Posts Tagged ‘Kristin Hassan’

Fashion Events This Weekend

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

One of a Kind Show and Sale at Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza)
The fabulous One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago is back just in time for the holiday shopping season. Stop by the massive exhibition at the Merchandise Mart throughout the weekend. Visit their website for maps, exhibitor information, designer listing, and much more.

Cerato Boutique Designer Series (3451 N Southport Avenue)
From 6 to 8pm, stop by Cerato Boutique and join designer Kristin Hassan for the official kick-off of Cerato’s 12 Days of Shopping. Sip holiday cocktails with Kristin and enjoy 15% off her holiday collection for one night only.

UNEARTHED Fashion Show at No Notion Gallery (1542 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Illinois Institute of Art designers Carmen McGhee and Aris Sergakis present the UNEARTHED Fashion Show. The night begins at 7pm carrying an art gallery and ends with a runway show of original work from 15 student designers.

Cerato Boutique Designer Series (3451 N Southport Avenue)
Stop by from 10am to 6pm and join designer Elise Bergman for Cerato’s 12 Days of Shopping Designer Series. Customer will receive a free gift ($75 retail value) with a purchase of $300 or more.

Tags: Cerato Boutique, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Elise Bergman, Kristin Hassan, One of a Kind Show and Sale, UNEARTHED Fashion Show
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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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Two Chicago Boutiques Open

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

When a new Chicago boutique opens, I can’t help but experience a little surge of excitement. So, it’s with double the pleasure that I inform you of two store openings: Cerato and Muse. After the demise of so many boutiques this past year, it’s like our retail community is experiencing a mini fashion resuscitation. Thank goodness!

Cerato

Our affection for Chicago designers holds no bounds. So when we learned Cerato (3451 N Southport Avenue) holds a store-full of local designs, we knew this shop was something special. The Southport Corridor storefront opens to a sunlight space that has a calming, organic aesthetic, with its blue floral wallpaper on one wall and industrial-style bricks on the other. There’s a simplicity to the space, which highlights the incredible selection, including designs by Anna Fong, jules, Kristin Hassan, Horacio Nieto, Eskell, frei, C/FAN and more. Whether it be clothing or jewelry, Cerato’s selection is a magnificent display of Chicago fashion.

Muse

Slightly off Chicago’s beaten streets, Oak Park’s got a new reason to venture beyond the city limits. Muse boutique (106 N Marion Street) caters to those seeking something special, something individual—all in a superb setting. The charm of Marion’s brick street continues into this adorable yet distinctly stylish shop. The boutique aims to inspire women of different styles with its carefully selected contemporary lines of up-and-coming, obscure and well-know labels, like Hudson, Runaway Pony, 2Love, Leigh & Luca, and many more. And, its man room in the back has seating and a flat-screen to keep your hubby occupied while you do your thang.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Cerato

Tags: 2Love, Anna Fong, C/FAN, Cerato, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Eskell, frei, Horacio Nieto, Hudson, Jules, Kristin Hassan, Leigh & Luca, Muse boutique, Runaway Pony, Southport Corridor
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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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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’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

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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