Eureka! Finally a modest trend surfaces! The maxi dress is essential in warmer months, and now its effortless, comfortable style can continue into the cooler seasons as well. A plethora of floor-grazing skirts and dresses have emerged, and the new looks pack more versatility and variety than the average summer frock. The styles range from cotton tanks, stretch tees and long-sleeved jersey, and the options get more dynamic from there. Interesting prints or dressier fabrics, like silk and chiffon, are just as wearable. Regardless, the simple, forgiving silhouette is as flattering as a pair of jeans.

The maxi is an appropriate option for any occasion, be it a black tie affair or trip to the grocery store. Wear it like a blank canvas: Dress it up with statement jewelry and sky-high ankle boots for date night; add a cardigan, belt and flats for casual Friday; or mix in motorcycle boots and a slouchy knit hat for an afternoon shopping in Bucktown. Even summer styles can transition into fall and winter. Pair airy styles with heavier layers, such as a fur vest, tights and lace-up boots, for an on-trend approach. Or, throw a chunky sweater over a summer maxi dress for a completely new look.

No matter what maxi you choose–skirt or dress, new or old–this fall staple is a starting point for any style-worthy look.

From left to right:

1. Chiffon full-length skirt ($58; American Apparel)
2. Classic long-sleeve dress with pocket ($106; Alexander Wang)
3. Knitted long skirt with pleated waist ($80; Zara)
4. “Read Across” maxi dress ($198; Free People)
5. Ralph Lauren “Lenorah” dress ($12,000; Ralph Lauren)
6. A.L.C. long “Veronica” dress ($440; shopbop.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of American Apparel, Alexander Wang, Zara, Free People, Ralph Lauren and shopbop.com

Some say that in life, nothing’s free. However, four Chicago fashion designers are proof that some things do come with a zero dollar price tag. In 2008, Toyota chose up-and-coming designers Anna Fong, Evil Kitty, SERPICO, and Agga B. to help launch the first and only US-based Creative Lounge. One of only three Toyota-funded design studios around the world, the lounge is a rare opportunity that reaches beyond the realm of fashion design. Though these women are the only designers with free reign of the studio, the lounge’s mission is to support and cultivate the local arts as a whole, while also promoting a collaboration between an unexpected pair: Toyota engineers and Chicago creatives.

This collaboration first took shape when the designers were flown to Japan to create garments inspired by Toyota design. When they got home, an enviable 4,000-square-foot piece of Wicker Park real estate was waiting for them. As if the free rent in a vintage building with two floors of work and storage space wasn’t enough, the car company threw in new sewing equipment, furniture and décor. Despite the sketching, crafting, and brand building going on in the studio, the adjacent reception and presentation area caters to a much larger audience with its ability to transform into a party room, sales floor, gallery, stage, screening room, conference room, and photo studio (for us!). For a deeper look at the unique possibilities that lie within the Creative Lounge Chicago, here’s a glimpse at each designer and her thoughts on this extraordinary opportunity.

Anna Fong with her designs. Top: The designers in the Creative Lounge Chicago

Anna Fong

Anna Fong, who was born and raised in Wicker Park and graduated from Columbia College, launched her line nearly three years ago. After working at Ralph Lauren in New York City, she moved back home to Chicago, where the fashion industry was finally taking shape. Since then, the Anna Fong label has grown with the industry to become an award-winning, celebrity-followed clothing line. The classically chic designs combine edgy details, dramatic cuts, and feminine silhouettes that cater to the everyday woman with a penchant for elegance and style.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Anna says:

“This is a great opportunity to give so many talented artists exposure. The lounge
is a place where we can share ideas and learn from each other.”

Lidia Wachowska of Evil Kitty with her designs

Evil Kitty

With no intention of becoming a fashion designer, Lidia Wachowska moved from Poland to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While studying to be a painter, she soon found an interest in graphic design, which ultimately changed her career path. Thus begins the story of the Evil Kitty. In 2005, she launched the line that’s anything but conventional. Through her designs, Lidia bridges the gap between two very different worlds: a funky and playful aesthetic—reminiscent of Japanese street style and punk rock—and a much softer aesthetic that nods to the ‘40s,‘50s, and film noir.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Lidia says:

“Being in this environment is amazing and really boosts your creativity.
We can do lots of things here, so the sky is the limit.”

Melissa Serpico Kamhout of SERPICO with her designs

SERPICO

Melissa Serpico Kamhout’s label, SERPICO, has grown into a successful line revered for its impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality materials. After studying fashion design and receiving degrees from both Loyola University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Melissa’s career started in a studio on Halsted. She has since expanded into a studio-boutique space where she designs and sells her collections. Though she doesn’t use the Creative Lounge as her main studio, Melissa’s contribution to the space is no less relevant.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Melissa says:

“It’s a great example of Toyota’s generosity, and [the four of us] have learned from each
other in unexpected ways–both in business and creatively. There’s a strength in numbers.”

Agga B. Raya with her designs

Agga B.

For Polish designer and stylist Agga B. Raya, fashion runs in the family. The daughter of designers, Agga was 16 when she orchestrated her first fashion show. She later moved to Chicago to work as a stylist, and now her clients include Oprah and Elite Model Management. After two years in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she started her line, Agga B. The label is rooted in classic silhouettes, accented with a modern flair. Very elegant and very wearable. For the past three years, she’s been here in Chicago, emerging as a prominent figure in the Chicago fashion industry.

Of the Creative Lounge Chicago, Agga says:

“We have the best intentions to reach out and make it work. We want to invite as many
people and as many talents as possible to the lounge so they can showcase their work.”

For information about the Creative Lounge Chicago and its events, email connect@chicagocreativelounge.org.

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth

Spring is upon us (thank goodness!), and that means it’s time to reflect on the season’s hottest trends. The Spring/Summer 2010 runways gave us an array of exciting looks—be it reintroduced classics or futuristic newbies—and we pulled together a list of our favorite six to kick off the season. Though it’s hard to get in a warm weather state of mind during a winter weather advisory, the mercury will soon rise and we’ll bask in a new season of fresh fashion. Take a look at these spring trends, and let spring fever set in! 

DIGITAL 
Moving beyond solids and into the world of prints isn’t always an easy feat. We love our black and white, but truth be told, prints are one of the easiest ways to add interest and individuality to your look. Enter: digital prints. Like a shot of fashion adrenaline, these graphic styles offer more edge and energy than any floral ever could. 

Images: Givenchy (left) and Versace (right)

DENIM
Remember your acid wash jacket from grade school? Oh, yes you do. Well, denim is back, and you’ll see light and mid-tone shades on everything: jackets, jeans, dresses, shirts and even overalls. This may be a hard trend to warm up to right away, but we’re sure you’ll come around soon enough. 

Images: Ralph Lauren Collection (left) and Mulberry (right)

WHITE
White is the consummate color of spring, and this season, the way to wear it is from head to toe. Such a style approach is innately chic and sophisticated, and always a stand-out outfit. The runway showed us flirty, girly looks and edgy, sexy ways to wear this color, so you really can wear this trend however you choose.

Images: Oscar de la Renta (left) and Gucci (right)

SHORTS
We saw lots of shorts last spring, and now the trend seems even bigger. Any hem goes this season, from Daisy Dukes to the Bermuda, so load up on several pairs and experiment with the endless ways to wear them. Our styles of choice are: jean shorts and footless tights and chino shorts and a classic button-up shirt.

Images: Pringle of Scotland (left) and Fendi (right) 

KHAKI
A true classic, khaki is probably one of the easiest trends to wear, and the runway demonstrated its infinite possibilities. Take the color from drab basics and into any garment realm you can imagine. From a menswear-inspired suit and military jacket, khaki has your every spring need covered.

Images: Chloé (left) and Chanel (right)

PASTELS
Spring wouldn’t feel quite like spring without pastels. This season, these pretty hues make another graceful appearance, displaying their ladylike, fashion-forward properties for us to relish. Whether you go with one color or mix and match, pastels have a distinct beauty that’s always spring-ready.

Images: Valentino (left) and D&G (right)  

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Givenchy, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Pringle of Scotland, Fendi, Chloé, Chanel, Valentino, and D&G