The Mayor's Fashion Council of Chicago Presents: The Fashion Focus Kick-Off Event at 'The W'

Monday, October 18, 2010:

After a long Monday at the Agency Galatea office, it was time to begin the madness:  a week-long celebration of the fashion that our fine city has to offer.  To kick-off Fashion Focus, now in it's sixth year - the Mayor's Fashion Council of Chicago held a swanky soiree at the W Chicago - Lakeshore, located on the 33rd floor in the Altitude Room.  The view was brilliant - boasting cityscape views on the west side of the circular space, and offering a spectacular look at Lake Michigan from the east.  I arrived early with my fabulous boss, Marie P. Anderson and we took in the scenes and the fashions that were displayed around the room.  The party began to quickly fill up with the 'top dogs' of fashion and industry in attendance to begin the celebration.  Many faculty from my alma mater, the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, had attended the event as well and it was so good to catch up with Michael Johnson, Jill Hinrichs and Karen Janko.

Justin Meister, Chicago Fashion Incubator 2010 Designer-In-Residence 

Miriam Cecilia Carlson of Miriam Cecilia, Ryan M. Beshel and Marie P. Anderson:

 DJ Matt Roan:

Photography by Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

As we sipped our 'fashion-tinis', we were treated to a stellar set of tracks spun by none other than DJ Matt Roan - one of Chicago's best DJ's (and quite the snappy dresser, if I do say.)  I scanned the room and was overwhelmed with the amount of people I wanted to talk to - it was as if all my industry buds were in one place - yet so little time!  I was so glad to run into James Goeke - sporting a killer emerald green leather coat - and his friend Royce Oliver, who looked dashing as well.  Around another corner I spotted the wonderful Tenisha Anderson - Queen of Qlix Magazine, and Jada Russell - Head Honcho for High Style Marketing.  Across the room I saw one of my mentors, Barbara Glass of InFashionChicago.com with Tracey Tarantino (Zzazz Productions) and Andrea Schwartz (External & Media Relations - Macy's North Division) - all looking lovely.  Before I slid out into the cool October evening, I got a chance to give Kiran Advani (Spokesperson for the Mayor's Fashion Initiative) and Borris Powell (Owner - Borris Powell Designs) a big hug.  (P.s.  Kiran should get a medal for all the work she has done to keep Chicago fashion moving forward - and for being so cute.)

Tracey Tarantino, Andrea Schwartz, and Barbara Glass:

 Royce Oliver, Jada Russell, and James Goeke:

 Photography by Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

After a few more goodbyes (and am impromptu chat with adorable freelance writer, Molly Each), I hopped the elevator back down to the city streets, excited for the week ahead.  After all, there were six more events in front of me and thirty two more hours in the office to tackle...

Fashion Focus was off to a strong start.

Truly,

R.M.B.

  Kiran Advani, Ryan M. Beshel, and Chicago Designer Borris Powell:

Joey Grant (Publisher - Mint Male Magazine), 

Josh Shores (Director of Fashion - Mint Male Magazine), and Justin Meister:

Photography by Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

Qlix Is HERE (and there and everywhere).

September 22, 2010:

Over a year ago, I sat down to meet with a very motivated and talented woman, with a love for emerging fashion.  (A woman after my own fashion heart.)  We met at a Starbucks and she told me about a very special magazine that she was creating.  This was the first time I had heard about Qlix Magazine.  This creative format was one that I had never seen in any Chicago magazine - it was something fresh and exciting to our industry.  Tenisha Anderson was her name, and Qlix Magazine was 'her baby'.

Time had passed, we kept in touch and then I received an invite that made me clear my evening immediately.  It was the official (and very exclusive) launch party for the magazine's second issue.  I arrived early at JBar with Paige Peterson and Miriam Cecilia Carlson and was warmly greeted by Jada Russell - Owner & Principal Publicist for High Style Marketing (also a great friend of Tenisha's and event planner).  We sipped a cocktail, had a bite to eat and looked through Qlix while waiting to hear Tenisha speak.  As stated earlier, the format is much different than other magazines.  Instead of your typical format, Qlix is laid out like a series of posters and collectors cards.  This allows the reader a much different experience when reading, as well as a piece of art to keep for yourself (see below).

When it was time, Barbara Glass - a very special woman, blogger and great friend - took  a moment to introduce Tenisha and the magazine that she has poured her heart into.  Once complete, Tenisha - publisher/editor-in-chief/founder of the mag - told us of her passionate journey from Day One to today.  After tears were wiped away (by most of the crowd), the event resumed and the fabulous folks shared drinks, laughs and a bunch of hugs in celebration of this day and all the work that Tenisha has accomplished.

Barbara Glass, Tenisha Anderson & Jada Russell:

On a personal note, I want to thank Tenisha for inspiring our industry to push forward and create something that has never been done in our city.  Her persistence and drive is a testament to anyone who has a dream that they hold deep inside.  I am so proud of all the work that she has done - while never giving up - and I am honored to call her my friend.

Keep pushing, Tenisha!

We are all behind you.

Much love and positive energy,

RMB

Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Ryan M. Beshel & Paige Peterson:

 Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

 Tenisha Anderson & Barbara Glass:

 

Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

Ryan M. Beshel, Tenisha Anderson, 

Miriam Cecilia Carlson & Paige Peterson:

Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

The event entrance at J Bar:

Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography

Please have a closer look at 

Qlix Magazine 

and continue to support the amazing work of Tenisha 

and the Chicago fashion industry.