Posts Tagged ‘Michelle Tan’

Eclectica Closes Its Doors

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Sadly, Lincoln Park’s Eclectica boutique (1006 W Armitage Avenue) is closing its doors. Owner Vika Brown made the announcement just before the New Year and is holding quite the final sale for those looking to get heavy discounts on fantastic fashion. The store’s collection of contemporary clothing—including Vika’s own line—is currently 30% off warehouse prices. In addition, jewelry and handbags by the likes of local designers Tzen and Michelle Tan are 20%-50% off.

Though this location closes at the end of February, the store will open a studio in the Loop area to continue producing custom orders. Open by appointment only, the space will be available seven days a week, where clients can work exclusively with the designer.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Eclectica

Tags: Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Eclectica, Michelle Tan, TZEN, Vika Brown
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Block 37 Runway Show

Monday, November 15th, 2010

With new stores such as Michelle Tan and Akira joining the likes of Zara, Anthropologie and Sephora, State Street’s Block 37 has earned a place as one of Chicago’s major shopping destinations. This Wednesday night from 5:30 to 7:30pm, Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice from “Project Runway” will host a formal runway event that showcases clothing and accessories from retailers in Block 37. This free event, held inside the shopping center, allows you to shop directly from the runway, whether that be for yourself or for those on your holiday gift list. Get an up-close view as seasonal looks make their rounds down the catwalk, and even enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening…

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Block 37

Tags: Akira, Anthropologie, Block 37, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Shows, Chicago Shopping, Michelle Tan, Sephora, Zara
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Fashion Events This Weekend: Trunk Shows Galore

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

FASHION EVENTS

Tania Spinelli Trunk Show and Personal Appearance at Sarca (710 N Wabash Street)
Meet iconic shoe designer Tania Spinelli at Sarca on Saturday (10am to 6pm) or Sunday (12 to 5pm). Preview the Fall 2010 Collection while enjoying a complimentary fit consultation. Space is limited, so RSVP to rsvp@shopsarca.com.

Nine West Fashion Presentation at Nordstrom (55 E Grand Avenue, at Michigan Avenue)
On Friday from 12 to 2pm, Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard and Gossip Girl Stylist Eric Daman will co-host a fashion presentation highlighting the Nine West products exclusive to Nordstrom. The fashion presentation will focus on trends, the diversity of the products, and transitioning the designs from day to night. Both Fred and Eric will participate in a Q&A with the customers.

Zac Posen for Target
This Sunday, the highly anticipated Zac Posen for Target collection hits stores. The wait is finally over!

Veruca Salt Cocktail Party (520 N Kingsbury Avenue)
Starting this Friday from 5 to 7pm, Veruca Salt in River North will host a cocktail party every Friday night this spring and summer. Drinks and snacks will be provided, along with 15% off any regularly priced merchandise.

“Dangerous Curves Ahead” Charity Fashion Show at Zhou B. Art Center (1029 W 35^th Street)
On Saturday, join Project Runway’s Ra’Mon Lawrence and other Chicago designers at this charity fashion show. Walk the purple carpet and shop more than 25 vendors. Tickets are still available for purchase.

Jodi Arnold Sample Sale Hosted by Beta Boutique (1725 N Damen Avenue)
On Saturday (10am to 6pm) and Sunday (12 to 5pm), the Jodi Arnold Spring 2010 Sample Sale, hosted by Beta Boutique, will offer more than 700 pieces for up to 80% off. Receive a $50 gift certificate with every purchase while supplies last.

Spring Fever Trunk Show at Michelle Tan (1872 N Damen Avenue)
On Saturday from 11am to 6pm, Michelle Tan hosts a Spring Fever Trunk Show, which will feature jewelry from Treasure Gypsy and fugudesigns. Complimentary wine will be provided.

MMX: The Common Era (659 W Diversey Avenue)
On Sunday beginning at 6:30pm, beam into the future as Akira, Steve Madden & Belvedere Vodka presents the most enterprising and anticipated fashion presentation of the year. Admission is free, but space is limited. RSVP to events@shopakira.com or call 312.324.0348.

Sway Jewelry Trunk Show at Krista K (3458 N Southport Avenue)
View the entire Sway Collection on Friday (10am to 7pm) or Saturday (10am to 6pm). Meet designer Vicki Stauber, and enjoy 20% off the purchase of any two or more pieces.

More Chicago fashion events

Image courtesy of Tania Spinelli

Tags: Akira, Beta Boutique, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Dangerous Curves Ahead, fugudesigns, Jodi Arnold, Krista K, Michelle Tan, Nine West, Nordstrom, Sarca, Sway Jewelry, Tania Spinelli, Treasure Gypsy, Veruca Salt, Zac Posen for Target
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IMAGINE the Possiblity

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

To be honest, when I headed to my first IMAGINE fashion show by the International Academy of Design & Technology, I was skeptical of the show’s production value. I had had heard good things, but, after all, it’s produced entirely by…students? In short, the show was quite possibly the year’s best. In fact, these students could teach the pros a thing or two about how to create an energetic, quality runway show that gets the audience genuinely excited about the future of Chicago fashion.

Immediately upon walking in, the Grand Hall of Union Station imposed a striking impression. Alit with spotlights, the architecture’s towering columns and marble floors transformed the commuter destination into a dramatic, sexy event space. The reception area housed a square-shaped bar and a Michelle Tan installation. After staring up at Michelle’s designs and duly noting some future purchases, I made my way past the partition and to the runway.

To open the show, NBC’s Ginger Zee—donning a dress by a student presenter—took the stage. She elaborated on how the proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House and provided more information on Michelle, a successful IADT graduate as well as the night’s honorary designer. After the introductions, Shiny Toy Guns provided a three-song musical performance that started with “Major Tom” from the Lincoln MKZ commercial. It was quite a heart-pumping warm-up.

When the song commenced, a screen came down and hid the band from sight as the first model appeared. On either side of the stage were two large projection screens that displayed each of the 13 design themes, including “Checks and Balances,” “Woodstock,” “Champaign Toast,” and “Culture Couture.” Above the runway, the 32 student designers’ names appeared on a LED-like sign as their creations hit the stage. The range of their aesthetics was accentuated by the various themes, which streamlined the extensive range of styles into one cohesive show.

Of the many, many womenswear and some menswear I saw, my favorites were the “Street” and “Faux Effect” themes. The Street looks were the most daring and youthful. The bandeau tops, sequin suspenders, short hems, star-pattered jeans, and black and gold bolero were all interesting and fresh takes on streetwear. The Faux Effect theme closed the show in a sensory finale that was both dynamic and breathtaking. The Edward Sissorhands-ish music was combined with snow-like confetti that rained on the audience. The looks included faux fur coats, shawls and tops that the models presented at a pace much slower than the preceding looks. From where I was sitting, the fake fur appeared as soft and luxurious as the real thing.

As these young fashion designers move into their careers, we look forward to seeing how they add to the industry, whether that be in Chicago, New York, LA or beyond. Though this economy may be an intimidating and challenging front to face, we saw some talent that’s destined for big things.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Scott Kallstrand

Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Shows, Ginger Zee, IADT, IMAGINE Fashion Show, International Academy of Design and Technology, Michelle Tan
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