Cynthia Rowley & Me

If you aren’t from Chicago, you may think Cynthia Rowley is an indie designer gaining serious traction. She’s recently guest judged on Project Runway and made guest appearances on David Letterman, the View, and more. But here in Chicago, she’s the benchmark of success for young designers. She is also rapidly becoming a global brand.

A bit of background – Cynthia Rowley grew up in a Chicago suburb and then attended the School of the Art Institute Chicago before launching her line. Her designs have the 3 Fs to make women feel pretty – fun, flirty, & feminine. She takes simple silhouettes and adds the “wow” factor. (See Cynthia’s Fall 2010 Runway Show pictures).

Beyond the designs, Cynthia Rowley has the boldness needed to go from local girl to global brand. When as a senior at the Art Institute she sold her first collection of 8 pieces to New York department stores, Cynthia grabbed control and ran – to New York. Once there legend has it that Ms Rowley held her first runway show in her apartment and invited all the major NYC fashion editors and Andy Warhol. None showed, but Cynthia was definitely on her way.

Cynthia's Studded Tights

Now it’s been announced that Cynthia Rowley will take on the project of redesigning all the uniforms for United Airlines – pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, everyone. It’s a tremendous job and a huge challenge for someone that is still her own company. But then, like my favorite quote from the Widow (Veuve) Clicquot, “one must act with audacity.”

By the way, she simply could not be any nicer, and yes, she is that adorable in person.