Style Admirer - Lara Miller

Posts Tagged ‘Lara Miller’

A Foundation for Fashion Growth

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

When charity and fashion merge, they offer the promise of inspiration and entertainment. Every year at the Chicago Fashion Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Benefit, the organization awards local fashion students with scholarship money based on their one-of-a-kind ensembles. This year’s inspiration was Chicago’s music scene, and with the community’s support, CFF was able to give away a whopping $6,500 to three lucky winners.

This was CFF’s fourth benefit to date. It was held last Thursday at The Chicago History Museum and was hosted by “Project Runway” contestant (a Chicago native) Peach Carr. About 200 attendees and CFF members mingled under twinkling chandeliers while the Ravinia Jazz Scholars serenaded its audience of fashionable guests. A cocktail reception with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, from grapes rolled in goat cheese to Crumbs cupcakes, completed the pre-show entertainment.

While the who’s who took their seats, the impressive panel of judges were introduced: Candace Jordan, a Chicago fashion enthusiast and blogger; Catie Keogh, the host of NBC’s 24/7; Amanda Monteiro of Georgio Armani; and Lara Miller, the adored Chicago eco-designer. They watched as nine students showcased their designs on the runway, competing for one of the scholarships: $500, $1,000 and $5,000. Before the final judgment, Peach Carr presented her own spring line of tennis separates inspired by the ’70s.

The third place award went to Rebecca Lopez of Columbia College for her design inspired by the Maxwell Street Blues, consisting of a weaved graphic skirt and white-trimmed blouse. Second was K’Lynn Kennedy from The International Academy of Design and Technology. Her tuxedo-inspired suit with skinny trousers, cummerbund and sharp-lapelled blazer reflected music with a classical edge. The winner was Ana Leon from The School of The Art Institute. Her original design inspired by Chicago’s jazz scene was a silky gray-blue bustier and pencil skirt. The lady-like silhouette could have stepped right out of the ’20s and was impressively constructed.

Although not everyone went home a winner, all the students left knowing they have the support of a growing community of local-fashion lovers. As Chicago’s scene evolves, it’s imperative we cultivate it with fresh ideas, new talent and a double dose of local patronage. Through opportunities and events like this, our city continues on its way to fostering a more habitable place for fashion to thrive and for dreams to become reality.

Well done student designers and CFF!

By Maia McGinley

Photography by Tutto Bene Photography

Tags: Amanda Monteiro, Ana Leon, Candace Jordan, Catie Keogh, Columbia College, K'Lynn Kennedy, Lara Miller, Rebecca Lopez, The International Academy of Design and Technology, The School of The Art Institute
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Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Events

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Toki Holiday Sample Sale (1422 W Willow Street, Suite 200)
On Saturday from 11am to 5pm, stop by the Toki Holiday Sample Sale. Previous collections and other unique gifts will be discounted up to 70% off. Additionally, Toki has plenty of grab bags to choose from between $25 to $50.

Roslyn Holiday Shopping Party (2035 N Damen Avenue)
Stop by the Roslyn Holiday Shopping Party on Saturday between 1pm and 4pm. Every shopper can pick a candy cane — each marked with a surprise discount (10% to 20% off). Plus, if you spend over $300, you will get a pair of cut-gem earrings.

Heidi Hess Promotion (210 N Halsted Street)
From now through next Thursday (12/23), stop by the Heidi Hess Showroom in the West Loop. Customers can take $25 off every $100 they spend on fall/winter apparel. Items include shirts, sweaters, tanks, cardigans, jackets, wraps, pullovers, dresses and more!

Lara Miller’s Annual Birthday Sale (931 W Cornelia Avenue)
Lara Miller is opening her studio to the public once again this Sunday for her Birthday & Holiday Sale! Stop by from 12pm to 8pm to find great deals on Lara’s archived collections. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to special order your favorites pieces from the Spring 2011 Collection.

Cupcakes & Fashion at Cynthia Rowley (1653 N Damen Avenue)
This Sunday, Gilt Groupe, Flirty Cupcakes & Cynthia Rowley offer you a holiday treat! Register at Gilt and you will receive a free cupcake from the Flirty Truck. Follow them on Twitter to see when they’ll be in your neighborhood! Then sip cocktails with Cynthia Rowley herself at her Bucktown boutique from 4pm to 6pm.

Image courtesy of Roslyn Boutique

Tags: Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Cynthia Rowley, Flirty Cupcakes, Gilt Groupe, Heidi Hess, Lara Miller, Roslyn Boutique, Toki
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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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The Art of Fashion

Monday, November 1st, 2010

From left to right: designs by Lara Miller, Kirk James Collection and Borris Powell

Style Chicago capped off Fashion Focus with the final runway show of the week, The Art of Fashion. Like all the other shows before it, it compiled lots of local designers into a single production. As the name suggests, it fused fashion and art by combining established fashion houses and emerging talent, sprinkled with performance art. To start, the six established designers, including Lara Miller, Kirk James Collection, Paul Sisti, Lauren Lein, Borris Powell and Elda de la Rosa, presented their Spring 2010 collections. Then three emerging designers followed: Hector-Javier MonArrez, Lydia Wawrzyniak and Fraley Le.

After a theatrical introduction, the fashion creations paraded in front Chicago’s social scene. Of the six established, our favorites were Lara, Kirk James, Borris and Elda. Lara’s collection of casual knitted dresses and separates displayed her knack design that holds versatility and purpose. Kirk James showed us his flirty frocks, twist on basics and figure-flattering shapes—garments that transition effortlessly from day to night. Borris’ daywear and eveningwear was a rainbow-hued collection of jackets and dresses, including an unforgettable red cocktail dress with a voluminous tulle skirt. Finally, we saw Elda’s beautifully crafted couture. Another colorful display, her designs were suited for bridesmaids, dinner dates and galas.

From left to right: designs by Elda de la Rosa, Lydia Wawrzyniak and Hector-Javier MonArrez

After a rather awkward interception by a performance artist covered in a white sheet, it was the three emerging designers’ turn. Hector-Javier used blue and black to shade the masterfully constructed designs with pouf and pointed shoulders, oversized bows and shimmering sequins. Next was the show’s highlight: Lydia Wawrzyniak, who proved fashion is art. Her silk dresses were handmade with jaw-dropping detail, including structural tiered skirts and paper mache-like detail. Mark our words, these two designers will soon no longer be classified as “emerging.”

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Don Marshall

Tags: Borris Powell, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, Elda de la Rosa, Fashion Focus Chicago, Fraley Le, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Kirk James Collection, Lara Miller, Lauren Lein, Lydia Wawrzyniak, Paul Sisti, StyleChicago.com
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Weekend Fashion Events + Sales

Friday, July 9th, 2010

EVENTS

Damen + Division Trunk Show at SARCA (710 N Wabash Street)
On Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Sarca will host a Damen + Division Trunk Show featuring the latest collection. Meet designer Sonia Barrett and get a personal style consultation. RSVP to rsvp@shopsarca.com.

Lipstick Dinosaur Pop-Up Accessories Shop at GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street – Evanston)
GAVIN partners with Lipstick Dinosaur for a Pop-up Accessories Shop from this Saturday through the 31st. Lipstick Dinosaur will make a personal appearance on Saturday from 12 to 3pm.

Beyond the Garden Gate (Damen Avenue, between North and Armitage Avenues)
On Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, stroll through 11 participating stores on Damen Avenue for the Beyond the Garden Gate. Enjoy discounts on floral patterned items, plants, jewelry and more.

SALES

Queen of Hearts Sale at Lara Miller (931 W Cornelia Avenue)
Check out the famous Queen of Hearts Sale this Sunday from 12 to 6pm. Either pull a card, roll the dice, or pick your poison for a chance to win an additional discount. All merchandise will be between 30-80% off.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Best at Fix Boutique and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
Starting this Sunday through August 8th, celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Elda de la Rosa Summer Sample Sale and Party (5555 N Sheridan Road)
On Friday and Saturday, save 25-75% off merchandise during the Elda de la Rosa Summer Sample Sale and Party. Meet Elda while enjoying complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. RSVP to eldadelarosa@rcn.com or call 773.769.3128.

City Soles’ Nickel Sale (2001 W North Avenue)
City Soles’ famous Nickel Sale returns on Friday. Buy one pair at regular price, get one pair for only 5 cents.

Hubba-Hubba Michael Stars Sale (3309 N Clark Street)
From Thursday through Sunday, Hubba-Hubba is offering a buy 2 get 1 free sale on all Michael Stars items.

Image courtesy of Fix Boutique

Tags: Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Sales, Chicago Shopping, City Soles, Damen + Division, Elda de la Rosa, Fix Boutique, GAVIN boutique, Hubba Hubba, Lara Miller, Lipstick Dinosaur, Sarca, the Publican
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Weekend Fashion Events and Sales

Friday, May 21st, 2010

EVENTS + SALES

Ellie Thompson & Co. Scarf Trunk Show (8 S Michigan Avenue, Suite 2203)
From 4-9pm, Ellie Thompson & Co and Pranita Jain, present a trunk show of rare, one-of-a-kind scarves. Complimentary wine, tea and Indian treats will be served.

Raw/State at the Sharp Building (37 S Wabash Avenue)
Now through May 23, this graduate fashion exhibition showcases the work of students pursuing SAIC graduate degrees in Fashion, Body and Garment.

RE.STOCK Shop Spring Sample Sale (1452 N Milwaukee Avenue)
RE.STOCK Shop has a Spring Sample Sale Friday through Sunday. Customers can expect up to 80% off designer clothing for men and women.

Lara Miller Trunk Show at Florodora (330 S Dearborn Street)
Join Lara Miller from 12-6pm at Florodora, as she shows her full Spring/Summer 2010 Collection, takes special orders, and offers custom sweaters. Finally, she’ll discuss her favorite looks for spring/summer.

Image courtesy of Ellie Thompson & Co.

Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Sales, Chicago Trunk Shows, Ellie Thompson & Co., Lara Miller, Pranita Jain, RE.STOCK Shop, SAIC, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
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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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Classic Pieces Worn in Fresh Ways

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Timothy and Lauren at Lara Miller’s fashion show during the 312 Fashion Series

Tags: 312 Fashion Series, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Streety Style, Lara Miller
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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_Runway
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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