Posts Tagged ‘Lauren Lein’

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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Fearless Fashion

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

If you’re absorbed in the Chicago fashion community, chances are you’ve heard of the Stitches Fashion Program. If you haven’t heard of Stitches, its mission is to help Chicago’s fashion entrepreneurs establish effective sales and financing so that they may blossom right here in the Second City. Tomorrow night, the program sponsors Fear No Art and Fashion, a celebration of art, fashion, innovation and creativity. Saper Laws Fashion, Media, and Entertainment Practices will co-host the event from 6:30pm to 8:30pm with Dr. Julia Rahn, owner of Flourish Studios, and Elysabeth Alfano, creator, executive producer and host of WTTW11’s Fear No Art Chicago. Along with hors d’oeuvres and fine wines, enjoy the company of other Chicago creatives in Flourish’s beautiful space (3020 N Lincoln Avenue). Also purchase goods from Stitches Fashion Program designers, including K. Amato, Kate Boggiano and Mata Traders, and enjoy an informal fashion show featuring the latest collection by Lauren Lein.

Tickets are $25 at the door.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Lauren Lein

Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, K.Amato, Kate Boggiano, Lauren Lein, Mata Traders, Saper Laws, Stitches Fashion Program
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