Posts Tagged ‘STYLE WARS’
Style Before Design
Monday, May 10th, 2010
On Earth Day this year, the Chicago’s fashionable swarmed Crimson Lounge for a runway show with a twist. Instead of showcasing individual designers, it focused on the stylists. Hosted by Vyne, a Chicago-based events organization and publication, and the Chicago Fashion Foundation, Style Wars was no predictable walk down the runway but rather a showcase of avant-garde fashion through the minds of Chicago’s top stylists. Each stylist was responsible for creating five high fashion looks. The first personally represented the stylist. The second piece was only black and white. The third communicated a global issue (the winning look from this category will be featured in Vyne’s May issue). The fourth was inspired by Stephen Meisel’s editorial “Make Love Not War” in Italian Vogue, and the final concept was derived from the color crimson in honor of the event sponsor.
As the show began, I was in awe of the stylists’ originality and creativity. Models with big hair and black lips presented what was more like walking art than functional fashion. Two of my favorite looks were from the winner, Christina Demos. Her on-trend mix of black and white, including an American Apparel piano scarf, piano tights, Chanel wedge boots, and twirling striped umbrella, was circus-like and mesmerizing. The other favorite was her global issue composition. She dressed her model in a tutu of Red Eye newspapers, a Wet Seal “will work for shoes” t-shirt, Balmain booties, a Marlboro cigarette necklace, and soup can bangles. In case you didn’t get the homeless reference, a mini shopping cart dangled ridiculously from her hand. Ruben Lopez and CT Hedden were both named a runner-up. Ruben’s formal approach included feather laden wedding gowns, ballroom gloves and opulent millinery. CT’s outfits, like the Alexander McQueen dress and Chanel clogs, were simple but wearable.
Although the event was under organized and unpolished (no appetizers as promised and ill-informed presenters) the stylist’s creations stole the show. Too often Chicago gets overlooked as a worthy player in the fashion industry because it’s play-it-safe, conservative rep. The stylists’ creations proved Midwesterners can go well beyond the stereotypical spoon-fed fashion.
Images courtesy of Vyne
Tags: Alexander McQueen, American Apparel, Chanel, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago Runway Shows, Chicago Stylists, Christina Demos, Crimson Lounge, CT Hedden, Ruben Lopez, STYLE WARS, Vyne magazine, Wet Seal
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War of the Stylists
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
We’ve seen lots of runway competitions in the past months, and this Thursday brings a show of slightly different sorts: STYLE WARS. The annual stylist competition is hosted by VYNE, an organization that strives to fuse the luxury and sustainability industries. Appropriately, the event coincides with Earth Day at the Hotel Sax (333 N Dearborn Street) at 7pm. There, eight local stylists will use their individual aptitude to concoct several looks with garments by local designers. One stylist will be named the winner by a panel of industry insiders and will win a contract with the Timothy Priano Agency. The runway show is expected to gather a stylish audience of 500 men and women dedicated to the longevity and sustainability of Chicago’s avant-garde fashion scene. Ticket sales, which range from $35 to $60, will be donated to the Chicago Fashion Foundation. Get your ticket here.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of VYNE
Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago Runway Show, Hotel Sax, STYLE WARS, Timothy Priano Agency, VYNE
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