Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Fashion’

Looks we Love from Imagine 2010

May 17th, 2010

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

Apple Rose Javier - Sheer Elegance

Vanessa Lambert

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

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

Marissa Vangarderen - Woodstock segment

Marissa Vangarderen

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!

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Inspired by Wildlife & (wild) Life

May 10th, 2010

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

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

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

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.

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Honoring her Heritage

May 5th, 2010
Renee Denomme Street Savvy

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.

Renee Denomme

Social Soiree Look in Amethyst, Model Chelsie Hart

Social Soiree Look in Gunmetal, 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.

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