Greetings Fly People!! Of course we know New York Fashion Week just recently passed, one day I will be attending;) but until then I will enjoy Chicago Fashion Focus:) Chicago Fashion FOcus is equivalent to New York Fashion week for local upa nad coming designers around the Chicago area. Since this is my first year living in Chicago this week is brand new to me. It is filled with Fashion shows, Shopping event, Exhibits., etc.
Unfortunately our fall break is ffrom September 26- October 1. I actually will be going home for my break until the 5th of October.But I have to make a pitstop back in Chicago for the 1st of October to come an interview for an unbelievable internship opportunity for summer 2009(Say a prayer for me). SO I will be going back and forth to Chicago through out the week. I still plan to make a couple of the shows. I have already RSVP for the October 6th show- The Allure of Couture and the October 7th show-Macy's Presnts The Designers of Chicago. Here are the list of events....
CHIC CHICAGO: COUTURE TREASURES FROM THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUMChicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street
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, the 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.
Admission: $14.00 Seniors: 65+, Students with ID 13-22, $12 Children 12 and under FREE Mondays FREE
For More Information:
www.chicagohistory.org or 312.642.4600
Sep 27 Jul 26
GENART'S FRESH FACES IN FASHION PRESENTED BY BLACKBERRY & T-MOBILE FEATURING A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY CLANDESTINE INDUSTRIES HOSTED BY PETE WENTZPre-Show Reception 6:30 pm; Runway Show 7:30 pmMillennium Park – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
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. Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion is renowned for showcasing the brightest rising stars in the fashion industry and inaugurating the careers of many successful fashion labels. Gen Art has launched fashion’s finest including Hollywould, Shoshanna and Zac Posen.
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)
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP at
www.genart.orgOct 1
MACY'S DISTINCTION IN DESIGN COMPETITION10 am–2 pmMacy’s on State Street, 111 N. State Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Oct 1
FASHION LABMonday - Thursday: 9am - 7pm; Friday and Saturdat: 9am - 6pm; Sunday: 10am - 6pm 72 E. Randolph Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Monday – Thursday: 9am – 7pm Friday and Saturday: 9am – 6 pm Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Oct 1 Oct 8
CHICAGO-BASED DESIGNER COLLECTIONS AT MACY'S ON STATE STREETDaily, Hours varyMacy’s on State Street, 111 N. State Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Oct 1 Oct 8
ETHNIC FASHIONSAnytimeHampton Majestic Lobby, 22 W. Monroe Street
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.
Admission: FREE
For More Information: 312.980.9298
Oct 1 Oct 8
CHECK IN... CHECK OUT!AnytimeThe Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe Street
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!
Admission: FREE
For More Information: 312.777.8640
Oct 1 Oct 8
SALUTE TO THE DESIGNERS OF "CHICAGO IS... RED HOT!!!"AnytimeApparel Center Lobby, 350 N. Orleans Street
View this exhibition of selected fashions from CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!!, the June 2008 fashion extravaganza that featured established and emerging, Chicagoland designers.Admission: FREE
More information at
www.aibi.com or 312.836.1041
Oct 1 Oct 8
SAME SUIT, DIFFERENT STORYAnytimeChicago Hilton – Michigan and Balbo Windows and South Lobby, 720 S. Michigan Avenue
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.
Admission: FREE
Oct 1 Oct 8
SHAPING INTIMATE SPACEDaily 8 am–7 pmSears Tower Lobby, 233 S. Wacker Drive
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.Admission: FREE
For More Information call 312.629.6710
Oct 1 Oct 31
WORLD FASHION CHICAGO PRESENTED BY CHICAGO SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONALRunway Show 7:30 pm; After-Party 9–11 pmMillennium Park – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
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. Chicago’s newest luxury magazine Michigan Avenue is the show’s media sponsor.
Admission: After-Party (
location/price details online)
Millennium Park Runway Show FREE
Reservations required, limited space RSVP at www.worldfashionchicago.com
Oct 2
FASHION ILLUSTRATION DEMONSTRATION1:30–3:30 pmColumbia College Chicago – Hokin Annex, 623 S. Wabash Avenue
Sketch a professional runway model wearing student designs, while Columbia College Chicago fashion-design faculty assist with the drawings and answer questions. Materials provided.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
Oct 2
MOSS: MUSEUM OF SUSTAINABLE STYLENoon–6 pmBrickermade, 1109 W. Fulton Market, 1st Floor
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 2-3pm. Reception following 3-6pm. Curated by Pivot.
For more information:
www.mosschicago.orgAdmission: FREE
Oct 2 Oct 5
DRESS CODE - CHICAGO FASHION DESIGN SCHOOL'S SHOW7:30 pmMillennium Park – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
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, and the winner will be at the show.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP hereView InvitationOct 3
THE CENTER FOR PATTERN DESIGN PRESENTS UK DESIGNER JULIAN ROBERTS2–4 pmMillennium Park Runway Tent – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
An incredible opportunity for fashion designers and students! Learn the innovative “Subtraction Cutting” technique from the master, 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.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP hereOct 3
THE HAPPY HATTER11 am–2 pmWater Tower Place – Near American Girl Place , 835 N. Michigan Avenue
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.
Admission: FREE
For more information: 312.777.8640
Oct 3
SHOPPING HAPPY HOUR5–7 pmDeparts from Neighborhood Location
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!
Admission: $20 per person
Reservations required, limited space. Call 312.533.1256
For more information:
www.UrbanShopGuide.comOct 3
SHOPWALKChoose the Time and Place when reserving.
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.
Admission: $40 per person and up
Reservations required, limited space. Call 773.255.7866
For more information:
www.ChicagoShopWalk.comOct 3 Oct 8
GEN ART'S SHOP CHICAGOVIP Shopping 1–2 pm; Public Shopping 2–6 pmMillennium Park – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
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.
Admission: VIP $40 (includes VIP Lounge Access, VIP Shopping Hour, Gift Bag) General Admission FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP at
www.genart.orgOct 4
STRIKE A POSE3–5 pmBlick Art Materials, 42 S. State Street
Take home a skillful sketch, starring you, by instructors and students from the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago’s Fashion Design Department.
Admission: FREE
For More Information: 312.980.9298
Oct 4
T-SHIRT FRENZY11:30 am–2:30 pmBlick Art Materials, 42 S. State Street
Screen-print a T-shirt using stencils of your choice with guidance from International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago students.
Admission: FREE
For More Information: 312.980.9298
Oct 4
MOSS: MUSEUM OF SUSTAINABLE STYLE - PANEL DISCUSSION AND POST-DISCUSSION RECEPTIONPanel Discussion 2–3 pm; Post-Discussion Reception 3–6 pmBrickermade, 1109 W. Fulton Market, 1st Floor
Panel Discussion and Post-Discussion Reception
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.
Admission: FREE
Oct 4
A FASHION PERFORMANCE7 pmChicago Cultural Center – Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 E. Randolph Street
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.
For More Information:
www.aliceberry.comFor reservations, please call: 773.384.7279
Admission: FREE
Oct 5
CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS "GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS" PART I10:30 am–NoonChicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Washington Room, 78 E. Washington Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP at
www.chicagofashionfoundation.comOct 5
CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS "GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS" PART II – FEATURING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS FROM THREADLESS.COMNoon–1:30 pmChicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room, 78 E. Washington Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP at
www.chicagofashionfoundation.comOct 5
PRODUCTION IN CHICAGO: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW1:30–3 pmChicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Washington Room, 78 E. Washington Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP hereView InvitationOct 5
YOUR PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS3–4:30 pmChicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room, 78 E. Washington Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP hereView InvitationOct 5
NEIGHBORHOOD ALL-STAR TOURNoon–4 pmDeparts/Returns from/to Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street
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!
Admission: $125 per person (includes gratuity for guide and driver)
Reservations required, limited space. Call 312.533.1256
For more information:
www.UrbanShopGuide.comOct 5
PEARLS AND POLITICSNoon–5 pmBourdage Pearls, 3530 N. Southport Avenue
Drop by Bourdage Pearlsand 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.
For more information:
www.BourdagePearls.com or 773.244.1126
Oct 5
THE ALLURE OF COUTURE7:30 pmMillennium Park – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
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. Ah, a pitch-perfect evening for the independently stylish and collectors of fashion and art!
MACY'S PRESENTS THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO7:30 pmMillennium Park – Chase Promenade North, Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
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.
View InvitationOct 7
MEET THE DESIGNERS AND LEARN HOW THEY DID IT5:30–7:30 pmApparel Center Lobby, 350 N. Orleans Street
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.
Admission: FREE
Reservations required, limited space
RSVP at
www.aibi.com or call 312.836.1041
Oct 8
SWEET CHIC7pm - 10pmMuseum of Contemporary Art, 209 E. Chicago Ave
See fashions designed completely out of candy created by 28 Chicago-based designers in an event benefiting the Spina Bifida Association
Oct 11
THE CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS "THE FUTURE OF CHICAGO FASHION 2009".
Student Design Competition $5000 Scholarship Award
Our theme: “Fashion in the White City: A tribute to the Chicago World’s Fair.”
Deadline: September 30 and October 1, 2008
For the application and more information please visit, www.chicagofashionfoundation.org
Sep 30 Oct 1 .
more...checkout..www.chicagofashionresource.com
God Bless:)
Greetings!
Can You believe she's our First Lady???
Great just a late post from this weekends finds. Found some great vintage pieces from a Vintage store called Knee Deep.
1960's cropped top/ match up with a pair of highwaisted vintage jeans
CrAzY!! I know! With that in mind I realized I needed to revamp my closet:) Yes Im officially in "Project Internship Wardrobe"! and me studying NY maps like crazy but hey, hopefully if I'm lost I can still look fly!!! 
Good Luck Kristen!
email introducing me to JAM DONALDSON DESIGNS . Jam Donaldson is the creator of the controversial hit BET series starring Charlie Murphy, “We Got To Do Better,” and the popular website Hotghettomess.com. Jam Donaldson has launched a line of pop-culture tees with the same message she conveys on her site and television show, that we must improve as a whole in the African American Community. JAM DONALDSON DESIGNS creates vintage style tees which has broken phrases that many African Americans tend to use throughout a daily conversation. . I love the idea of encouraging people of Color that it is not cute/attractive to not speak proper English. Her designs allow you to read what one says and how it looks in written form. 
eyes Cardigan Ms. Gabrielle Union wore in July 2008 Essence issue. Well my mission is not yet complete....BUT I did find some dope items. Of Course I went with my bestie Al to go thrifting around the Broad Ripple area in Indianpolis,IN. The only downfall we ended up just making one stop(Eeek!) The place we went to was a new thrift store for Indianapolis which is called Rag-O-Rama. I was first introduced to this store at its Atlanta location when I was down visiting my other bestie Mimi down at CAU. When I went to the Atlanta location I fell in love...seriously. It could take a thrifter a full 24 hours to look at each rack of clothes and another 4 hours to search through all the accesories ( which are my favorite!)
went and loved it all over again.It was hilarious of course Allison looked at me and just shook her head as I reached for the shoes first..Its a sickness. I did make smarter selections with the shoes I purchased. I purposely bought a pair of red flats knowing that the majorityof my life im hoping on trains and buses in Chicago. I also bought an extremely fly pair of gold earrings that everone has tried to snatch fro me already; O And of course I had to make a random purchase of bright neon green fishnet gloves.Just for fun;0 Rag-O-rama is located in St. Louis, Columbus, OH and Atlanta. The service was warm and inviting. I would encourage you to go if there is one near you. God Bless!!
