Though Mrs. O did not step out in Maria Pinto for the inauguration as many had hoped, Amy Rule, the wife of new White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, did rock Chicago, in a custom gown designed by Melissa Serpico. We’re still looking for pictures…
World Fashion Chicago, an event designed to showcase the city’s Sister Cities program (October 2), oozed with admirable ambition. Chicago has twenty-seven official “sister cities,” including the style meccas of Paris and Milan, so why not have a show that conveys the global nature of fashion, and Chicago’s place within?
Unfortunately, the project was far too overwhelming to properly execute. Some cities were represented by Chicago designers who created looks drawing inspiration from a particular city, sometimes subtly, sometimes like costumes for a B movie. On the other hand, some Chicago designers simply represented their ethnic backgrounds by showing from their general collections. Six designers actually brought their designs from their far-flung cities, ranging from Amman, Jordan to Casablanca, Morocco. And in a few cases, models wore clothes from international designers who needed little exposure, like Escada and Dolce & Gabbana. Needless to say, the range and styles were literally all over the map.
The resulting show was a cacophonous hoot of excess without cohesion. Several cities, inexplicably, were even represented by multiple designers. Add to that the “commercial” presentation of looks designed by talented Chicago comers Agga B, Melissa Serpico, Evil Kitty and Anna Fong for Toyota’s “space-age” I-Real project, and you had a show that would defy anyone trying to actually take anything actionable (i.e., to buy the clothes or learn more about a designer) away from the runway. And we didn’t even mention that “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard showed up to represent Hamburg, Germany. Eventually, we put our pens away and just enjoyed the show. (Brian Hieggelke)
The roster for the Make a Statement: Design for the Cure runway show reads like a who’s who of Chicago design: Lara Miller, Melissa Serpico, Kate Boggiano, Kristin Rosynek Hassan of organiK Revolution and Lydia Wachowska of Evil Kitty are just a few of the designers contributing time and designs to the fashionable fundraiser. For Boggiano, it was an honor to use her talents for a good cause. “It’s great that Chicago is focusing on fashion, but it’s great too that charities are using fashion shows as a way to raise money.”
In its second year, the Make a Statement runway show is the primary event for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Junior Board, an organization that aims to raise AIDS awareness among 21-35-year-olds (particularly awareness for National Testing Day on June 27). For that young demographic, a style-related event was a perfect fit. “A fashion event is an effective, fun way to bring young people together and educate them on HIV and AIDS,” says Junior Board VP Patrick Marsden. The 2007 event drew more than 200 attendees, and this year’s promises to exceed 300, with VIP tickets long since sold out. Last year, each designer received a similar swatch of red fabric and was asked to create a signature garment. But this year the Board has switched things up, allowing designers to show off designs of their choosing. “You’ll see a really diverse range of styles from even more designers this year, which will allow a more fresh, entertaining show,” Marsden says.
Hosted by Project Runway alum Stephen Rosengard, the show will kick off with a parade of clever AIDS awareness t-shirts, modeled by members of the Junior Board, emblazoned with sayings such as “condoms: for wieners, not wallets” and “AIDS apathy makes your ass look big.” In addition to the local design showcase, guests will also enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and can contribute further to the cause via a raffle and silent auction. (Molly Each)
The Make a Statement: Design for the Cure takes place May 8 at Le Passage, 937 North Rush, (312)255-0022. 7pm-10pm. $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Visit aidschicago.org/events for tickets and more information.
