A Very Merry "Fashion's Night Out"

Thursday, September 8, 2011:
It can be said that anything Anna Wintour creates/endorses/promotes turns into fashion gold.  Well - I said it ... not sure if you agree - but seriously?  That women is a powerful fashion genius.  Moving on..

In New York - 2009 - Ms. Wintour (be polite - or she'll eat you) - started "Fashion's Night Out", "as a means to encourage consumers to shop and support the fashion industry during the tough economic climate." (wikifashion)  Now, just two years later, FNO is celebrated in over 250 cities (and in NYC alone, over 1000 retailers continue the new tradition.)  

This year - Chicago was no exception - with events popping up all over town to celebrate our love of fashion.  Michigan Avenue was buzzing with stylish fetes this year - as was Oak Street and so many other retailers across the city.  (In fact, the new TOPSHOP|TOPMAN opened to the public on September 8th - which Chicago clearly has a huge crush on already.)

I was honored to be able to attend The 900 Shops FNO event called "Fame, Fashion & Flavor: 900's Night Out" - which was hosted by ... waaaaaait for it:  THE Brad Goreski. *swoons - passes out - hits head - dreams of Brad - wakes up again to continue writing this post* ... Where was I?  Oh yes ... the event was also sponsored by my buds at CS Magazine, the wonderful women at Julie Watson Style, Gilt City, Fig Media (shout out to my favorite fashion DJ - Megan Taylor!), Event Creative, eDrop-Off (who had an amazing photo booth), Agency Galatea (so proud of my girls and guys!) and many other fantastic local businesses that gave their time, energy and services to make this outstanding event come to life.  The result?  An absolute fashion success - and in my opinion - one of the best parties on the Avenue.  (Biased?  Maybe - but I don't lie - so that makes me right.)

(L) Brad & Paige Ann Peterson ... (M) Kelli Zink & Brad ... (R) Candace Jordan & Brad

Agency Galatea Guys and Girls with Brad Goreski:

 (L) Briana, Brad & Katie ... (M) Saba & Nick ... (R) Brad and Josh:

 (L to R - Back Row) Josh, Nick, Mike & Thomas

(Front Row) Julie Watson & Annie Barlow

Once my models had walked the runway and the event was settling down - I joined a group of friends to head over to support one of my favorite Chicago shops - Sofia Vintage on Oak Street.  We walked over (everyone looking dashing - like it was Fashion Christmas) to check out who was "Living Lovely" at 72 East Oak.  We arrived and were greeted by many familiar faces.  I ran into one of my favorite Chicago fashion photographers, Bryan Whitely - and then was thrilled to see the lovely Ciara Newby.  We went outside to get some air (Sofia was hoppin!) and ran into Mr. Ian Doran - who had just come from work at Jack Spade (lucky.)  The crowd outside was fantastic - such a mix of styles and conversations and handshakes.

As I departed for home, I decided to leave my headphones in my pocket and take it all in.  I strolled up Oak Street and then continued South on Rush.  Everywhere I looked, there were glimpses of fashion - like an entire city had taken an extra few minutes to put on something
special this evening. The city was buzzing with an energy that was quite different than any other day when I have walked these streets. I smiled as I strolled, a bit slower than normal - hands in my pockets, grinning like a child on Christmas morning.


Only - this was different - this was Fashion Christmas...


...and this perfectly stylish night was my gift.


Happy "Fashion's Night Out", Chicago.


Truly,


R.M.B.


P.s.  To check out my FNO interview with Chicago 3 Media, click HERE.   (:

Merry Fashion Christmas to ME.

The Chicago Fashion Incubator Announces the 2011 Designers in Residence

Tuesday, March 15, 2011:

It was a surprisingly pleasant Chicago evening as I made my way over to The 900 Shops for one of my favorite events of the year.  I pushed through the revolving doors and began my way up the escalator to the 5th floor.  I collected my thoughts as I rode the steps and thought about this event, the year before...

It was March 16, 2010 - the very day that I met some of the talented individuals that I now call my friends.  They were bright-eyed and nervous - ready to showcase their collections and prove to Chicago that they all had what it took to succeed as designers on a real ready-to-wear level.  For the six of them, this was an opportunity of a lifetime to learn the skills that would set their careers in motion.  It was also the day that I made six new friends whom I have had the opportunity to follow as they flourished in their craft - each with a dream of their own.  Let me now congratulate each of you on all the blood, sweat and tears that has brought you to your Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) graduation.  My friends, the class of 2010:  Christina Fan (C/FAN), Donaldo Smith (Killian Gui), Jonnie Rettele (Nonnie Threads), Leah Fagan (ALIDADE), Stephanie Kuhr (Dottie’s Delights) and Miriam Cecilia Carlson (Miriam Cecilia) - I am honored to be a part of your journey...

 *Ryan now wipes a tear, takes a deep breath and pushes forward...*

As I approached the 5th floor, I could hear the hustle of the crowd and the set laid down by DJ Sye Young as it got louder and louder.  I took the first steps through the media check-in and there I was - surrounded by my favorite fashion folk - mingling with some of Chicago's rising stars and those already shining bright.  I started my night by checking out the work of my friends - the current CFI designers in residence, soon to graduate.  After a few photos, hugs and conversation - it was time to make my way in to see the newest batch of designers - the class of 2011.  

I walked into the open space and was immediately greeted with a dazzling set of looks created by the talented hands of Chicago's next class.  Though I only met a few of the new designers, I could tell that this year would produce a stellar batch of what is to come in Chicago fashion.  Models stood tall on platforms, wearing the current collections of the freshest round to join the year-long Chicago Fashion Incubator journey.   Please join me in welcoming the 2011 class:  Concetta Cipriano (Cettina Designs), Shavonne Dorsey (Siobhan Apparel), Eric Kipp (Eric Kipp), Kahindo Mateene (Modahnik), Taneasha Prunty (Gidi) and Crystal Simms (Crystal B. Designs.)

The 2011 Class:

Once I had a good look at the stellar collections, I was able to mix and mingle with the crowd.  I bumped into a couple of designers, including one of my new favorites - menswear designer (call me bias) - and a fresh addition to the class:  Mr. Eric Kipp.  He walked up to me, introduced himself and told me a bit about his collection (one suit, in particular, that he was wearing was to-die-for.)  His custom garments are "fully canvassed construction, hand cut, primarily hand sewn and always made in the USA."  He continued, stating that he "sources fabrics exclusively from Europe’s best mills and offer more than 5,000 textile options."  (All this from a newbie?)  I was already impressed.  He went on to describe that the ready-to-wear line he is developing as part of the CFI program will differ in make from the custom pieces shown on his website and bear a separate label.  "The new garments will still be fully canvassed and feature hand sewn armhole and chest pieces, but will include more machining. The ready-to-wear line will be very masculine (but refined), very tailored and have a strong emphasis on separates as opposed to full suits."  All I know - is that I want to get my hands on these suits.

 

After shaking Eric's hand and hearing the official introduction of the 2011 class - by two of my favorite people:  Sarah Burrows (Marketing Manager at The 900 Shops) and Lara Miller (CFI Executive Director and Owner/Designer of Lara Miller Ltd.) - it was time to journey on to my next adventure.  I made my way back to the escalator and took the ride down, thinking yet again what a truly amazing event this is.  None other throughout the year are able to speak so fittingly to my Chicago fashion heart, as does this one.  Set to inspire, teach and expose our fashion community, the Chicago Fashion Incubator program is truly an initiative that fights for the continued evolution of the fashion in our fine city.  I offer my congratulations to the newest class and wish them well as they move forward to give their very own blood, sweat and tears.  Just know that we are all here to offer a band-aid, wipe your brow and give a shoulder to cry on.  

The fight is yours now.

Make us proud.

Truly,

R.M.B.

The 2011 class with their designs:

 

Jessica McCafferty & Ryan M. Beshel:

Sarah Burrows & Lara Miller:

Christina Fan & Chelsea Lavin:

 

Ryan M. Beshel, Jessica McCafferty & Marcus Riley:

If you weren't able to make the launch event, please don't miss these upcoming events to get your eyes (and hands) on these amazing Chicago collections:

APRIL:

Friday, 1st, 12 to 6 p.m. – Dottie’s Delights & Miriam Cecilia Manicures & Mocktails

Saturday, 2nd, 7 12 to 5 p.m. – Spring into Glamour and the Future with Evil Kitty

Sunday, 3rd, 1 to 5 p.m. – Anna Hovet Trunk Show

Sunday, 3rd, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Buyer’s Brunch

Thursday, 7th, 6 to 9 p.m. – Kristin Hassan Fashion Show

Friday, 8th, 4 to 7 p.m. – Alidade Trunk Show

Friday, 8th, 8 to 10 p.m. – Zamrie Fashion Show

Saturday, 9th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. –Dottie’s Delights Spring Pin Up Photo Shoot Event

Sunday, 10th, 12 to 3 p.m. – Zamrie Trunk Show

Friday, 15th, 6 to 9 p.m. – Nonnie Threads Trunk Show

Friday, 15th, 6 to 9 p.m. – Miriam Cecilia Fashion Show

Saturday, 16th, 2 to 6 p.m. – Alidade Trunk Show

Sunday, 17th, 12 to 5 p.m. – Kristin Hassan Trunk Show

Sunday, 17th, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Nora del Busto Trunk Show

Thursday, 21st, 6 to 9 p.m. – Killian Gui Informal Presentation

***Store hours: The retail store will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each Thursday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sundays through Saturday, April 23rd. The pop up shop number is (312) 649-9479.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

ANDREW TSE

The Bowtie is Back!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010:
Hello again to you all! First, let me apologize for neglecting you and my beloved Bowtie Memoirs for so long. Things have been quite busy in my world, which is why I'd like to take a minute today and fill you in on all the happenings this past month or so. As you may know, I have been on the job search since I completed college in December. This journey has kept me quite busy and blogging, as well as attending events, had unfortunately taken a back seat during this process.

In April, I took a great internship at The 900 Shops to gain experience in marketing and broaden my skills. I worked under the amazing Sarah Burrows, Marketing Manager, assisting her in daily tasks and promotions, as well as handling the social media for The Shops. I worked the internship until the end of May, when a great opportunity came my way...

My dear friend and mentor, Julie Darling, passed along a job lead to me just before I left my internship. The position was to assist the Fashion & Beauty Director, Marie P. Anderson, at a modeling agency called Agency Galatea. I met with Marie, Alexis McGraw (Marie's assistant/fashion booker) and Katherine Tenerowicz (the Director of G&J Models), and knew right away that I could fit right in. A few days later (and some relevant negotiations), I got 'the call' and was offered the position!

I now officially work for Marie P. Anderson, an International Model Agent and Scout, former fashion model, modeling industry expert, public speaker and educator with over 30 years of professional experience - (not to mention, she discovered THE Cindy Crawford). In my new position, I assist in the daily management of models, their marketing materials such as comps/portfolios, help coordinate photo shoots and runway shows, and procure print work for any given talent. I also manage the website updates and online portfolios, while working to establish a strong presence for the brand using social media. My focus for the future is to assist in increasing business and to grow with the company as they forge ahead.

To get you up to speed: Agency Galatea is a division of Grossman & Jack Talent, an agency that has represented actors and voice-over talent in Chicago for many years now. Katherine Tenerowicz, whom I mentioned above, runs G&J Models, a division that represents commercial and lifestyle models. These three entities all work together, as well as individually, all under one roof. Needless to say, there is never a lack of creativity and controlled chaos in the office - which is perfect for me! I already feel right at home with the team and can't wait to learn more about the industry as I move forward with the agency. The office is moving to a new location in July, which will make for an exciting new beginning for the entire team.

So, my friends - that is what I have been up to all this time! Moving forward, I already have collected some photos for some great posts coming up. Also, keep an eye out for a fantastic feature and photoshoot on me and my blog, which will be posted on the Chicago style site, Style Admirer. Many thanks to Meghan Turner, the editor-in-chief of Style Admirer, who reached out to me to be included. It's truly an honor. I hope all is well with you, my friends and readers. Looks like summer in the city has begun - and it's looking to be the perfect time for new beginnings!

Thank you for reading, and keep an eye out for more very soon!
(I promise.)

Truly and gratefully,

R.M.B.