Just when you thought fashion week was over, here are the goods on Chicago Latino Fashion Week, coming up at the end of the month. As is our custom, we present it in their own words, with all their hyperbole fully intact. Proceed accordingly.
MONDAY, OPENING NIGHT: Latino Hair Production Platform Showcase (Show/Competition/Club Event) Chicago Latino Fashion Week 2008 will officially launch on Monday, October 27 at The Latino Hair Production Platform Showcase with host Nina Chantele (KISS-FM), held at Religion Night Club (720 N. Wells Street). This juried competition will challenge top Latino cosmetologists and stylists from Chicago on their skills at dramatic hair design and make-up artistry. The panel of judges will include local celebrities and industry experts. Doors open at 6pm, 7pm-8:30pm hosted cocktail reception by Diageo, competition begins at 9pm; Ticket price: $25.
TUESDAY: Stepping into the Spotlight, Student Designer Showcase (Show/Competition) Students from Chicago design schools will step onto the stage on Tuesday, October 28 to win the title of top Latino student designer as determined by a panel of celebrity and industry judges. Part of the Chicago Latino Fashion Week student designer competition, this exciting evening featuring four designs from each student finalist will give you a glance into fashion future! Held at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (777 N. Green Street), doors open at 6pm, presentation at 7pm; FREE event. Official After-party at Salsa Lounge Tuesday, Green Dolphin Street (2200 N. Ashland Avenue). No cover before 10pm.
WEDNESDAY: Rising Stars of Fashion (Show/Club Event) AOL Latino and UNSCENE Magazine play host on Wednesday, October 29 as we showcase the designs of Chicago’s rising stars of fashion design including Susi Garcia and Freddie Rocha. A hip and sleek fashion show in the cool club setting of Crobar Nightclub (1543 N Kingsbury Street) will feature top trends in designer prêt-à-porter. Doors open at 6pm, 6pm–9pm cocktail reception by Crobar Nightclub and Diageo, show starts at 9pm; FREE event.
THURSDAY: San Juan Fashion Group Show (Show/Club Event) The tropical heat of San Juan comes to Chicago as we present the design vision of some of the most recognized fashion designers from Puerto Rico on Thursday, October 30 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (777 N. Green Street). Featured designers will include Felix Poll, Stella Nolasco and Tommy Hernandez. Doors open at 6pm, 6pm–7:30pm cocktail reception by Diageo, presentation at 7:45pm; Ticket price: $40. A portion of the proceeds to benefit MANA of Illinois. Official After-party at Tropical Thursdays, Excalibur Nightclub (632 N. Dearborn) hosted by Lisa La Boricua.
FRIDAY: Cinema Masquerade Ball (Club Event) Friday, October 31 marks the date for the most fashionable Halloween party in the city! Featuring theatrical masks and costumes with a cinema theme, event goers are highly encouraged to dress in their best masquerade attire. Silvia Perez (ABC7) to host. Doors open at 8PM at Club Mannequin (306 N. Halsted), 8pm–10pm cocktail reception by Diageo; Ticket Price: $35 individual, $60 couple.
SATURDAY: International Showcase (Show/Club Event) Top designers from across Latin America will join on one stage to showcase their new collections in Chicago on Saturday, November 1. Join host Tsi-tsi-ki Félix (Telemundo Chicago) as the fashions from Mexico, Columbia, Brazil, and Argentina shine in the impressive ambiance of Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph). Doors open at 6pm, 7pm–9pm cocktail reception by Diageo, fashion show at 9:15pm; Ticket price: $40/VIP $60. A portion of the proceeds to benefit Mujeres Latinas en Acción.
SUNDAY, CLOSING NIGHT: “El Fin” Grand Finale (Show/VIP After-party) Chicago Latino designers will debut their Spring 2009 collections and couture design inspired by their favorite Hollywood Screen Icons including Rita Hayworth, Maria Felix, Dolores Del Rio, Rita Moreno, and Linda Carter during the grand finale show, Sunday, November 2 at the Drake Hotel (140 E. Walton Place). Doors will open at 11am where guests can visit the vendor showcase featuring jewelry, apparel, beauty products and much more! Silvia Perez (ABC7) will open the fashion show at 1pm with featured designers James de Colón, Louis Verdad, Orlando Espinoza, Anna Fong, Elda de la Rosa, Carol Pineiro and Horacio Nieto. Confirmed celebrity guests include legendary actress and tribute icon Rita Moreno, actor Freddy Rodriguez, celebrity stylist Samy, and model Jaslene Gonzalez. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago and the 25th Anniversary of the Chicago Latino Film Festival. The VIP After-Party is presented by Macy’s Department Stores, 4pm-6pm at Macy’s on State Street (111 N. State Street). Ticket Price: $75 Show only, $100 Show and VIP After-Party. For a sneak peek of some of the fashion from our Chicago designers, be sure to visit the Chicago Latino Fashion Week exhibit in Macy’s on State Street—available October 20 through November 2.
