Posts Tagged ‘Nora del Busto’

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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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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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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