Posts Tagged ‘The 900 Shops’
In a Whole New Class
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
The Chicago Fashion Incubator’s pop-up shop in The 900 Shops
Each year, the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) welcomes six emerging fashion designers who are lucky enough to reap its benefits. The fourth class of this “Designers in Residence” program was officially announced, and they will all get expert, hands-on training for all that encompasses a successful career in fashion. This includes production space in Macy’s on State Street and rack space in CFI’s pop-up shop in The 900 Shops, which opens this month.
Taking the place of last year’s chosen few, including Christina Fan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson and Stephanie Kuhr–these talented, young designers are:
Concetta Cipriano: Cettina, a collection of ready-to-wear garments embodies the designer’s clientele, a balance of femininity, strength, and beauty, with intricacy, structure, and simplicity.
Shavonne Dorsey: The Shavonne Dorsey Apparel line specializes in fashion and fit for the plus size market featuring simple sheath dresses and powerfully feminine separates.
Eric Kipp: Eric Kipp Custom Clothiers is a custom clothing company that focuses on sharply tailored suits and separates for men that easily transition from office to evening.
Kahindo Mateene: Modahnik is a socially conscious womenswear line of modern and feminine pieces that fuse the designer’s vibrant African heritage with western design sensibilities.
Taneasha Prunty: Gidi is a womenswear line of evening dresses and gowns that exude subtle allure and blend vintage sophistication with modern flair.
Crystal Simms: Crystal B. Designs is an avant garde label that is filled with architectural garments that enhance the features of the female figure.
The new class will be formally announced at LAUNCH/CFI, a reception and fundraiser, on Tuesday, March 15 at 6pm It will be held at the pop-up shop on the 5th floor of The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue), and tickets are $25. Purchase tickets by clicking here.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of CFI
Tags: Cettina, CFI, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Christina Fan, Concetta Cipriano, Crystal B. Designs, Crystal Simms, Eric Kipp Custom Clothiers, Gidi, Kahindo Mateene, Macy's on State Street, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Shavonne Dorsey Apparel, Stephanie Kuhr, Taneasha Prunty, The 900 Shops
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Fashionable Weekend Entertainment
Friday, August 20th, 2010
SALES & EVENTS
The Vintage Bazaar Pop-up Shop at the Congress Theater (2135 N Michigan Avenue)
The Vintage Bazaar, a flea market pop-up shop, will be at the Congress Theater on Sunday from 12-7pm. Shop a multitude of vendor, and enjoy free admission.
Share and Shop at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Join The 900 Shops this weekend for a shopping event to benefit Dress for Success Chicago, Share Your Soles and The Glass Slipper Project. Shoppers receive a 15% savings pass for each gently-worn donation.
Spring/Summer Bag Sale at Madison and Friends/The Denim Lounge (2004 W Roscoe Street)
On Friday from 10:30am to 6:30pm, Madison and Friends & The Denim Lounge are running an All-You-Can-Shop Clothing event. Purchase a bag for $225 and keep whatever you can fit in it. Seriously!
Metropark’s Fall Fashion Event 2010 (all Metropark locations)
On Friday from 5pm to close, all Metropark locations will offer a free gift bag with every purchase of more than $100. Additionally, customers can get up to $100 off their next purchase.
Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked-down styles.
11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.
Image courtesy of The Vintage Bazaar
Tags: 1154 LILL Studio, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Shopping, Dress Up Boutique, Golden Triangle, Madison and Friends, Metropark, Sarca, Share and Shop, The 900 Shops, The Denim Lounge, The Vintage Bazaar
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Share and Shop
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Don’t you love it when cleaning out your closet translates into buying new things to refill it? From Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22, stop by The 900 Shops for Share and Shop. This shopping event benefits three organizations: Dress for Success Chicago, Share Your Soles and The Glass Slipper Project. For four days only, shoppers can donate their gently worn duds—including daywear, suits, formalwear, accessories and shoes—to these non-for-profits and receive a 15% off coupon for every donation. Each pass is redeemable on one item at any participating retailer, including United Colors of Benetton, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, Charles David, Mark Shale, Original Penguin, DNA 2050, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, Fogal, Space 519, Glasses, Ltd., Enchanté Lingerie, Alternatives Shoes, Yolanda Lorente and Glove Me Tender.
In addition, the first 100 customers to donate will get a 900 swag bag, and all shoppers will also be entered to win a $500 shopping spree. Finally, a special $10 five-hour parking rate will be offered with a minimum purchase of $50.
Let the fall shopping begin!
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of Karen Millen (located in The 900 Shops)
Tags: Alternatives Shoes, Bernardaud, Charles David, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Sales, Chicago Shopping, DNA 2050, Enchanté Lingerie, Fogal, Glasses, Glove Me Tender, Karen Millen, Ltd., Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, Mark Shale, Original Penguin, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, space 519, The 900 Shops, United Colors of Benetton, Yolanda Lorente
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Trading Spaces
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Last night I made a long-overdue trip to a new boutique I’ve been dying to check out for months. space 519 in The 900 Shops is the latest brainchild of Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel, the former owners of the infamous Jake boutique in the Gold Coast. After Jake’s highly publicized and messy closing, the two opted for a slight change in retail concept. space 519, named after its spot in the mall, took the art, design and fashion worlds and bundled them under one roof.
I shopped the mixture of well-curated books, apothecary, clothing, nail polish, furniture, house wares, jewelry and more, while chatting with Jim as he showed me some of his favorite goods. As we walked around sniffing luxurious candles, fondling cashmere dresses and ooh-ah-ing over a supple leather clutch (that will be mine when it arrives in black!). He described the boutique as “our version of a general store.” It’s definitely a general store for the style-conscious only—those seeking wardrobe and home additions that add a little oomph to their life or someone else’s (the gift ideas are amazing). From the retro-inspired furniture and décor to the J Park drawstring dress, the selection makes this shop anything but ordinary.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of space 519
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, J Park, Jake Boutique, Jim Wetzel, Lance Lawson, space 519, The 900 Shops
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Chicago Blogger Profile: Ryan Beshel of The Bowtie Memoirs
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Sometimes there’s too many fashion events to attend them all. Fatigue can hit in a big way, and then comfy PJ’s trump the glamorous stilettos, champagne and mingling. That’s why we’re lucky local blogs like Ryan Beshel’s The Bowtie Memoirs exist. The avid event attendee makes an appearance (bowie in tow!) at local soirees and later blogs about his experience for those of us otherwise engaged. From fashion shows to store openings to product launches, Ryan’s, 27, name is a regular on party guest lists and one of the friendliest faces there—not to mention one of the best dressed. If you haven’t been already, I’m pleased to introduce you to Ryan and his fabulous blog, so that when your PJ’s call your name, you won’t miss the show. Welcome to The Bowtie Memoirs!
Besides bowties and blogging, what else interests you?
People interest me. Be it people watching or just meeting new people every day, I find that you can learn so much about yourself from others. I’m also interested in sharing experiences with others. Mentoring the individuals who are finding their way in this industry gives me great joy. After all, I was in that same place not too long ago.
Are you from Chicago?
I’m from Gurnee, about 45 minutes north of Chicago. So, I have always had ties to the city. I went to Warren Township High School, and then I went to Columbia College of Chicago for about a year to study film and video. I ended up switching my major and finally earned a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management at the fantastic Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.
How did you get into blogging?
It initially started as a recommendation by a few friends. I started attending many events and was finding that many people remembered me from event to event—thank you, bowtie! Eventually, I decided to start the blog so my family, especially my Mom, could see what I was doing here in the city. I also wanted to keep a sort of online journal that documented my life just before graduation and then after. In addition, I wanted to show what I saw of this city’s industry through my point of view.
What is your individual approach?
Well, I think relationships are so important in the industry, so I always like to touch upon who was at the events I attend. I’ll admit, I’m not a “serial blogger.” Sometimes I even miss a week or so. I focus on quality when I write my posts, and I always try to do my best to really describe what the event was like. Every now and then, I throw in a post called “Obsessions of the Bowtie,” where I highlight some of my favorite retailers, designers or products. My biggest focus is trying to expose the emerging, up-and-coming designers and products.
Who are your readers?
Many of my readers are already in the industry. It’s also those individuals who have become my friends and now check to see themselves in a post. Also, there are many students who are working their way into the industry that follow my blog. Then there is my family, who reads to see what I’m up to and check out the path that I am taking in Chicago.
Why do you think blogging is such a viral phenomenon?
Because it’s so instantaneous. When I started blogging, I would go to an event and then have a post up an hour after it ended. I was covering the event and then getting the word out about it before NBC.com, Time Out Chicago, CS, etc. Our world has learned that we no longer have to wait, and we’ve become inpatient because we have everything at our fingertips. It also offers an array of opinions, not just what the local news is telling you. Blogging offers the reader a way to connect with the writer at a more personal level.
What is your professional background?
Well, I am a new graduate, but I have completed an array of experiences. I was an editorial intern at Michigan Avenue magazine and worked directly with Susanna Negovan, the editor-in-chief. I have had the chance to work with some of Chicago’s smartest and most influential women, including the Barbara Glass of InFashion With Barbara Glass. Right after college, I worked freelance with another Chicago star and successful publicist Julie Darling. She taught me the ins and outs of public relations and introduced me to so many great people. Most recently, I interned for another fabulous woman named Sarah Burrows, the Marketing Manager at The 900 Shops.
What do you plan to do in the future professionally?
I’ve recently taken a job at a model and talent agency called Agency Galatea. I work for the Beauty and Fashion Director, Marie P. Anderson. In my new position, I assist in the daily management of models, comps and portfolios, photo shoots, runway shows, and the procurement of print work for talent. I also manage the website updates, online portfolios and social media.
What are your plans for The Bowtie Memoirs?
In the future, I’d like to look to my friends to be guest bloggers and offer yet another point-of-view on “making it” in Chicago. I’d also love to highlight even more innovative designs and designers. Keeping up with blogging with my schedule these days has been a challenge! Once I settle into work, I will have more time to really focus on the future of The Bowtie Memoirs. So, stay tuned!
What are your favorite blogs?
Of course I love Barbara’s blog and Style Admirer! I am also a lover of strong fashion images, and as cliché as it may sound…Yes, I love The Sartorialist! One of my favorite blogs is written by my friends Matt Fox and Enrique Crame III, and it’s called the Fine and Dandy Shop blog. Once you go to this blog, you’ll know why I love it so much! In the true spirit of my love for Chicago, I try to stick to local blogs when I do have the chance to browse. One of my Chicago favorites is The Midwasteland. I also enjoy Second City Style, The Coveted, and Darkroom Demons for some very cool photography.
What is your favorite Chicago boutique?
I have to admit: I’m a huge thrifter. I love to pass a few hours at Unique Thrift Store, Vintage Underground, Knee Deep Vintage, and The Brown Elephant. As for Chicago boutiques, I love The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop and Bonnie and Clyde’s. I also find some great things at Zara on Michigan Avenue. They have the best fits for tall, slim men! DNA2050 in The 900 Shops has the best denim in the city!
Who are your favorite designers, both international and local?
Internationally, I love Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. They both inspired me to get into fashion in the first place. McQueen had such an eclectic eye for menswear. Galliano, to me, is the king of the runway show. I remember watching his F/W 2007 show on YouTube and literally not being able to breathe. Locally, I love and respect the Chicago designers that I have gotten to know personally, such as my friend Christina Fan of C/FAN and Miriam Cecilia Carlson of M.C.C. I also enjoy the menswear by Donaldo Smith of Killian Gui, Jonnie Rettele of Nonnie Threads, and my good friend Maureen Refvem’s stunning pieces.
Do you have a tip to other bloggers looking to create their own online identity?
I would say to always know the intention of your blog. Do you want to make money? Do you want to fill a niche? Do you want to share a personal journey? Knowing the reason you are blogging will guide you in the right direction and act as an outline for your content. I would also say to do your best to stand out. With so many blogs on the internet, it is important to have a brand or logo or blog title that makes you different from every other blog. Finally: just have fun with it, share your passion and follow your dreams even if everyone around you thinks you’re crazy. After all, we all hold the power to be great!
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Tags: Alexander McQueen, Barbara Glass, Bonnie and Clyde's, C/FAN, Chicago Bloggers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Christina Fan, Columbia College, DNA2050, Donaldo Smith, Illinois Institute of Art, John Galliano, Jonnie Rettele, Killian Gui, Knee Deep Vintage, M.C.C., Maureen Refvem, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Nonnie Threads, Ryan Beshel, Susanna Negovan, The 900 Shops, The Bowtie Memoirs, The Brown Elephant, The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, Unique Thrift Store, Vintage Underground, Zara
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Chicago Fashion: What to Do This Weekend
Thursday, April 15th, 2010
Jules Trunk Show at Macy’s on State Street (111 N State Street)
All day on Friday, Macy’s hosts the Jules jewelry trunk show. Style Admirer readers get 20% off all jewelry on Jules’ online boutique and at all trunk shows till May 7th. Use code “MOM20.”
Modern Vintage Chicago at the Beaux Arts Plumber’s Hall (1340 W Washington Street)
On Saturday (10am to 7pm) and Sunday (10am to 5pm), you’ll find the best dealers carrying clothes, estate and costume jewelry, handbags, shoes, hats, scarves, vintage fashion magazines, and much more. Tickets are $8 online and $10 at the door.
Anna Hovet Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday, Anna Hovet hosts a trunk show at the Incubator pop-up shop in The 900 Shops from 10am to 7pm.
Enjoy a Tax Break at Le Dress (1741 W Division Street)
On Saturday and Sunday, Chicago’s dress-only destination honors the end of tax season with a 2-day discount celebration. Shoppers will be treated to a 10.25% discount on their entire purchase.
Helen Yi Pop-Up Shop at 116 E Oak Street
On Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Helen Yi brings her goods to a pop-up shop just off the Magnificent Mile. Designer labels include Barbara Bui, Derek Lam, and Isabel Marant.
Spring Blowout Sale at BADC (3221 N Sheffield Avenue)
Borrow a Dress Couture is holding a Spring Blowout Sale this weekend. Dresses are being sold at up to 80% off retail.
Fix Offers Free Tote With Purchase (1101 W Fulton Market)
Through April 30, receive a free eco-friendly canvas tote with any purchase (tote shown above).
More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales
Tags: Anna Hovet, BADC, Borrow a Dress Couture, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Sales, Chicago Shopping, Fix Boutique, Helen Yi, Incubator, Jules, Le Dress, Macy's, Modern Vintage Chicago, The 900 Shops
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Chicago Fashion Entertainment This Weekend
Friday, April 9th, 2010
A glimpse at Winter Kate’s spring/summer ’10 collection
312 Fashion Runway Series at Loft on Lake (1366 W Lake Street)
On Friday beginning at 7pm, the Lara Miller Collection will be the first independent designer show of the 312 Fashion Runway Series. On Saturday, Horacio Nieto presents his Fall/Winter 2010 womenswear and Arlo menswear collections to close out the 312 Fashion Runway Series. Tickets are still available, so get yours now!
Yana Collection Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Friday from 12-6pm, CFI alum Yana German launches and displays her Fall 2010 collection.
Allison Schiller Trunk Show at Krista K Boutique (3458 N Southport Avenue)
On Friday from 10am-7pm and Saturday from 10am-6pm, shop the entire collection and meet local designer Allison Schiller. Enjoy 20% off any two or more Allison Schiller jewelry pieces.
Nicole Richie Personal Appearance at Nordstrom (55 E Grand Avenue)
On Saturday from 1-3pm, meet Nicole Richie as she presents the her just-launched collection, Winter Kate. Bohemian chic at its best.
Evil Kitty Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday from 11am-4pm, Evil Kitty hosts their Spring 2010 Collection. Enjoy complimentary sips and nibbles and a mini makeover by Sugar and Spice. RSVP to lidia@evilkitty.net.
2010 Creative Chicago Expo at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington Street)
All day Saturday, artists in all disciplines, including fashion, are invited to an annual gathering of resources, services & expertise specifically for people in the arts. Discover more than 120 vendors and services, 25 workshops and discussions.
Spring Blossoms at Alice Berry Studio (1820 W Cortland Street)
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, some of your favorite Chicago designers will display their spring collections and have a sample sale.
Images courtesy of Winter Kate
Tags: 2010 Creative Chicago Expo, 312 Fashion Runway Series, Alice Berry Studio, Allison Schiller, CFI, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Designer, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Shopping, Evil Kitty, Horacio Nieto, Lara Miller, Michigan Avenue, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Nicole Richie, Nicole Richie Winter Kate, The 900 Shops, Winter Kate, Yana Collection, Yana German
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Local Exposure: The Chicago Fashion Incubator Pop-up Shop
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
This weekend officially kicked off the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s (CFI) highly anticipated pop-up shop in The 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue. Located on the fifth floor of this designer label paradise, a dedicated retail spot houses a breadth of wares by local fashion designers, whose work will occupy the space until April 18. These designers have all benefited from the CFI fashion education program that provides him or her with the resources, including workspace, curriculum and mentoring, to launch a career in fashion. Each year, the institution selects a new class of six designers and sends its graduates into the fashion world to build their labels.
A selection of designs by the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s 2010 class. Top image: Jonnie Retelle, Leah Fagan, Stephanie Kuhr, Lara Miller (Executive Director of CFI), Donaldo Smith, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Christina Fan (images by Billy Rood)
This pop-up brings together the class of 2010 and the alumni to celebrate their success and their futures. And celebrate we did at the Launch event last Tuesday night. To preview the new class’ latest collections in a fashion presentation and to get first dibs on Spring ’10 collections by all the designers, an impressive guest list piled into the store and adjacent event space. Those in attendance were able to meet the new class—including the young and aspiring Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Stephanie Kuhr—while also sipping cocktails, munching on finger foods, and mingling with fellow fashion admirers.
Two presented looks by Leah Fagan (left) and Stephanie Kuhr (right)
Each 2010 designer presented his or her work in a series of three-model installations. That is, three models were strategically propped on their own platform and were then cycled out to present three new looks. Guests circled the platforms like tigers circling their prey for an up-close and personal view of each look–looks that proved CFI has a nack for selecting talented designers. In addition to placing a lot of local fashion at shoppers’ manicured fingertips, this event marked the beginning of CFI’s many other events and trunk shows to be had during the shop’s month-long tenure (for a complete list, click here). As the pop-up shop introduces more locals and travelers to Chicago fashion, we look forward to watching CFI’s new class grow as visionaries, craftsmen and entrepreneurs who proudly hold the title “Chicago Designer.”
By Meghan Turner
Tags: CFI, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Retelle, Lara Miller, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Stephanie Kuhr, The 900 Shops
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Weekend Events and Sales in Chicago
Friday, March 19th, 2010
EVENTS
re:MAKE Fashion Show at Loyola University’s Mundelein Center Auditorium (1020 W Sheridan Road)
On Friday at 7pm, the re:MAKE Fashion Show will feature collections by local designers showing off their first-hand fashions created with second-hand materials.
Swap-O-Rama-Rama at Chicago Waldorf School (1300 W Loyola Avenue)
On Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (1-5pm), bring a bag of unwanted clothing and a small donation to Swap-O-Rama-Rama, and you’ll be able to exchange your threads for items in the “swap pile.”
Laura Tanner Jewelry Trunk Show at Dame Couture (1927 Central Street in Evanston)
On Saturday from noon to 5pm, enjoy champagne and cookies at Dame Couture while perusing Laura Tanner’s bridal collections. Laura will also be on hand to help you with your selections.
Cynthia Ryba Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
On Saturday from 12-6pm, Chicago designer Cynthia Ryba shows off her collection as a part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s month-long pop-up shop at The 900 Shops.
CFI’s 2010 New Designer Trunk Show at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Meet and shop the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s new class, including C/FAN, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fegan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Stephanie Kuhr, this Saturday from 12-8pm.
Afternoon Tea and Dresses by Jess Audey at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
View and shop Jess Audey’s Fall 2010 collection of dresses this Saturday from 12-2pm at CFI’s pop-up shop.
Veruca Salt Scarf Folding Class (1921 N Damen Avenue)
Want to learn more ways to wear your scarves? Head to Veruca Salt’s Bucktown location on Saturday from 1-2pm, and they’ll show you how.
SALES
Chicago Fashion Incubator Pop-up Store at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Starting this Saturday, CFI’s current designers and alumni will be selling their collections at this pop-up store on the fifth floor of The 900 Shops.
Maria Pinto Liquidation Sale (133 N Jefferson Street)
Maria Pinto’s five-day Liquidation Sale ends this Saturday, March 20. It’s your last chance to snag some of her incredible designs at 50-70% off. Plus, for these final two days of the sale, get an addition 25% off the sale price!
Fix’s Wheel of Fashion (1101 W Fulton Market)
Until March 30, swing by Fix for the opportunity to spin the wheel of fashion, which offers variety of discounts, including 15-20% off, free goodies, and gift cards.
GAVIN in Wonderland (1939 Central Street in Evanston)
Stop by GAVIN boutique this weekend and pick from a deck of cards for the chance to receive 10-20% off your purchase. One lucky girl will win a $250 gift certificate!
More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales
Images courtesy of Laura Tanner
Tags: C/FAN, CFI, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Incubator, Chicago Sales, Cynthia Ryba, Donaldo Smith, Fix Boutique, GAVIN, Jess Audey, Jonnie Rettele, Laura Tanner, Leah Fegan, Maria Pinto, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Stephanie Kuhr, The 900 Shops
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