The time has come for another round of coverage for Fashion Focus Chicago! Some of you may be wondering what took me so long to get posting after the shows - and I'll tell you: I think I have literally just woken up after a week of events. I was able to make it to ten events last week - yes, ten - and I have found some time to post about the two tent shows that I was able to attend in Millennium Park. So - let's get to it...
One of my very favorite shows each year is "The Designers of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) Runway Show presented by Macy's." This year was no different, with a stellar showing from the past DIR (Designers in Residence) - many of whom I have had the opportunity to work with professionally at Agency Galatea - and the current 2011 DIR. We saw the work of a whopping fifteen designers walk the runway, dominated by womenswear with a total of twelve collections and three menswear collections. The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) is one of my favorite organizations in Chicago, as it helps to "bridge the gap between design school and entrepreneurship" by offering designers the "workspace and tools to establish and grow their companies." (Not to mention - a ton of good buzz to help expose their work to a market beyond Chicago.)
I arrived a bit later than expected (thank you, Rachel Yeomans for the text!) and got settled in my press seat with my bud, Kate Jacobsen. (Another shout-out to Kamal Bosamia (Media Relations Manager, Macy's) and the amazing Lara Miller (Executive Director, CFI) for their wonderful accommodations!) Before we could scope out the printed list of looks - the show had begun. What followed was a colorful mix of fabrics, patterns and cuts that spoke to many different customers. I was especially pleased to see a great line of plus sized designs - along with some of my old favorites - who will remain unnamed ... I blog fair, people. (But, you know who you are!)
In case you weren't able to attend - I would like to bring you back to that day with me by posting some looks below and a bit of info about each designer. Ready for the show?
Lights slowly fade to black.
Music starts.
Lights blast on.
The first model hits the runway and works...
CURRENT 2011 DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE:
Influenced by her vibrant African heritage fused with Western design sensibilities, Modahnik exudes an underlying sexiness via signature African textiles and is produced in Africa using fair trade practices:
PHOTO BY: FRANCIS SON
Crystal B. Designs fuses architectural form with the female silhouette to positively enhance the features of the female figure:
PHOTO BY: FRANCIS SON
Timeless, classic designs are updated with special details that add a twist of originality, essential to making the Shavonne Dorsey customer feel special:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Concetta (designer) strives to balance femininity with structure, strength with beauty, and intricacy with simplicity - the same elements that embody the women she designs for:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
A modern perspective to classic menswear with a commitment to quality and U.S. manufacturing, Eric’s line focuses on sharply tailored suits and separates that easily transition from office to evening:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Gidi blends vintage sophistication with modern flair, giving everyone that wears her garments a subtle allure that makes them unforgettable:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
PAST DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE - 2010:
C/FAN is a marriage of menswear inspired details, such as pocket squares, and feminine silhouettes, which creates a line that is extremely versatile, high quality and still affordable:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Killian Gui is a contemporary Menswear brand that masters the blend of elegant business attire with modern casual wear:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Nonnie is a result of early-mid 1900's inspiration, merged with a modern semblance. The designs are inspired by men's desire for functionality, fit, and ambition for modernity:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Miriam manipulates fabric to create more "sculpted than stitched" garments. The collection ranges from cocktail separates to couture hand-sewn gowns referred to as "soaring, abstract, iridescent and darkly beautiful":
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
A line of vintage-inspired lingerie and foundation wear - sophisticated underthings that shape the body naturally into a more flattering silhouette:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
PAST DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE - 2009:
Inspired by the Chicago underground music/art scene and influenced by modern trends, the young contemporary line is unique, edgy and comfortable:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Strong, hard working, multitasking women are a constant source of inspiration for Ryba. She strives to develop pieces that are not only artistically inspiring but that also make sense in a modern women's wardrobe:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
PAST DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE - 2008:
The growing cultural environment of Chicago helps Agga implement her artistic visions of fusing fashion and art into one creative entity:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
The line has two distinct personalities; one is punky and playful, while the other is sleek and classy. Evil Kitty's target audience is strong, independent women who like to stand out in the crowd. Bright colors and playful designs dominate the Evil Kitty landscape:
PHOTO BY: DEAN PAUL
Finale walk.
Clapping, clapping, clapping.
Lights slowly fade out.
So - what did you think of the show? I certainly hope you enjoyed it and that you will take a moment to check out the websites of these talented designers. These are the people that are working hard every day to make a name for themselves - and a name for Chicago fashion. I thank you for joining me at the CFI Show (what? ... you just saw the show - tell all your friends) and I hope to see you very soon.
We may even sit front row.
Truly,
R.M.B.
