Second City Style

Fashion Focus Chicago. An Affair To Remember? Fashion Focus Reflection. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Chicago's second citywide fashion week called 'Fashion Focus Chicago' took place September 20 - October 1, 2006. Here is Second City Style's honest review;

By Ann John Second City Style

Fashion Focus Chicago 2006, a 12 day extravaganza of runway shows, shopping events, and designer seminars, highlighted the city’s burgeoning fashion industry. Still in its fledgling stages, the events were nonetheless superbly executed and brought out sizeable crowds comprised of both professionals and everyday Chicagoans. We at Second City Style had plenty of fun and the opportunity to see some stunning clothes. And while we admire the dedication, talent, and hard work of everyone involved in making Fashion Focus a success, we also felt that there were still plenty of improvements to be made to the increasingly prominent venture.

One of the more noticeable trends of Fashion Focus was its consumer driven slant. On the positive side, it distinguishes our fashion week from those of other cities, and who wouldn’t enjoy a good shopping event with attractive discounts? Catering to consumers is furthermore important for a young industry such as ours simply because a large part of the whole affair is to educate Chicagoans on the fashion and retail options available to them. What we suggest however is that Fashion Focus juxtapose those consumer driven events with more fashion oriented ones, and clearly draw distinctions between the two. We wanted to see Spring ’07 clothes on the runway, Read More

Fashion Focus Chicago. Sister Cities Shows a World of Fashion. Second City Style Fashion Blog

By Ann John Second City Style

Fashion Focus wasn’t just all about Chicago. On Tuesday night, the Sister Cities International Program hosted a runway show at the Chase North Promenade in Millennium Park honoring fashions from its 25 participating global cities. In the words of Fashion Advisory Council Chair Melissa Turner, who gave a short speech before the show, the aim is to put “a spotlight on designers with ties to a sister city.” But with familiar names such as James de Colon and Basia Frossard in the evening’s roster, it soon became clear that these designers also shared ties to Chicago. For many of them, it’s now their home. And all of them, in fact, sell their pieces in stores and boutiques throughout the city. Read More

Fashion Focus Chicago. Macy's Designers of Chicago Runway Show. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Macy's Designers of Chicago fashion show took place at Millennium Park, September 27, 2006. The runway show showcased nine (of 47) of the designer collections picked by Macy's to participate in their Chicago-based designer store on State Street.

Since the clothes are currently available at Macy's, this was a fall '06 (consumer) fashion show. The designers were; Lara Miller, Katrin Schnabl, Cyndi Chan, Doris Ruth, Kent Nielsen, Michelle Tan, Orlando Espinoza, Maria Pinto and Price Walton.

Lara Miller                                Katrin Schnabl

Cyndi Chan                                Doris Ruth

Michelle Tan                            Orlando Espinoza

Price Walton

photos: Robert Carl

Fashion Focus Chicago. Macy's Glamorama 2006. Beefcake and Beyoncé. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Moschino

Beyoncé headlined Macy’s Glamorama (a fashion charity event to benefit the Art Institute of Chicago) this past Friday evening. This year's show The Glamosphere was meant to showcase fashions from around the globe combining the sights and sounds of numerous cultures. Beyoncé and her mother Tina Knowles also used this opportunity to introduce their contemporary clothing line, House of Deréon (they love accents), which made its runway debut during the show’s grand finale.

Since 1999, under the Marshall Field’s name, Glamorama has raised nearly $2 million for the Art Institute of Chicago. This year (the first as Macy's) Glamorama attendees saw Fall '06 fashions from just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Badgley Mischka,Tuleh, Peter Som, D&G, Temperley London, Ralph Lauren, Moschino and House of Deréon. I'm not sure how this selection embraces "around the world." Maybe they mean around the fashion world (NY, LA, Milan, London and well, not France).

Just Cavalli

Peter Som & Marc Jacobs

Temperley London

House of Deréon

Summay: While the production of the show itself was a feast for the eyes...having House of Deréon as the finale and sharing the stage with the likes of Badgley Mischka, Tuleh and Peter Som was the equivelent of going from dinner at Everest to dessert at DQ.

Fashion Focus Chicago. Street Beat Glamorama Style...After The Show At The Post Party. Second City Style Fashion Blog

After viewing Fall '06 fashions by Tuleh, Bagley Mischka, Moschino, Peter Som, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Temperley, D & G and House of Dereon...not to mention a two-song performance by Beyonce (photo above) it was time for the after party over at Macy's.

Our goal was to find some fashion standouts and thankfully, there were many. While we only focus on women's fashion, I have to note that the men in Chicago (or at least at the events of Fashion Focus Chicago) have really stepped up to the plate. We were seeing well-dressed men everywhere we turned!

Kelly stood out in a sea of black evening gowns and looked stunning in Proenza Schouler.

Kim in Ella Moss and Ann in Single both were picture perfect in their outfits and bright smile accessories.

I drooled over this stunning dress when we first walked into the event and prayed we would find her at the after party. Thankfully we saw Laura again in her Balenciaga cocktail dress. The outfit (including the clutch you can't see) was a winner from head-to-toe. Seeing this made my night!

I love the way Emily pulled off this combo. An H&M dress paired with fab Michael Kors boots.

Three well-dressed friends in (right to left) Wyeth, Cynthia Rowley and Diane von Furstenberg. Perfect!

Fashion Focus Chicago. Chicago Is Not Just Red Hot, It's On Fire! Second City Style

Last night was the Apparel Industry Board's turn for their fashion show "Chicago Is...Red Hot" at Millennium Park. This was not your typical runway fashion show. Not by a long shot. 42 Chicago designers presented everything from children's, men's, bridal, evening, casual, handbag, shoes and jewelry in a constant and sometimes dizzying stream of glitz and more glitz.

The show had a much different feel and run of designers than that of GenArt and Macy's shows earlier in the week and was clearly aimed at Gold Coast (or Palm Beach) society.

Here are our best look picks:

Kim Duff Inc's take on the seasons hot color...grey.

Fashion Focus Chicago. Design College Design Challenge. Second City Style Fashion Blog

On Tuesday, September 26 from 10 a to 2pm, under the Chicago Theatre marquee, fashion design students and facultyfrom Columbia College Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, International Academy of Design & Technology and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago came together for the Design School, Design Challenge. The cahllenge: creat one-of-a-kind designs from materials in four hours.

The challenge began with each group of students and their faculty receiving an identical "bag of goodies" which included four different types of fabric, trims and other surprises. Each group worked diligently as crowds gathered to observe the creative process, from inspiration to the final work will be a design unique to the students and each school.

Columbia College Chicago fashion design students:  Paul Wesolowski, Jen Grygiel and fashion design faculty member Lynda Roddy.

 

Fashion Focus Chicago. Street Beat. Spotted At The Designers of Chicago Fashion Show. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Until we receive our good photos, here are some I took at the event last night with my terrible digital. There were some standout attendees, which we always love to see!

Orlando Espinoza

Lara Miller

We saw this fabulously dressed fashionista at the after party at The China Grill and had to take her picture. Her jacket is BCBG and her bag is Marc Jacobs. Two snaps up! We love seeing this...

Here is Janice Moskoff of Beta Boutique in a fab knit dress by Lara Miller and her famous smile.

Model friends and Neiman Marcus survivors (bless them) looking forward to the fashion show. I dig the hat.

Here is Jennifer in Cyndi Chan after the show. She would look great in a burlap sack, but she was smokin last night.

Fashion Focus Chicago. Strutting in the Streets: The Street Beat Fashion Show. Second City Style Fashion Blog

By Rachel Yeomans Second City Style

Model: Lexis Noel

 

Sashaying down two red carpets on the east and west sides of State Street this Wednesday were a handful of Ford models donning featured designs by Chicago's very own future artists. The Street Beat fashion show, sponsored by the Chicago Loop Alliance, catered to the Loop lunch crowd between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Styles were created by students from Columbia College Chicago, the International Academy of Design & Technology, the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the soiree of designs by our city’s up-and-coming stylists. Many, I admit, would probably not make Project Runway (oh the dangling threads from those unfinished hems!), but there was still something to be taken from the show. At first, the featured designs were playing it safe with the many-a mini tube dress, but after the first hour, the event took the runway turn to inspire, impress and at times flaunt the form kicking function off the red carpet.

Main disappointments: The music could have used some work. The jump from rap to pop music—I believe I heard “1985” by Bowling for Soup thrown in there—was almost distracting while trying to concentrate on the clothing at large. Also, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of variety in the attire. As I mentioned before, tube dresses were plentiful, I think I saw two pant/top sets throughout the entire show, and then came the ball gowns. I don’t know about you, but I’m way past my prom days.

Model: Anita

 Designer: Anna Wilkerson (Academy of Design & Technology) - Model: Veronica

Fashion Focus Chicago. List of Participating Designers. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Alexis Garrett Jewelry Website
Alice Berry Studio Website

Alyce Designs
Alyse Siede Designs
Amy Lenzi
Antsypants Jewelry
Beth Lambert Website
BocUe Bags & Design Website 
Brazen Judy
Bruiser
bya Denim Website
Caroline Devillo Couture Website
Caroline Rose
Catherine Doll Clothing Website
CC Bella Website
Christopher Calvin
Cuff Luv Website
Cyndi Chan Website
Cynthia Ashby, Inc. Website
Dame Couture
Daniella Siahou Website
Diego Rocha Designs Website
Doris Ruth Website
Double Stitch Website
Elizabeth Brady Shoes Website

Fashion Focus Chicago. “Behind the Seams” Fashion Focus on Division St. Second City Style Fashion Blog

By Second City Style Contributor, Ann John

This past Friday evening, we headed up to West Division for “Behind the Seams” Fashion Focus on Division Street." With seven participating boutiques located across a 17 block stretch from 500 W. Division all the way to 2200 W. Division, the event provided people with as much walking as it did shopping. As part of the events, each store hosted a trunk show featuring a designer of their choice. Pleine Aire, for example, had local jewelry designer Stacy Cohen while the brand new stationery shop An je neu focused on pieces from a jewelry boutique in Cape Cod.

Other participating stores included the men’s boutique Bynum & Bang, local designer boutique Habit, the funky lifestyle store Casa de Soul, and Pump Shoes & Accessories. In addition, shoppers got to indulge in complimentary drinks and appetizers at each of the different boutiques, making the trip to these stores all the more tempting. Owners reported strong business for the night, “The traffic’s been great, and I’m very glad that we participated in this,” said Jill Carroll from Pleine Aire.

“It’s great to get people from other neighborhoods to come here,” said Habit boutique owner Lindsay Boland. Indeed Wicker Park is a rapidly changing neighborhood, and within the last couple of years, has become an inveterate stop for those looking to support local design talent while finding innovative wardrobe items and funky boutiques. But in between these shops, you’ll still see laundromats, drug stores, and many other indicators of working class life, which goes to show just how young of a city Chicago is fashion wise. But it also helps to make for a one-of-a-kind retail experience. Where else would you be able to find a high end boutique and a dollar store along the same block? 

Fashion Focus Chicago. The Secret Fashion Garden. Fashion Show. Second City Style Fashion Blog

The Historic Water Tower Park directly off Michigan Avenue, was the backdrop for The Secret Fashion Garden Fashion Show earlier today. Design students from The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, unveiled their interpretations of the gardens along The Mag Mile. It is also the closest thing Chicagoans will see to spring fashions this week during Fashion Focus Chicago.

The designs were part of a summer curriculum at the school where the students used such techniques as felting and fabric manipulation. To view the student's inspirations and weekly progress, visit The Secret Fashion Garden Progress. While most of the designs were not for everyday wear, they were fresh, gutsy and different.

Designer: Shirley Santiago

Designer: Rosalinda Miller

Designer: Martine Grywalski

Designer: Alissa Cannon

Designer & Winner of Best In Show: Paula Adams

- Lauren Dimet

Fashion Focus Chicago. GenArt Chicago's ShopCHICago...In Pictures. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Union Station was the scene and be seen place to be last night for the kick-off of Fashion Focus Chicago. Local designers and boutiques we hope had a very successful evening. We know we did...shopping.

photos from GenArt Chicago
Designers included (partial)-
Agenieszka Kulon
Alexis Drake Jewelry
Calvin Tran
Christina Wolf Couture
Cyndi Chan (Casa de Soul)
Erin Gallagher
Five Accessories
I.S. Designs
Joann Lysiak
Juliet Jewelry
Kathleen Mavie Designs
Lara Miller
Melanie Nicole
Michelle Tan
Nasaani
P3 Clothing
Siahou
Sojourn Bags
Sophia Forero
Tracey Mayer
Vika

Fashion Focus Chicago. Check It Out. What's It All About? Second City Style Fashion Blog

Fashion Focus Chicago begins Wednesday and runs for 12 days! Second City Style will be everywhere and we are already exhausted just planning who will be where.

Here are my thoughts about the extravaganza. Our (Chicago's) fashion week is consumer driven. So unlike the shows in NYC, LA, Paris, London and Milan...we will be seeing what is currently in the stores and designs  from local talent....Fall '06.

Can Fashion Focus Chicago eventually evolve into something like NY Fashion Week, which is more fashion oriented? I will let you know. For now, consumers in Chicago seem excited just to have any sort of fashion week. However, our Fashion Week (or 2 weeks) is run by the city whose primary concern is attracting more business and obviously keeping talent here (instead of a mass exodus to NY or LA)...fashion just happens to be hot right now. I would think this will make it harder to be taken seriously by the world as any sort of fashion force.  Yet, Second City Style holds out hope and heck...if we can get Chicagoans interested in fashion, then maybe, just maybe...we can improve the aesthetics on our city streets and finally shed the reputation for being a Midwest city that could care less about how we look. Praise be.

- Lauren Dimet