Posts Tagged ‘Emerging Designers’

Chicago’s Fashion Future

March 11th, 2010
F.A.M.E. 2010

Fashion And Media Extravaganza

The international fashion shows for the Fall 2010 season are just closing. Fashion eyes are looking at what’s coming up from big name designers for the next season.
But what about the next several seasons?
Here in Chicago, we just saw the annual F.A.M.E. (Fashion And Media Extravaganza) show featuring students at the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.

The designers showcased last night may not have a huge following (yet), but many of these designers are capable of great things in the future. I will definitely be watching.

There were so many great designs, but here are just a few favorites:

Amber Johnson won the award for sportswear design.
Relyn Aguero’s sportswear had my favorite shirt of the evening.
Krista D’amato’s sherbert looks in the Spring Ahead set.
Becky Mueller won the Whole Foods FEED 100 award. Designers created looks from feed bags and proceeds go towards providing food to children in Rwanda.
Savannah Shreves’ “Wonderland” looks in the Structured Chaos feature were a crowd favorite and award winner.
Coral Manor topped of the evening with a show-stopping evening dress complete with a peacock-feathered train. It was also the evening wear award winner.
Bese Guzeldere of Zeyno showed part of her A La Turka collection.

Amber Johnson from her Shingles Collection

Amber Johnson from her Shingles Collection

Relyn Aguero Sportswear

Relyn Aguero Sportswear

Krista D'Amato Looks

Krista D'Amato Looks from Spring Ahead

Becky Mueller

Becky Mueller's Winning Look for Whole Foods FEED 100

Whole Foods FEED 100 Looks

Whole Foods FEED 100 Looks

Savannah Shreves

Savannah Shreves's Wonderland looks for Structured Chaos

Coral Manor

Coral Manor Winner - Evening Wear

Brett Bischoff

Brett Bischoff

Angie Ortega

Angie Ortega Suenos Collection


Nicole London

Nicole London Textured Dress

Coral Manor Linear Luxury Dress

Coral Manor Linear Luxury Dress

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Wishes & Dreams at Wax Lounge

February 3rd, 2010

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 Look1

Caroline Borucki Look3

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 White Dress

Crystal Wells One Shoulder 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 1

Tim Bergenn Look 2

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

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Expanding Our Fashion Boundaries

January 22nd, 2010

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

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

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

Lace Detailing in Spring Collection, photo by Sean Moran

Back view, Gray and Pink Dress, Spring 2010, 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

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

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