Macy's Presents: The Designers of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) 2011 Runway Show

Tuesday, October 18, 2011:

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:

MODAHNIK

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

Crystal B. Designs fuses architectural form with the female silhouette to positively enhance the features of the female figure:

PHOTO BY:  FRANCIS SON

SHAVONNE DORSEY

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

CETTINA

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

ERIC KIPP

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 

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

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

Killian Gui is a contemporary Menswear brand that masters the blend of elegant business attire with modern casual wear:

PHOTO BY:  DEAN PAUL

NONNIE

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 CECILIA

 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

DOTTIE'S DELIGHTS

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: 

 ANNA HOVET

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

 CYNTHIA RYBA

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: 

 AGGA B

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

EVIL KITTY

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. 

CS Magazine & Macy's Present: The Chicago Fashion Incubator Designers Show - Past & Present

Tuesday, October 19, 2010:

After a few hours of sleep and a full day of work it was officially time to start the Fashion Focus festivities!  I tightened the bowtie, met my roommate Todd Starr Smith and my Boss Marie P. Anderson and we hopped a cab to Millennium Park.  Once we arrived, Kiran Advani saved us from the daunting line and showed us to our seats.  There we were - sitting in the press section, ready to have a look at the Chicago Fashion Incubator:  Past and Present Show.  This, the first of the runway shows at Millennium Park, was presented by CS Magazine and Macy's and featured looks from the 2008-2010 past CFI designers:  Anna Hovet, Jess Audey, Nora del Busto, Agga B. Raya, Lidia Wachowska, Kate Coxworth and Kristin Hassan - followed by collections from the current designers-in-residence at the CFI:  Leah Fagan, Christina Fan, Stephanie Kuhr, Donaldo Smith, Miriam Cecilia Carlson and Jonnie Rettele.

The show began with collections from past designers (followed by the current collections) and we saw 103 looks glide down the runway.  I was able to scribble some thoughts for each of the collections and below is my take on what I saw from each.  Special thanks to Dean Paul for his fantastic photography.  Here we go!

Past CFI Designers:

Kristin Hassan:

Kristin Hassan - Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago alumni and former contestant on The Fashion Show - sent out a collection of playful dresses with a flirty feel to each.  Her embellishments, such as handmade headpieces, exposed zippers and over-the-top broaches adorned her looks.  Volume and polka dots were key to her collection.

Kate Boggiano (Kate Coxworth):

 

Kate Coxworth of Kate Boggiano played with tailored pieces that whispered of sweetness.  Her fringe details and over-sized collars offered a hint of personality and fun to these somewhat business-like looks.  She focused on deep necklines and simple details to add a softer sex appeal to her collection.

Evil Kitty (Lidia Wachowska):

Lidia Wachowska of Evil Kitty gave us a pretty collection that screamed of a rocker chick.  This conflicting idea worked for this collection adorned with spikes, lace and safety pins.  Her silk cocktail dresses and striped details gave a tough feel to your ordinary dress.

Agga B. (Agga B. Raya):

Agga B. Raya of Agga B. is quickly becoming one of my favorites from this year with her stacked fabric dresses and powerful silhouettes.  Any high-powered business woman would die to wear her fur adorned looks and origami cut dresses.  Here is a designer with a strong point of view and the talent to make waves in the industry.

Anna Hovet:

Anna Hovet constructed a series of tunics, tops and rompers in soft pastels - with touches of black for contrast.  Her 'geek chic' theme was represented with big eye glasses and fingerless gloves that climbed up the models' arms.  Her soft silhouettes and futuristic sportswear looked comfortable and easy to wear.

Nora del Busto:

Nora del Busto showed the crowd a collection of detailed dresses full of interest.  Her cut-outs, exposed zippers  and weaved fabrics gave the garments an extra level of designer touches.  She added splashes of fuchsia and busy patterns to make her looks stand out.

Audey (Jess Audey):

Jess Audey of Audey designed an earthy, pretty collection of dresses and skirts with volume, color and pattern.  Her collection was sweet and modest with a country girl feel to it.  The models couldn't help but smile as they walked down the runway wearing her dresses - in cowboy boots, no less.

Current CFI Designers-in-Residence:

C/FAN (Christina Fan):

Christina Fan of C/FAN - who is known for her solid-colored basics that easily transform from day to night - has gone a bit tropical (and I love it.)  Her collection this time around featured beautiful sunsets and beach scenes on chiffon - breaking away from the C/FAN norm, while still keeping the essence of the flowing, easy-to-wear looks that Christina is known for.

Killian Gui (Donaldo Smith):

Donaldo Smith of Killian Gui - one of two menswear designers-in-residence - sent out a collection of woven shirts full of extra details.  Pearl buttons, raglan sleeves and pinstripes adorned his collection of well-made shirts.  He played with color-blocking and Gingham check to add variety and a smart feel to his collection.

Alidade (Leah Fagan):

 Leah Fagan of Alidade constructed an array of blouses, pants and cardigans that are easy to wear and comfortable.  Her classic looks and asymmetrical cuts added ease to her collection and her cool color palette offered a fresh breath of air to her line.

Dottie's Delights (Stephanie Kuhr):

Stephanie Kuhr of Dottie's Delights always has vintage on her mind.  This was clear in her sexy collection of bras, girdles and garters that made the audience take notice.  She added pops of red and spiral details on bras to attract attention to all the right places.

Nonnie Threads (Jonnie Rettele): 

Jonnie Rettele of Nonnie Threads has an eye for menswear (and for what I personally like).  Her collection featured interesting cuts and layered looks that left me wanting more.  The fitted wovens, slim-fit pants and collared vests added interest and depth to her stellar collection.  One of my faves.

Miriam Cecilia (Miriam Cecilia Carlson):

Miriam Cecilia Carlson of Miriam Cecilia was the closing collection of the show - and she did so with a 'bang'.  Her short dresses and long gowns feature mica - a mineral she hand-mines and uses to add detail to her dresses, or to make necklaces to perfectly complement her looks.  Her white and plum strapless gown with a train (shown above) was the perfect choice for her finale - gorgeous!

 _______________________________

I hope you enjoyed having a look at the collections that hit the runway this past Tuesday from the past and present Chicago Fashion Incubator designers.  Congratulations to all the designers for their hard work and dedication.  Designing a collection takes focus and determination and all of you continue to make Chicago proud and the world take notice.

Until next year!

Truly,

R.M.B.

**ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEAN PAUL**