The city has announced the full lineup for this year’s Fashion Focus, and we reproduce it here, in entirety, hype-ful prose and all.
OCTOBER 1-8: FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Fashion Focus Chicago, a weeklong celebration of Chicago’s thriving fashion industry, returns for a fourth year in 2008. Running from Wednesday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 8 Fashion Focus Chicago showcases some of the city’s top designers, and features five runway shows in Millennium Park, fashion installations, shopping events, student designer events, and industry seminars.
F=Free WC=Wheelchair Accessible
RUNWAY EVENTS
GEN ART’S FRESH FACES IN FASHION PRESENTED BY BLACKBERRY & T-MOBILE FEATURING A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY CLANDESTINE INDUSTRIES HOSTED BY PETE WENTZ Wednesday, October 1; Pre-Show Reception 6 pm, Runway Show 7:30 pm Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.GenArt.org/312.229.1701 (reservations required, limited space) 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); Details online
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. Wentz’s commitment to Chicago talent matches Gen Art Chicago’s dedication to promoting local artists. Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion is renowned for showcasing the brightest emerging stars in the fashion industry and launching the careers of many successful fashion labels. (WC) WORLD FASHION CHICAGO PRESENTED BY CHICAGO SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL Thursday, October 2, 7:30 pm; After-Party 9-11 pm Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.ChicagoSisterCities.com/312.744.8074 Admission: After-Party (location/price details online); Millennium Park Runway Show FREE (reservations required, limited space)
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.
DRESS CODE CHICAGO DESIGN SCHOOLS’ SHOW Friday, October 3, 7:30 pm Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.744.2400 (information)
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, where the winner will be announced. (F) (WC)
A FASHION PERFORMANCE Sunday, October 5, 7 pm Chicago Cultural Center – Claudia Cassidy Theater 77 E. Randolph Street www.AliceBerry.com/773.384.7279 (reservations required, limited space)
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. (F) (WC) THE ALLURE OF COUTURE Monday, October 6, 7:30 pm Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.744.2400 (information)
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. A pitch-perfect evening for the independently stylish and collectors of fashion and art! (F) (WC) MACY’S PRESENTS THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO Tuesday, October 7, 7:30 pm Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.744.2400 (information)
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. (F) (WC) INDUSTRY SEMINARS THE CENTER FOR PATTERN DESIGN PRESENTS UK DESIGNER JULIAN ROBERTS Friday, October 3, 2-4 pm Millennium Park Runway Tent – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.744.2400 (information)
An incredible opportunity for fashion designers and students! Learn the innovative “Subtraction Cutting” technique from 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. (F)(WC)
CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS “GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS” PART I Sunday, October 5, 10:30 am-Noon Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Washington Room 78 E. Washington Street www.ChicagoFashionFoundation.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.882.1366 (information)
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. (F) (WC) CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS “GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS” PART II – FEATURING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS FROM THREADLESS.COM Sunday, October 5, Noon-1:30 pm Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room 78 E. Washington Street www.ChicagoFashionFoundation.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.882.1366 (information)
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. (F) (WC)
PRODUCTION IN CHICAGO: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW Sunday, October 5, 1:30-3 pm Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Washington Room 78 E. Washington Street www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)
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. (F) (WC)
YOUR PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Sunday, October 5, 3-4:30 pm Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room 78 E. Washington Street www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)
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. (F) (WC) MEET THE DESIGNERS AND LEARN HOW THEY DID IT Wednesday, October 8, 5:30-7:30 pm Apparel Center Lobby 350 N. Orleans Street www.AIBI.com/312.836.1041(reservations required, limited space; information)
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. (F) MORE FASHION HIGHLIGHTS
MACY’S DISTINCTION IN DESIGN COMPETITION Wednesday, October 1, 10 am-2 pm Macy’s on State Street 111 N. State Street www.Macys.com
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. (F) (WC) FASHION ILLUSTRATION DEMONSTRATION Thursday, October 2, 1:30-3:30 pm Columbia College Chicago – Hokin Annex 623 S. Wabash Avenue 312.369.7557 (reservations required, limited space)
Sketch a professional runway model wearing student designs, while Columbia College Chicago fashion-design faculty assist with the drawings and answer questions. Materials provided. (F) (WC) THE HAPPY HATTER Friday, October 3, 11 am-2 pm Water Tower Place 835 N. Michigan Avenue 312.777.8640
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. (F)
T-SHIRT FRENZY Saturday, October 4, 11:30 am-2:30 pm Blick Art Materials 42 S. State Street 312.980.9298
Screen-print a T-shirt using stencils of your choice with guidance from International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago students. (F) (WC) STRIKE A POSE Saturday, October 4, 3-5 pm Blick Art Materials 42 S. State Street 312.980.9298
Take home a skillful sketch, starring you, by instructors and students from the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago’s Fashion Design Department. (F) (WC)
NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING
CHICAGO-BASED DESIGNER COLLECTIONS AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET Ongoing Macy’s on State Street 111 N. State Street www.Macys.com
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. (WC) FASHION LAB Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Daily, 9 am-7 pm Saturday, October 4 Gallery Talk noon-1 pm; Shopping with Student Designers 1-4 pm 72 E. Randolph Street www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.744.2400 (information)
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. (F)(WC)
SHOPWALK Friday, October 3-Wednesday, October 8 Choose the Time and Place when reserving. www.ChicagoShopWalk.com/773.255.7866 (reservations required, limited space; information) Admission: $40 per person and up
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. (WC)
SHOPPING HAPPY HOUR Friday, October 3, 5-7 pm TBD www.UrbanShopGuide.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.533.1256 (information) Admission: $20 per person
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!
GEN ART’S SHOP CHICAGO Saturday, October 4; VIP Shopping 1-2 pm, Public Shopping 2-6 pm Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive www.GenArt.org/312.229.1701 (RSVP required for General Admission) Admission: VIP $40 (includes VIP Lounge Access, VIP Shopping Hour, Gift Bag); General Admission w/RSVP FREE
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. (WC) NEIGHBORHOOD ALL-STAR TOUR Sunday, October 5, Noon-4 pm Departs/Returns from/to Chicago Cultural Center 77 E. Randolph Street www.UrbanShopGuide.com (reservations required, limited space)/312.533.1256 (information) Admission: $125 per person (includes gratuity for guide and driver)
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! (WC)
PEARLS AND POLITICS Sunday, October 5, Noon-5 pm Bourdage Pearls 3530 N. Southport Avenue www.BourdagePearls.com/773.244.1126
Drop by Bourdage Pearls and 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. (F)
FASHION INSTALLATIONS
CHIC CHICAGO: COUTURE TREASURES FROM THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM Saturday, September 27, 2008-Sunday, July 26, 2009; Daily, Hours vary Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark Street www.ChicagoHistory.org/312.642.4600 Admission: adults $14; seniors 65+ /students w/ID 13-22 $12; children 12 and under FREE; Mondays FREE
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, this 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. (WC)
CHECK IN…CHECK IT OUT! Wednesday, October 1-Sunday, October 8; Anytime Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza 350 N. Orleans Street and The Palmer House Hilton 17 E. Monroe Street 312.777.8640
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! (F) (WC)
ETHNIC FASHIONS Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime Hampton Majestic Lobby 22 W. Monroe Street www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.980.9298
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. (F) (WC) SALUTE TO THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!! Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime Apparel Center Lobby 350 N. Orleans Street www.AIBI.com/312.836.1041
View this exhibition of selected fashions from CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!!, the June 2008 fashion extravaganza that featured established and emerging, Chicagoland designers. (F) (WC) SAME SUIT, DIFFERENT STORY Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime Chicago Hilton – Michigan and Balbo Windows and South Lobby 720 S. Michigan Avenue www.ChicagoFashionResource.com
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. (F) (WC)
SHAPING INTIMATE SPACE Wednesday, October 1-Friday, October 31; Anytime Sears Tower 233 S. Wacker Drive 312.629.6710
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. (F) (WC)
MOSS: MUSEUM OF SUSTAINABLE STYLE Thursday, October 2-Sunday, October 5, Noon-6 pm; Panel Discussion: Saturday, October 4, 2-3 pm and Post-Discussion Reception 3-6 pm Brickermade 1109 W. Fulton Market, 1st Floor www.MossChicago.org
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. (F) (WC)
