Obsessions of the Bowtie: Volume 1

Here at The Bowtie Memoirs, I have been completely obsessed with a few things (other than chocolate milk and frozen pizza). What I'm talking about here can't be heated in the oven or poured from a carton. The obsession I speak of is none other than the Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Menswear Collection. It makes me want to sing from mountain tops (or Willis Tower, I suppose). Now, for any of you who may not be brushed up on your McQueen info, grab a note pad and pen. It's time to take some notes provided by our friends at GQ.com:

Designer: Alexander McQueen
Owned By: Gucci Group
Founded: 1992, London
History: Famous for his decadent runway shows and prodigious mastery of construction (he trained on Savile Row as a teenager and was tapped to design couture for Givenchy at 27), McQueen is variously inspired by the military, morbidity, and any number of far-flung tribes—often in the same collection. McQueen also oversees a successful women's line, as well as the diffusion brand McQ and a sportswear collection for Puma.
The Look: Lately? Savile Row meets Queensbury Rules
(Thank you, GQ)

Have a look at the photos and you'll know why I have made them my screen saver for every computer I sit in front of. Nothing calms me down from a busy morning at the office like falling into the world of McQueen. This collection is calling my name, and when I get my hands on it, I certainly wont be eating frozen pizza.

After all, I wouldn't want tomato sauce on my overcoat.

-R.M.B.

So, these would cover me for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
(I would wear the third outfit twice--it's just that amazing):

A photograph from the runway show:






















To see these walking works of art, grab a cold glass of chocolate milk and simply CLICK HERE.
Your eyes will thank you.


As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check back for many more 'Obsessions of the Bowtie'...

Latino Fashion Week: Chicago Designers and Awards Presentations

The team at Zzazz Productions does it again..

Tonight, I worked backstage at the Latino Fashion Week Chicago Designers Runway Show. Tracey Tarantino and her Dream Team produced the show at V-Live--a huge, energetic venue off Milwaukee Avenue. A variety of collections were brought to life by the beautiful Ford Models, featuring designs from Sonya Galaviz, James De Colon, Elda De La Rosa, Hector Monarrez, Nora Del Busto and Camilo Pard. The MC for the evening was the lovely Sylvia Perez, Anchor at ABC Chicago.

I ran into Alia Rajput, a writer with Second City Style and we finally had a minute to catch up. Good friends and fellow ILIAC students, Paige Ann Peterson and Maureen Refvem, joined myself and the other volunteers that gave their time to work the show. It's exhilarating to work an event where everyone is motivated by a love for fashion, or people or the rush of the show. Whatever the reason, being surrounded by so much passion is inspiring and I had such a great time.

Keep an eye on that Zzazz Team--they're taking over this city..

Enjoy the photographs,
and thanks for following..

-R.M.B.

(click the image for full size view)

The Zzazz Productions Team:
Abby Zupancic, Tracey Tarantino,
Drew Dallas Deardorff and Xochitl V. Gomez:

Models being make-up'ed:

Get your hair did:

Ryan M. Beshel:

Stephanie, Ford model and the fabulous Paige Ann Peterson

The stunning model, Veronica Zepeda:

Backstage, Pre-Show, Matt Gearhart and his pretty ladies:

The beautiful Sylvia Perez:

The show begins!:

That dress? I die.:

Maureen Refvem, looking lovely in tulle:

The finale look glides down the stairs:

Big Finish:

The Final Walk:

Post-Show Performance:

Ryan M. Beshel, with Tracey Tarantino of Zzazz Productions:


A Great Success!

TBM + DVF = LOVE

Happy Sunday afternoon!

So, I am a (huge) fan of DVF on Facebook and I was looking through the photos albums posted on her site and came across something exciting...

Last Thursday, November 5, 2009 I attended the runway show at Neiman Marcus to view the DVF Cruise/Pre-Spring 09/10 Collection. Well, not only was the show fantastic, but as many of you may have seen, I got to meet the fashion legend herself--the amazing Diane von Furstenberg. If you become a fan of her Facebook page you can view the albums as well, and if you look closely, you will find me photographed sitting front row at the show! (I'm glad I wore blue that day, rather than black--I stick out like a sore thumb!) Have a look for yourself:

Ryan M. Beshel sitting next to the wonderful Barbara Glass at the DVF show:


I also found some pictures of some of friends (hello to Lexis and Stacia!) that model for Ford Models and other stellar agencies in Chicago, pictured here with Diane von Furstenberg:


The gorgeous Stacia Lupu:


The stunning Kara King:


Just one more thing:
After I posted my story about the DVF show, the DVF Twitter page picked up MY story and re-posted it to their 12.000 followers! Day 3 of blogging and already the excitement has begun! Please follow DVF on Twitter and become a fan of The Bowtie Memoirs on Facebook.

I hope you enjoy the new look of the blog!
Keep checking back for more stories on the events, people and places that make Chicago such a stylish city...

And as always, thanks for the support!

Truly,

-R.M.B.