Sophia Reyes debuted a muted palette for spring in her accessible line, highlighted with pleasing details rather than bold ideas. Black and white dominate (except for an incongruous, though not unpleasant, burst of purple), with patterns and small details in her dresses elevating this very market-friendly line above the mundane.
Anne Novotny’s eco-friendly Frei Designs offers elaborate constructions, with layering, color and fabric choices that seem both original and individualistic. She does creative things with “barnacles” of fabric that manage to work in non-obtrusive ways. The line was the first of the evening to introduce what would become the dominant color spectrum (peach/rust/copper), with shades of rust throughout. Novotny’s looks are creative but wearable; that is, perhaps except for the over-the-top scarf that closed her show on a surprising note that evoked “Halloween costume.” Nevertheless, her show really had something to say and stood as one of the night’s highlights.
Read the Boutiqueville profile of Frei Designs
The design collective Shorty made its statement with big hair. And peach-peach-peach, plus pops of purple, green and color. With short, flowy, even gauzy dresses, Shorty evokes a dreamlike spring season. And they’re not confined by their name, with a variety of dress lengths both short and long. They’ve even got a prom dress for Miss America, if she needs it.
Apparently we don’t have much of a menswear design scene here in Chicago, because Gen Art reached out to Toronto designer Philip Sparks to represent. Not a bad choice though, as Sparks crafts a contemporary silhouette out of classic retro ideas. Think cocktails at the tennis club with gold cotton v-neck sweaters, sort of a Bill Tilden chic—if Bill Tilden wore short shorts, that is. By day, the Philip Sparks man is a Poindexter, in bow tie, who sometimes wears a blazer with his short shorts. But he knows how to step out in style—just take a gander at his monochromatic three-piece grey glen plaid suit, with skinny pants and a textured gray tie on gray shirt. Dapper!
Elise Bergman showed why she’s taking off in Chicago, with her accessible but feminine collection. Smart details, varying hem lengths—something for everyone, but nothing crazy. Lots of beige, perhaps in more than one sense of the word.
Read Boutiqueville’s profile of Elise Bergman
The design duo behind Eskell, Elizabeth Del Castillo and Kelly Whitesell, were a great choice to close the show, with their vintage-inspired fashions and strong sense of vision. They’re masters of taking unconventional approaches, like a zipper-front dress, and making it look anything-but-contrived. I’m not sure I’m in love with the high-waisted shorts—a little too Olivia Newton-John-gets-Physical for me. Like Frei Designs, Eskell’s strong flavor is not for every taste. But there’s a definite opinion here, and you can agree or disagree. Oh, and I did mention the colors peach and beige?
Read about Eskell’s boutique here
Fashion subcultures thrive around the edges of the “mainstream,” if mainstream can be described roughly as that first reflected in the pages of Vogue, then progressing through the cycle, eventually spreading to mythical Middle America, knocked off at Wal-Mart, and of course, then left for dead. Sometimes the subcultures cross over (think streetwear’s influence and its hip-hop origins), sometimes they even take over, but often they just carry on in a parallel world, content to go their own direction, or to riff on evolving trends in the mainstream.
Clubland and the fashions it spawns are one such arena. Sure Ed Hardy bought a page in the September Vogue, but that’s the exception more than the rule; nightlife couture tend to set its own agenda. Amanda Vix and Kerry Kucan know something about club fashion. Inspired by the prevalence of leggings the last few years, they decided to take it up a notch and create their own handmade and silkscreened numbers. “We thought, ‘let’s make them more rock, less go-go dancer,’” says Vix, who’s also a photographer. “We used to work bottle service at Crobar, and anyone who saw them just loved them.”
And so, Bootlegher was born, here in Chicago. Ranging in price from $45 for the silkscreened version to $75-$100 for custom designs, the budding designers will be selling their wares at Another Level, and have started showing them off at fashion shows in nightclubs, like their event tonight at NV Penthouse. (Brian Hieggelke)
116 W. Hubbard, 9pm-2am. The fashion show will begin at 10pm.
The city has announced the full lineup for this year’s Fashion Focus, and we reproduce it here, in entirety, hype-ful prose and all.
OCTOBER 1-8: FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Fashion Focus Chicago, a weeklong celebration of Chicago’s thriving
fashion industry, returns for a fourth year in 2008. Running from
Wednesday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 8 Fashion Focus Chicago
showcases some of the city’s top designers, and features five runway
shows in Millennium Park, fashion installations, shopping events,
student designer events, and industry seminars.
F=Free WC=Wheelchair Accessible
RUNWAY EVENTS
GEN ART’S FRESH FACES IN FASHION PRESENTED BY BLACKBERRY & T-MOBILE
FEATURING A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY CLANDESTINE INDUSTRIES HOSTED BY
PETE WENTZ
Wednesday, October 1; Pre-Show Reception 6 pm, Runway Show 7:30 pm
Millennium Park - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.GenArt.org/312.229.1701 (reservations required, limited space)
Admission: VIP $85-$135 (includes Pre-Show Reception, Runway Show
Seating, After-Party); Standing Room $60-$70 (includes Pre-Show
Reception, Runway Show Standing Room, After-Party); Details online
One night only! Get in on this oh-so-popular runway event with emerging
Chicago-based designers. This year, Clandestine Industries-the lifestyle
brand championed by hometown musician and Fall Out Boy lead man, Pete
Wentz-is honored to partner with Gen Art Chicago as a special addition
to the runway presentation. Wentz’s commitment to Chicago talent
matches Gen Art Chicago’s dedication to promoting local artists. Gen
Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion is renowned for showcasing the brightest
emerging stars in the fashion industry and launching the careers of many
successful fashion labels.
(WC)
WORLD FASHION CHICAGO PRESENTED BY CHICAGO SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL
Thursday, October 2, 7:30 pm; After-Party 9-11 pm
Millennium Park - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoSisterCities.com/312.744.8074
Admission: After-Party (location/price details online); Millennium Park
Runway Show FREE (reservations required, limited space)
Representing Chicago’s 27 sister cities, high-end international
designers based in Chicago and abroad rock the runway with their
most-coveted fashions. A testament to the city’s burgeoning fashion
industry, this show debuts internationally based designers to the local
fashion scene. This year in a fashion-forward, world-premiere
collaboration between TOYOTA concept creators and Chicago-based fashion
designers, you’ll be the first in America to see the latest in
personal mobility design (TOYOTA i-REAL) and fashion. Designers
representing sister cities Warsaw, Poland; Milan, Italy; and Shanghai,
China bring it all to life with i-REAL-inspired, concept fashions.
There’s a whole new creative buzz in Chicago. Plan on joining the
fashionable crowd for the after-party.
DRESS CODE
CHICAGO DESIGN SCHOOLS’ SHOW
Friday, October 3, 7:30 pm
Millennium Park - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.744.2400 (information)
Catch the next rising stars’ runway debut at this showing of top
students from Chicago’s fashion design schools: Columbia College
Chicago; The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago; International Academy
of Design & Technology Chicago; and the School of the Art Institute of
Chicago. Creativity abounds in these award-winners’ styles,
representing their best work and original spin on fashion. Also, the
five finalists of the Mario Make Me A Model search walk in the show,
where the winner will be announced.
(F) (WC)
A FASHION PERFORMANCE
Sunday, October 5, 7 pm
Chicago Cultural Center - Claudia Cassidy Theater
77 E. Randolph Street
www.AliceBerry.com/773.384.7279 (reservations required, limited space)
Designer-artist Alice Berry
explores the tension between personal
artistic expression and the business of fashion. This special
presentation features live models, projection, poetry and three of her
collections: the Color Work; Green; and Fall 2008-9.
(F) (WC)
THE ALLURE OF COUTURE
Monday, October 6, 7:30 pm
Millennium Park - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.744.2400 (information)
High style dominates this runway event offering some of the best
high-end, contemporary collections. Created by a selection of
Chicago’s elite fashion-forward designers, these looks are so new
and different you will leave pondering what defines fashion. A
pitch-perfect evening for the independently stylish and collectors of
fashion and art!
(F) (WC)
MACY’S PRESENTS THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO
Tuesday, October 7, 7:30 pm
Millennium Park - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.744.2400 (information)
Stay ahead of the trend with this amazing preview of Spring 2009
collections. Macy’s has covered the city in search of the next great
American designer, presenting the best at this runway exclusive. Meet
some of the names-you-need-to-know. Macy’s will also carry some of
their lines at its State Street store.
(F) (WC)
INDUSTRY SEMINARS
THE CENTER FOR PATTERN DESIGN PRESENTS UK DESIGNER JULIAN ROBERTS
Friday, October 3, 2-4 pm
Millennium Park Runway Tent - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.744.2400 (information)
An incredible opportunity for fashion designers and students! Learn the
innovative “Subtraction Cutting” technique from UK designer Julian
Roberts. Currently the creative director of Julianand, a visiting
lecturer at the Royal College of Art in London and a fashion consultant
to the BBC, Roberts has shown collections at London and Paris fashion
weeks, and taught design and creative pattern cutting throughout Europe
and Asia.
(F)(WC)
CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS “GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING
YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS” PART I
Sunday, October 5, 10:30 am-Noon
Chicago Cultural Center - 5th Floor Washington Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionFoundation.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.882.1366 (information)
Explore online fashion retailing. This panel of Chicago companies, with
established fashion-related Internet businesses, covers topics such as
Internet Marketing and Optimization, Shopping Cart Customization, Online
Selling and Establishing a Retail Community. Also, hear important first
announcements related to Chicago Fashion Foundation’s (CFF) second
annual scholarship competition. This two-part series is presented by
CFF.
(F) (WC)
CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS “GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING
YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS” PART II - FEATURING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS FROM
THREADLESS.COM
Sunday, October 5, Noon-1:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center - 5th Floor Garland Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionFoundation.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.882.1366 (information)
Threadless.com’s management team reveals how the company grew its
business to include a community of more than 700,000 members (the force
behind idea generation, marketing and sales forecasting) and more than
$30 million in T-shirt sales. This consumer-driven, Internet-based,
T-shirt design company was founded in Chicago by Illinois Institute of
Art - Chicago students. Also, hear important first announcements related
to CFF’s second annual scholarship competition.
(F) (WC)
PRODUCTION IN CHICAGO: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW
Sunday, October 5, 1:30-3 pm
Chicago Cultural Center - 5th Floor Washington Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)
Receive answers to some of the most challenging questions facing
Chicago-based designers. Who should produce my line? What exactly will
they produce for me? Where do I find them? When can they finish my
pieces? How do I start my relationship with them? Designers and
contractors will provide valuable insights. Presented by the Mayor’s
Fashion Council Chicago.
(F) (WC)
YOUR PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Sunday, October 5, 3-4:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center - 5th Floor Garland Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)
Learn how to use images to sell your line. From choosing the right
photographer to deciding on the style of the shoot, quality images are
essential to your business. Presented by the Mayor’s Fashion Council
Chicago.
(F) (WC)
MEET THE DESIGNERS AND LEARN HOW THEY DID IT
Wednesday, October 8, 5:30-7:30 pm
Apparel Center Lobby
350 N. Orleans Street
www.AIBI.com/312.836.1041(reservations required, limited space;
information)
Chart a clearer path toward success in Chicago’s apparel industry.
Join designer and manufacturer members of the Apparel Industry Board,
Inc. (AIBI) who share their varied experiences, challenges and lessons
learned. Meet Caroline DeVillo of Caroline DeVillo Couture Bridal, Ellie
Thompson of Ellie Thompson & Co., Lauren Lein-Santos of Lauren Lein Ltd.
and Tennille White of Tennille White. Presented by AIBI.
(F)
MORE FASHION HIGHLIGHTS
MACY’S DISTINCTION IN DESIGN COMPETITION
Wednesday, October 1, 10 am-2 pm
Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street
www.Macys.com
If you’re a designer hopeful, present your sketches and samples at
this eighth annual competition. Receive feedback and direction from
Macy’s buyers and trend managers. The Best of Show-winning designer
receives a cash prize. No reservations required. Anticipate a wait.
(F) (WC)
FASHION ILLUSTRATION DEMONSTRATION
Thursday, October 2, 1:30-3:30 pm
Columbia College Chicago - Hokin Annex
623 S. Wabash Avenue
312.369.7557 (reservations required, limited space)
Sketch a professional runway model wearing student designs, while
Columbia College Chicago fashion-design faculty assist with the drawings
and answer questions. Materials provided.
(F) (WC)
THE HAPPY HATTER
Friday, October 3, 11 am-2 pm
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Avenue
312.777.8640
Develop an appreciation for that hat you throw on when you’re leaving
the house. Find out what it takes to craft and design such a fashionable
and functional accessory. The faculty from Illinois Institute of Art -
Chicago will demonstrate.
(F)
T-SHIRT FRENZY
Saturday, October 4, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Blick Art Materials
42 S. State Street
312.980.9298
Screen-print a T-shirt using stencils of your choice with guidance from
International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago students.
(F) (WC)
STRIKE A POSE
Saturday, October 4, 3-5 pm
Blick Art Materials
42 S. State Street
312.980.9298
Take home a skillful sketch, starring you, by instructors and students
from the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago’s
Fashion Design Department.
(F) (WC)
NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING
CHICAGO-BASED DESIGNER COLLECTIONS AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET
Ongoing
Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street
www.Macys.com
Shop 22 Chicago-based designer collections including Joelle Nadine,
Maddie Powers, Michelle Tan and Zola Jones. Find accessories, including
jewelry and handbags, to suit your every whim from Diego Rocha, Elyse C.
Bec, Lee Allison and Company, The Tie Bar, Twist, CC Bella, Objets d’
Envy, K.Amato, Kathleen Miller and Bead Designs by Dana and Jules.
Choose from some of the best contemporary women’s ready-to-wear in the
city by Elise Bergman, Anna Fong, Yana German, Lara Miller, Horatio
Nieto, 5p1t and Tennille White.
(WC)
FASHION LAB
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Daily, 9 am-7 pm
Saturday, October 4
Gallery Talk noon-1 pm; Shopping with Student Designers 1-4 pm
72 E. Randolph Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.744.2400 (information)
One-of-kind pieces that you can own! Stop by this fabulous showcase of
work by students from Columbia College Chicago, International Academy of
Design & Technology Chicago and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
They’ll be on hand to discuss their work during Saturday’s Gallery
Talk. Purchase pieces on-site Saturday, or by contacting the student
designers directly throughout the week.
(F)(WC)
SHOPWALK
Friday, October 3-Wednesday, October 8
Choose the Time and Place when reserving.
www.ChicagoShopWalk.com/773.255.7866 (reservations required, limited
space; information)
Admission: $40 per person and up
Tour one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods (Bucktown, Lincoln Park
or Southport) with a personal shopping stylist. Visit unique boutiques
underscoring designers on the rise and the latest trends. Also included,
Chicago designer updates and perks and pampering such as complimentary
coffee drinks, champagne toasts and discounts at the hottest boutiques.
(WC)
SHOPPING HAPPY HOUR
Friday, October 3, 5-7 pm
TBD
www.UrbanShopGuide.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.533.1256 (information)
Admission: $20 per person
Happy Hour turns stylish with this two-hour guided tour to some of the
best and newest, Chicago neighborhood boutiques. Find discounts, special
offers, cocktails, snacks and designer trunk shows. Receive fashion tips
from in-store stylists, visit interesting galleries, come across hot
restaurants and hear brief neighborhood histories as knowledgeable
guides highlight participants’ individual interests. Rain or shine!
GEN ART’S SHOP CHICAGO
Saturday, October 4; VIP Shopping 1-2 pm, Public Shopping 2-6 pm
Millennium Park - Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.GenArt.org/312.229.1701 (RSVP required for General Admission)
Admission: VIP $40 (includes VIP Lounge Access, VIP Shopping Hour, Gift
Bag); General Admission w/RSVP FREE
Snag the best accessories and clothing offered by talented designers
and boutiques from across the country. Spa treatments and a fabulous
gift bag create a truly luxurious shopping experience. Presented by Gen
Art in its continuing mission to support and showcase emerging talent.
(WC)
NEIGHBORHOOD ALL-STAR TOUR
Sunday, October 5, Noon-4 pm
Departs/Returns from/to Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street
www.UrbanShopGuide.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.533.1256 (information)
Admission: $125 per person (includes gratuity for guide and driver)
Travel via chauffeured luxury vehicle on this dream, shopping excursion
to four neighborhoods. Guided by Chicago fashion experts, discover area
boutiques, pinpoint fashions by Chicago designers and become acquainted
with season-defining trends. In-store cocktails, refreshments, special
discounts and stylist expertise round out the fun. Rain or shine!
(WC)
PEARLS AND POLITICS
Sunday, October 5, Noon-5 pm
Bourdage Pearls
3530 N. Southport Avenue
www.BourdagePearls.com/773.244.1126
Drop by Bourdage Pearls and see why the world’s most influential,
powerful women adorn themselves with pearls. Exercise your ultimate
purchasing power. Sign an environmental or clean water (vital to pearl
survival) petition, and receive a 10% discount for each petition you
sign.
(F)
FASHION INSTALLATIONS
CHIC CHICAGO: COUTURE TREASURES FROM THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
Saturday, September 27, 2008-Sunday, July 26, 2009; Daily, Hours vary
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark Street
www.ChicagoHistory.org/312.642.4600
Admission: adults $14; seniors 65+ /students w/ID 13-22 $12; children
12 and under FREE; Mondays FREE
Here’s a rare opportunity. View 50-plus top couture pieces from the
museum’s acclaimed costume collection. Celebrating the world’s
innovative fashion designers and Chicago’s great women of style, this
exhibit offers a close-up look at breathtaking fashions, created
1878-1996, by such designers as Gianni Versace, Gabrielle “Coco”
Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Charles Frederick Worth, Comme des Garçons and
Charles James.
(WC)
CHECK IN…CHECK IT OUT!
Wednesday, October 1-Sunday, October 8; Anytime
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
350 N. Orleans Street
and
The Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe Street
312.777.8640
Unique and groundbreaking garments, by fashion students from The
Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, illustrate for visitors and locals
how Chicago is making its mark on the fashion world. Enjoy!
(F) (WC)
ETHNIC FASHIONS
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime
Hampton Majestic Lobby
22 W. Monroe Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.980.9298
Admire a variety of contemporary designs by International Academy of
Design & Technology Chicago students. Ghanaian textiles and their
Special Topics course in Ethnic Fashions provided the inspiration.
(F) (WC)
SALUTE TO THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!!
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime
Apparel Center Lobby
350 N. Orleans Street
www.AIBI.com/312.836.1041
View this exhibition of selected fashions from CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!!,
the June 2008 fashion extravaganza that featured established and
emerging, Chicagoland designers.
(F) (WC)
SAME SUIT, DIFFERENT STORY
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime
Chicago Hilton - Michigan and Balbo Windows and South Lobby
720 S. Michigan Avenue
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com
Check out the new and unexpected in this exhibit highlighting Columbia
College Chicago students’ coursework in Fashion Design: Concepts. A
man’s suit and shirt were deconstructed then recycled into an original
garment concept.
(F) (WC)
SHAPING INTIMATE SPACE
Wednesday, October 1-Friday, October 31; Anytime
Sears Tower
233 S. Wacker Drive
312.629.6710
See surprising forms, created by hand-manipulation and hand-dyeing
techniques on cotton fabric. Students from the School of the Art
Institute of Chicago used the volume, shape, repetition and layering of
modern architecture and design in shaping these new forms for the human
body.
(F) (WC)
MOSS: MUSEUM OF SUSTAINABLE STYLE
Thursday, October 2-Sunday, October 5, Noon-6 pm; Panel Discussion:
Saturday, October 4, 2-3 pm and Post-Discussion Reception 3-6 pm
Brickermade
1109 W. Fulton Market, 1st Floor
www.MossChicago.org
This exhibit demonstrates how to support the sustainable lifestyle and
“green” your wardrobe without sacrificing style, personality or
comfort. Local designers’ fashions made of organic or sustainable
fabrics and processes, and experimental sustainable materials are
showcased. Come for the panel discussion on Sustainable Style, Saturday,
October 4. Curated by Pivot.
(F) (WC)
“How many of you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?” asks stylist Julie Watson. Neatly manicured hands shoot up all across the room. Sipping wine, standing between racks full of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Development and Laila Azhar, a crowd of sixty women nod their heads knowingly, chuckling when Watson says, “it’s time to have a courageous talk with your wardrobe.”
It’s the kick-off of p.45’s new roundtable series, a monthly event that brings fashion lovers together for lively style-related discussions. It’s a natural fit for owner Tricia Tunstall, who counts teacher among her pre-boutique owner occupations. “I’ve always wanted to do something educational with fashion. And I love roundtables wherever they are—with friends, over dinner—discussions are always fun.” While the kick-off drew so many RSVPs that guests stood while listening to Watson’s advice, Tunstall expects that in the future, the event will be slightly more intimate. Tables will be set up in the newly remodeled p.45 space, and participants will be a blend of designers, stylists, industry experts and overall style junkies. Upcoming topics include fall clothing, fall accessories and shopping for the holidays.
But before stocking up on new cool-weather clothing and accessories, you have to make room for them. That’s where Watson comes in with the inaugural discussion, “How to Get Your Closet Ready for Fall.” As the women listen intently, Watson advises the crowd to think of their closet as a boutique. “You want to create a collection for your closet,” she says. She breaks it down into a few easy steps, making the process sound like a breeze. She instructs to create a consistent point-of-view, or style personality, for your wardrobe, and find descriptors that sum it up. Then think about your lifestyle and favored color palate. “If you have a color palate that is all over the place, you won’t be able to create outfits,” she says. At that point it’s time to step into the closet and weed out anything that doesn’t fit into those categories. “You have to let yourself let things go,” Watson says, referring emphatically to the “when I lose ten pounds” pile, and the chunk of clothing you haven’t worn in a year.
It’s a refreshing discussion, focusing more on staying true to your personal style than following the latest wide-belt/skinny-pant/short-skirt trend, which is the philosophy of both p.45 and Watson. “Fashion is for everyone, regardless of size or style,” she says.(Molly Each)
p.45 is located at 1643 North Damen, (773)862-4523, p45.com. Upcoming roundtable discussions will take place on September 10, October 15, November 12 and December 3. Visit Watson’s Web site at juliewatsonstyle.com.
“Eighties has always been on the table [as a possible theme],” says Jennifer Wilkins, producer of Glamorama. But when choosing the theme nearly a year in advance, the Glamorama team could hardly know just how applicable the eighties would be this season. “We just happen to…hit the nail on the head. Not only are we having a great retro theme, but we’re seeing a lot of eighties inspiration in fashion for this season.”
Now in its tenth year, Glamorama is Macy’s annual style extravaganza, with proceeds benefiting the Art Institute of Chicago. Since its inception the event has raised nearly $2.3 million for the museum and its programs. The event is entirely Midwest-focused, with shows in only Minneapolis and Chicago, and features a runway show, a party and a post-party, where the entire seventh floor of Macy’s is transformed into a theme-related wonderland. This year guests can expect a trip back in time.
“In the show, the eighties theme is a little more tongue-in-cheek. You’ll see some of the references with the special effects and entertainment, and with the styling of the designers. But the party is completely full-out eighties, with everything from eighties music, to great lounge areas featuring Pac-Man, Rubix Cube and Donkey Kong. Our visual and production teams transform the entire seventh floor. There’s no other retailer that throws a party like this,” Wilkins says.
Designers featured this year include Marc Jacobs, Ports 1961, Tibi, Tommy Hilfiger and Donna Karan Collection. Each designer was chosen specifically by the Glamorama producers based on the relevance of their fall collections to the theme at hand. Along with the runway show, guests will be treated to performances from eighties icons Cyndi Lauper and MC Hammer, who will walk the red carpet outside the Chicago Theatre with other eighties celebrities (and a few modern day stars, too).
Knowing that no two fashion-lovers have the same needs, Glamorama offers a versatile array of ticket options and prices. Show-only tickets begin at $75, and go up to $195 with the after-party addition. Prices increase up to $1,000 for the ultimate VIP ticket. (Molly Each)
Glamorama takes place on August 22 at 8pm at the Chicago Theatre, 175 North State. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster. Call (312)781-5454 for more information.
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