models rounded the u-shaped runway, halted at center stage, and stripped off their garments to display how one piece can be altered into something completely new. This two-in-one design approach not only added an incredible dynamic to the show, it displayed how Lara considers consumers’ expectations of versatility and style.

Saturday night belonged to Horacio Nieto. Unlike the bulk of his local counterparts, Horacio designs both womenswear and menswear. Menswear was the first presentation, and my favorite. The military-inspired jackets, vests, and trousers had sharp cuts, clean lines, and body con shapes. Seemingly made for the confident, fashionably in-the-know male, several of Horacio’s designs had me silently wishing he would repurpose them for a woman’s wardrobe. What he made for the ladies, though, was much more simplistic in nature. However, particular details embodied an exciting futuristic element. Pointed shoulders (as seen on an amazing one-sleeve champagne cocktail dress) and deep cuts on some of the gowns, dresses and jackets created sexy focal points, while other designs were much more classic and refined. This range, I believe, showed his understanding of his clientele, who won’t settle for merely one given style.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Paul Saini (Lara Miller) and Kayoua Xiong (Horacio Nieto)

Tags: 312 Fashion Series, Anna Hovet, Borris Powell, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Shows, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller
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312 Fashion Series Premiere

Monday, April 5th, 2010

We’ve been in high anticipation for the first ever 312 Fashion Series, and the time has finally arrived. Beginning this Thursday night, the three-day series of fashion events will be held at Loft on Lake (1366 W Lake Street). Created by and for Chicagoans with a vested interested in the city’s fashion industry, the series highlights various local designers who are both well-known and highly talented. These labels include Lara Miller, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet.

To kick off the event, designs by Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell, and Anna Hovet will be presented in vignettes in conjunction with a cocktail reception. Friday and Saturday night belong to the eco-friendly Lara Miller and modern-chic Horacio Nieto, respectively. On these two nights, you’ll be able to shop Lara’s and Horacio’s latest collection and watch their runway show. During all three nights, enjoy complimentary cocktails and an exclusive after party at The Underground. Tickets range from $35 to $55, and each series begins at 7pm and ends at 10pm.

We’ve got our tickets! Do you?

Get tickets here.

By Meghan Turner

Tags: 312 Fashion Series, Anna Hovet, Borris Powell, Horacio Nieto, Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Lara Miller, Loft on Lake, The Underground
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Weekend Events and Sales in Chicago

Friday, March 19th, 2010

EVENTS

re:MAKE Fashion Show at Loyola University’s Mundelein Center Auditorium (1020 W Sheridan Road)
On Friday at 7pm, the re:MAKE Fashion Show will feature collections by local designers showing off their first-hand fashions created with second-hand materials.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama at Chicago Waldorf School (1300 W Loyola Avenue)
On Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (1-5pm), bring a bag of unwanted clothing and a small donation to Swap-O-Rama-Rama, and you’ll be able to exchange your threads for items in the “swap pile.”

Laura Tanner Jewelry Trunk Show at Dame Couture (1927 Central Street in Evanston)
On Saturday from noon to 5pm, enjoy champagne and cookies at Dame Couture while perusing Laura Tanner’s bridal collections. Laura will also be on hand to help you with your selections.

Cynthia Ryba Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday from 12-6pm, Chicago designer Cynthia Ryba shows off her collection as a part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s month-long pop-up shop at The 900 Shops.

CFI’s 2010 New Designer Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Meet and shop the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s new class, including C/FAN, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fegan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Stephanie Kuhr, this Saturday from 12-8pm.

Afternoon Tea and Dresses by Jess Audey at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
View and shop Jess Audey’s Fall 2010 collection of dresses this Saturday from 12-2pm at CFI’s pop-up shop.

Veruca Salt Scarf Folding Class (1921 N Damen Avenue)
Want to learn more ways to wear your scarves? Head to Veruca Salt’s Bucktown location on Saturday from 1-2pm, and they’ll show you how.

SALES

Chicago Fashion Incubator Pop-up Store at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Starting this Saturday, CFI’s current designers and alumni will be selling their collections at this pop-up store on the fifth floor of The 900 Shops.

Maria Pinto Liquidation Sale (133 N Jefferson Street)
Maria Pinto’s five-day Liquidation Sale ends this Saturday, March 20. It’s your last chance to snag some of her incredible designs at 50-70% off. Plus, for these final two days of the sale, get an addition 25% off the sale price!

Fix’s Wheel of Fashion (1101 W Fulton Market)
Until March 30, swing by Fix for the opportunity to spin the wheel of fashion, which offers variety of discounts, including 15-20% off, free goodies, and gift cards.

GAVIN in Wonderland (1939 Central Street in Evanston)
Stop by GAVIN boutique this weekend and pick from a deck of cards for the chance to receive 10-20% off your purchase. One lucky girl will win a $250 gift certificate!

More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales

Images courtesy of Laura Tanner

Tags: C/FAN, CFI, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Sales, Cynthia Ryba, Donaldo Smith, Fix Boutique, GAVIN, Jess Audey, Jonnie Rettele, Laura Tanner, Leah Fegan, Maria Pinto, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Stephanie Kuhr, The 900 Shops
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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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