Social Stylists » Chicago Designers

Looks we Love from Imagine 2010

SocialStylists — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:00:16 +0000

As I finish up the last of the posts from the Imagine 2010 IADT Chicago fashion show, there were so many designers that I would love to show and talk about. Many of them I just didn’t get a great shot of their work, and for that I apologize to those designers.

The truth is that when it comes to fashion shows, getting the great shot is difficult (Models are really so important in that aspect – there is a reason that “Models of the Runway” is a show).
So here are a few of my favorites that I only had 1 or 2 shots of their designs:

Apple Rose Javier - Sheer Elegance

Vanessa Lambert - Simply Sweet

Apple Rose Javier – I love this dress in the Sheer Elegance segment of the show. I could easily see this working a red carpet. I also think it’s perfect for a wedding if you aren’t in for the traditional white. It is timeless elegance that anyone would be proud to look back on years later.

Vanessa Lambert – The knee length couture gown for the Simply Sweet segment in green silk chiffon with a floral motif just flowed down the runway. Vanessa was aiming for “Raw with an earthy sexuality to it.” Goal achieved.

Eunyoung Joo - Champagne Toast segment

Eunyoung Joo – You could actually hear the crowd gasp when this trio of dresses by Eunyoung Joo for the Champagne Toast segment came down the runway. Inspired by Valentino, Eunyoung Joo used metallic black organza and silk charmeuse. The spiral abstract flowers showed an incredible attention to detail.

Marissa Vangarderen - Woodstock segment

Marissa Vangarderen - Down to Earth

Marissa Vangarden – For the Woodstock segment, Marissa was inspired by the Age of Aquarius and the sexual revolution. While the designs were risqué (her intention), the bold colors make the collection fun.
For the Down-to-Earth entry, Marissa showed creativity and sophistication without unlimited materials with this ankle length boho-chic dress.

So that’s our wrap of the IADT Chicago’s Imagine 2010 Fashion Show. All of the designers are really amazing, and we wish them all a great fashion career.
Special congratulations to the Winner of The Muse Competition (sponsored by IADT alum Tennille White) – LaTonya Williams!

Inspired by Wildlife & (wild) Life

SocialStylists — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:36:20 +0000

Like many successful fashion designers, Janine Garcia initially started out in a different direction – going to college for business. But since fashion was what she loved, she took the leap and changed majors.

The Muse Entry

It was a good call to make the switch. Her entry in The Muse competition (sponsored by IADT alum Tennille White) earned her one of the 5 finalists’ spots and was on display at the Imagine 2010 Fashion Show. For the contest, Janine created a flowing gown with spectacular details. She drew her inspiration from her muse – an exotic woman – and combined that with her love of animals. She paired zebra stripes with the bright colors from Wilson’s warbler bird. A pairing you might see briefly in nature and long for another glimpse.

During the runway show at Imagine 2010, Janine showed a tremendous range with her designs – from casual to whimsical (Simply Sweet) to sophisticated (Champagne Toast). Her theory as a designer is that there is inspiration everywhere, so she tries to remain open to it from any source and uses all her senses.

Looks for the Champagne Toast segment

In the Champagne Toast segment of the show, Janine drew her inspiration from two loves – animals and Paris. Working the animal print against the shimmer fabric, these pieces are meant for the sophisticated woman with a wild side. (I can almost see Montmartre in this trio of looks).

Simply Sweet segment

For the Simply Sweet segment of the show, Janine chose to go with a layered palette of pale mint, beige and a floral printed chiffon. The combination reflects the complicated and layered aspects of a woman’s life.

Having just graduated from IADT Chicago, Janine Garcia is ready to see what her future in fashion has in store for her. The business direction that she started in will serve her nicely as she starts to develop her line. We look forward to seeing Janine’s work in local boutiques.

Honoring her Heritage

SocialStylists — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:00:09 +0000

Renee Denomme Street Savvy

With a name like Renee Denomme, you are almost obligated to your French heritage. And what better way of honoring French roots than translating that family background into this kind of style?

At the IADT Chicago’s Imagine 2010 Fashion Show, I got to take a look at a few of Renee Denomme’s designs. In the French tradition of pushing the fashion envelope while remaining feminine, Renee mixes surprising color and fabric combinations with classic silhouettes.

Here in the Street Savvy segment of the Imagine 2010 IADT Fashion Show, Renee pairs electric blue with fuchsia. It could have been an overwhelming color pairing, but when Renee adds the layer of white eyelet, the look is transformed to restrained elegance.
Opting for a flirty skirt against the punk-ish color combination creates an impression that there is more-than-meets-the-eye.

In the Social Soiree segment of the show, Renee showcases her ability to design perfectly tailored looks. Her inspiration came from the 20s and the Gatsby flapper-esque time when romanticism ruled. Pitting the delicate lace against the strong colors reminds us that behind every sign of femininity there is also strength.

Social Soiree Look in Amethyst, Model Chelsie Hart

Social Soiree Look in Gunmetal, Model Chelsie Hart

Graduating this July, Renee is already interning with two Chicago designers – Anna Fong and Christina Fan of C/FAN. She is working on getting as much as experience in the garment industry as possible.
School, two internship and a job on the side…With this kind of drive and talent, success is a given.

Chrystal’s Clear Balancing

SocialStylists — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:17:36 +0000

You know how you go shopping or flip through a magazine, and there is one piece you cannot get out of your mind? The one you keep thinking of, and obsessing over? Well here’s mine from the IADT Chicago’s Imagine 2010 Fashion Show. It’s by Chrystal Alexander.

Chrystal Alexander Woodstock

Done for the Woodstock theme segment of the show, Chrystal created this look in her textile design class. Each layer was hand-dyed, then pleated. A total of 18 yards of cotton was used in the making.
The decision to make a sleeve on a one-shoulder dress is brilliant. It balances the fullness of the dress below.
The colors are soft, and the palette is representative of desert hues – which then complements the Egyptian symbols.

To make the finishing touch of hieroglyphics, Chrystal created her own stencils, and then painted directly onto the fabric. The symbols she chose mean love, happiness, and rebirth. On the back of the dress, the symbols spell out Chrystal. (I like to think she did that to symbolize the passion put in to creating such a phenomenal dress).

Chrystal Alexander Petal to the Metal Collection

For the Subtle Shimmer segment, Chrystal created this 3 piece collection, Petal to the Metal. Here she focuses on uniting feminine and masculine influences – both with color choices and use of hardware.
In the gray shift dress, Chrystal uses zippers to create the seams. It gives the dress an urban edge, while the structure remains feminine. For the waist of the pink top, Chrystal opted to appliqué zippers using them as a masculine balance to the flirty shape. For the entire collection, she works the charcoal against pink showing like she did with the Woodstock dress, her awareness of the power of color.

Having just graduated from IADT Chicago this past week, Chrystal is working on expanding her web presence and is interning with Chicago lingerie designer Stephanie Kuhr of Dottie’s Delights (currently a Designer-in-Residence at Chicago Fashion Incubator).
My bet is that with Chrystal’s fantastic understanding of color, materials, and juxtapositions, we are going to be hearing a lot more from her.

Great Expectations in Pilsen

SocialStylists — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:35:29 +0000

Last week I had the opportunity to stop by Anna Brown’s studio in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago to meet the designer. I was immediately struck by how down-to-earth she was and how she has more to offer the fashion world than I think even she knows yet.

Anna Brown's Sketch Book

Her first small collection that she did for school (Columbia College Chicago) was selected for Fashion Focus Chicago 2009 Dress Code and immediately people starting expecting great things of Anna Brown. Post school she settled into a Pilsen area studio and started working on her own.

Right now Anna is currently working on a 15 piece capsule collection that she will be unveiling late summer / early fall. The collection is inspired by aerodynamics – the way the wind flows over an object and the pattern created after the air is disrupted.

When I first looked at Anna Brown’s pieces, my immediate thought was, “architectural draping.” It seems contradictory, but the draping Anna does has structure. She achieves the structure through the positioning and construction of her seamlines – rather than force it with extra fabric. So her designs end up with structure in a soft silhouette.

Asymmetrical elements also have a strong presence in Anna’s designs. And in a show of confidence, the materials Anna chooses to work with are simpler fabrics such as men’s woolens and shirting fabrics. She also avoids using lining in her designs, preferring to let her garments stand alone.

A work in progress

Dress with Asymmetrical Pocket

For now Anna is still doing all of her own sewing, and the details in the looks show her commitment to her designs. If you were to turn an Anna Brown piece inside out, you will find the interior seams done with the same details as what you see on the outside. To Anna everything is important – what you see and what you don’t.

Put down Anna Brown as a designer to watch.

Anna-Brown.com
Email contact@anna-brown.com
Special Orders available

Wishes & Dreams at Wax Lounge

SocialStylists — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:22:01 +0000

Even in the blistering cold last week Chicago came out to support three emerging designers at a totally rockin’ show – Champagne Wishes & Fashion Dreams.
Down the gangway and inside Wax Lounge on Lincoln and Webster, the music blared and the signature drink of sparkling wine was flowing – the event was sponsored by Martini & Rossi. The vibe was a mix of excitement and anticipation to see some great new designers strut their stuff…or rather have the models do it.

Designer Caroline Borucki kicked off the show with her ladylike designs. High waists, belts and breezy fabrics graced the runway and made me wish it was warmer outside so I could wear them all. A freelance women’s & children’s apparel designer and studied in London and Paris, Caroline obviously brought the influences back with her.

Caroline Borucki Look1

Caroline Borucki Look3

Crystal Wells followed and did not miss a beat. Her designs were classic color and silhouette with touches of box pleats and ruffles to spice things up as well as some open backs that made me do a double take. Crystal studied fine arts and is continuing on to study fashion at IADT in Chicago.

Crystal Wells White Dress

Crystal Wells One Shoulder Dress

Tim Bergenn wrapped up an inspirational fashion shows with his vibrant styles. Bright blues and greens with a theatrical touch had the crowd awed. After learning Tim designed the costumes for the ’07 Northeast Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker, I can see where his inspiration stems from. Tim is currently working freelance in Chicago designing for clients ranging from drag queens to working women and everything in between.

Tim Bergenn Look 1

Tim Bergenn Look 2

As the first fashion show I had attended for 2010 the talent was excellent and the event was too much fun- Looking forward to many more fashion dreams!

All designers currently do custom orders.
Caroline Borucki- carolineborucki@gmail.com
Crystal Wells – crystalwells53@gmail.com
Tim Bergenn- timothybergenn@yahoo.com

Mixing Classic and Punk

SocialStylists — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:53:15 +0000

Meet Lidia Wachowska’s Evil Kitty collection – which is just like the name sounds:
sometimes classic, sometimes playful, and always a little mischievous.

Mad Men Dress

What started out as an animation character for a project at the School of Art Institute in Chicago has evolved into a modern collection with a loyal following. The reason is simple: Evil Kitty clothes are edgy but wearable.
Lidia Wachowska alternates between punk and classic, mixing the vibes.
If it’s a classic piece, look for a little punk in the details.
If it’s a punk look, you’ll find cuts that are still flattering and feminine.

For Spring 2010, the collection concentrates on blues – soft blue or turquoise – with black accents. It was just released and is now available for pre-orders. Here are some of the standouts:

The Mad Men Dress - embodies the Evil Kitty spirit. It’s classically cut to accentuate the best features of any figure. The inverted pleats allow for volume in the skirt without bulk at the hips. The soft blue is girlie, but then the black accents are done in black satin and patent leather.

Deconstructed Mini

The Decontructed Mini – for those with a rebellious streak. Black and turquoise satin pieces are chaotically assembled creating a sense of anarchy. Then the layers are attached with exposed zipper details.

Lace Mini Dress

The Lace Mini Dress – one of my favorites. It’s Evil Kitty’s nod to the 60’s mod. And while lace is a major trend for the upcoming season, Lidia Wachowska does it as an overlay versus lace as exposed lingerie. It’s a bit fresher than the obvious undergarment exposure sometimes seen.

Blending edgy and classic is not an easy balancing act, there aren’t many designers that would even push themselves to attempt it. But Lidia Wachowska makes it look effortless.
Find Evil Kitty at www.evilkitty.net or at these boutiques. Contact Dwight at dwight@rockuniform.com for detailed sales information.

The Hunt for the Perfect Shirt

SocialStylists — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:40 +0000

Most stylists agree on the top fashion staples every grown-up woman needs in her closet: a perfectly tailored shirt, great fitting black pants, and the little black dress.
So if the tailored shirt is one of the must-haves, where do we find one that truly fits?

Chicago’s Kate Boggiano has the answer.
Launched by a Chicago native, the Kate Boggiano theory is that to do something fabulously you need to specialize. And specialize they do – perfectly fitting shirts that we all need.

To find your perfect shirt, you have lots of ways to go about it at Kate Boggiano.
You can choose the ready option, the tailor option or create your own.

Isadora Blouse in Pristine White

Start by browsing the ready shirt options under Blouses. This category showcases some of Kate Boggiano’s most popular silhouettes. My favorite is the French cuff classic – cuff links included by the way. There is also the basic t-shirt we all need, made extra long for necessary coverage with low-ride pants. The Isadora Blouse shown left is a new addition with fabric covered buttons, front and back darts for a tailored look, and a dramatic, double ruffle collar.

The tailor option is available for each of the blouses. What a relief for so many women – tall, short, larger-busted, etc. Sure, you can get any off-the-rack shirt altered, but the fit is so much better when the shirt is cut specifically for you. And the detailed measuring instructions on the website make it so easy to get right.

Madeline Blouse in Blue and White

And then there is the Create Your Own option. This is where you can really make your signature piece. You have material choices, not just color.
What kind of collar do you like?
What kind of hem?
Do you prefer your buttons covered with fabric or hidden completely?
After all your choices, you have the detailed measuring chart. But, if you don’t trust your measuring, you can send in a favorite shirt of yours with information on where you would like to change the fit. It’s really that simple.

For added inspiration, the Kate Boggiano website has a “Style It” feature where you can see your shirt worn different ways – casual, business, dressy. It’s a great way to see the versatility – and necessity – of having that perfect shirt in your wardrobe.

Find Kate Boggiano at www.kateboggiano.com

Expanding Our Fashion Boundaries

SocialStylists — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:11:41 +0000

The first thing I did when I walked in to Anastasia Chatzka’s boutique in Wicker Park was smile. With lots of colors and tons of creativity there is an overall feeling that you are going to have fun there.

Anastasia Bow Dress, photo by Sean Moran

After working in New York with designers such as Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui, Anastasia Chatzka returned to Chicago and opened the flagship store in the summer of 2009. She embraced the Wicker Park community and they in turn embraced her. Her clothes are made locally in Chicago using sustainable materials and natural fibers and everything goes back into the community.

Spring 2010 Dress, photo by Sean Moran

Anastasia approaches design without limits and lets her imagination go. She keeps herself in mind, creating what she would like to wear. This makes for a collection that is an expression of the designer: fun, feminine and still street-smart. That feeling is especially embodied in her bow dress. It has become an Anastasia Chatzka staple item updated seasonally with colors and textures. The dress easily goes from summer to winter – layer with a shirt underneath, tights and voila.

For Spring 2010, Anastasia’s collection is inspired by 1700s French court. Look for intricate lace, dirty-washed colors and detailed layering. Lingerie influences are strong for Spring 2010, but Anastasia does it without being overt – think of stomachers and the slight hint of panniers. Madame de Pompadour would be a fan today.

Lace Detailing in Spring Collection, photo by Sean Moran

Back view, Gray and Pink Dress, Spring 2010, photo by Sean Moran

Beyond her current collection, Anastasia is passionate about fashion and sharing the process. The website offers sewing classes taught by Anastasia to help us discover the connection between idea, design and final piece. Anastasia is also one of the designers chosen by the Care for Kenya foundation to donate sketches to help create employment and sustainable growth for Kenyan women.

3 Collar Dress, Spring 2010, photo by Sean Moran

Part of the freedom of a designer having their own boutique is the autonomy to design for themselves and for their clients. Anastasia Chatzka’s Wicker Park boutique is just that – independent, authentic, and fun.

The flagship store hosts an event the last Thursday of each month. Anastasia is there to unveil a new garment, meet, consult, and chat. Check the website for details each month and upcoming fashion shows.

Anastasia’s Specialties Include:
Consultations
Custom Sizing
Monthly garment debuts
Sewing classes

Putting the Fashion in Eco-Fashion

SocialStylists — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:43:13 +0000

I take public transportation when possible, I recycle, and I’ve switched out my bottled water on the treadmill for a reusable container.
But can I take the plunge to eco-fashion?
Can I wear it and still look fashionable?

Answer: absolutely yes, with Chicago-based Melissa Baswell’s collection Mountains of the Moon and her goal of a new generation of style.

Coco Dress in Purple photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier

First “Eco-Fashion” does not mean an unconstructed hemp sac. That would be leaving out the fashion. And in Mountains of the Moon, Melissa Baswell definitely brings the fashion.

Eco-Fashion means that thought was put into everything:
materials – organic, sustainable
method of fabrication – no sweatshops allowed
sustainability of the design - forget the fast-fashion.

Not new to the eco-fashion movement, Melissa Baswell started at an early age creating outfits for dolls from reused fabrics. Later at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Baswell would use vintage clothing to create updated looks for friends. These days Baswell tends to use organic cottons and soft hemp blends. The result is soft draping and easy wearability.

The actual construction of the clothes is also important. Mountains of the Moon clothes are made from sweatshop-free labor in the USA. And for those with an inner capitalist, since its made in the USA, the money stays here in the local economy.

Audrey Dress in Cream- photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier

As far as the fashion goes, Baswell designs enduring pieces with her own viewpoint. She avoids short-lived trends and leans toward classic looks with a modern update. Her design theory is that eco-fashion is really a positive change away from wear-and-toss-out clothing that isn’t good for the environment (or your wallet).

My favorite piece of Mountains of the Moon is the Coco Dress, a classic design that Baswell seasonally updates in colors (but always available in black). It’s a timeless piece fabulously made with a fitted top, lined with the same material and finished with an invisible back zipper.

Other faves:
The Edie Dress – can be worn as a tunic or mini dress.
The Ellie Skirt – super flattering a-line skirt with pleated tiers.
The Audrey Dress – perfect for all seasons hemp/cotton blend, looks like a wrap but has a more comfortable pull-over design.

Edie Dress - photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier

Ellie Skirt in Periwinkle - photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier

So I’ve had an “Aha moment” on finding Mountains of the Moon. It is truly possible to be fashionable, sensible, and environmentally sensitive. Thanks Melissa!

Baswell is a regular speaker at green events where she engages audiences on the positive impacts of choosing to wear sustainable fashion. Her work has also been exhibited at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and in the Museum of Sustainable Style. The Mountains of the Moon collections are available at over 100 boutiques and select retail stores, from California to New York to Australia to Japan
www.mountainsofthemoon.com