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Happy Holidays from Runway To Retail

We are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We'll be back for our regular publishing programming Monday!

A Night With Sevan Jewelry

Veronica Sabets, Marcin Wrobel, Holly Bittinger

Dennis Basso charmed guests for an exquisite holiday trunk show featuring Sevan jewelry. The snow that fell on December 16th created an idyllic setting for the luxury fur and jewelry trunk show hosted by Manny B & Co., Sevan Bicakci, and Blue Star Jets. Guests we spotted were Manny Bencomo, Barbara Saumuels, Graham Kostic and Candace Jordan. However, the night featured one designer in particular, Sevan, whose designs are considered one of the most coveted luxury items in the world. Starting at a young age, Sevan worked with an Armenian jewelry master. Deep within the designs lies a Turkish aura inspired by his love for Istanbul. The mixed identity of Sevan creations is one so special, exotic, and original that it cannot be categorized. The versatility and universal style of Sevan is apparent because the Istanbul collection is worn by American first ladies and European royalty alike. Sevan jewelry is now available in Chicago at Manny B & Co and Barneys.
-Jackie Medler

Sevan Jewelry

Manny Bencomo and Jean Lieber

Richard Braido, Candace Jordan, Manny Bencomo and Barbara Samuels

Ryan Keeney and guest

Jada Russell and Rana Peterson

Rana Peterson, Levar Hoard and Jody Fromayan

Graham Kostic

Agent Provacateur's Opening Party in Chicago

Chicagoans braved the winter storm Thursday night to attend the opening party of Agent Provocateur (47 E. Oak Street). A scantily clad model from Argentina moved through the crowd in sexy lingerie, sometimes with a whip, which she had to use on some unruly party goers. Guests enjoyed champagne and colorful macaroons as they toured the tiny, pretty shop.

Provocateur is known for their provocative assortment of underthings and has a celebrity following of Dita Von Teese, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Carmen Electra, to name a few. The Chicago outpost not only sells sexy lingerie, but also footwear, perfume, saucy accessories (like whips), perfume and classic stockings with back seams. For more information, visit www.agentprovocateur.com.

photos by Kari Skaflen

White Hot Accessories This Winter

White is as "in" as a snow storm this winter. Winter white is everywhere – from your snowy driveway to your dazzling accessories.

Give your shoulder some sparkle with a new Jimmy Choo Lohla Jane tote, $2,895

Michael Kors has got it right whitely with the Canvas Drawstring Tote ($795) and Sutton Patent Clutch ($595). Each piece is great for everyday and trendy enough for going out.

Get a little fancy with a Thurley arrow trim tulip skirt. The gray waistline hem is the perfect hinge for pairing with dark tops. Was, $425, Now, $212.50

Find confidence in the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania jabot bow blouse ($695) that screams office chic.

Ice your look over for your next gala or ball. You’ll look ravishing in a Tara Matthews embellished bandeau gown ($425).

Mouth-dropping is not too far fetched for your expectations with this Elizabeth and James ruffle mini dress ($425).

Keep your gaze out of the sun with blistering white Emilio Pucci shades ($350) and stay on top of icy walks with pretty Jimmy Choos and edgy Chloe’ heels ($695).

Do your holiday up right in white this winter season. Shop all of these looks and more at NET-A-PORTER.COM
-Jackie Medler

Barneys Expanding in Chicago

Established in 1923, providing high quality men’s and women’s clothing and products, Barney’s continues its expansion today. It currently has three large stores located in New York City, Chicago, and Beverly Hills, California and exists globally as well. Barneys has decided to increase the size of the Chicago store now located on Oak and Rush Street. The current size of the Chicago location is 52,000 square feet. The new design plans on moving Barney’s across the street to a six story building, increasing its size to 90,000 square feet and even feature a restaurant with a penthouse structure. The idea was inspired by the fact that the customer experience at Barneys in New York is phenomenal given its size of 240,000 square feet. The creative director, Simon Doonan wanted shoppers to experience the same feeling when shopping the store in Chicago. The expansion is sure to be one of extravagance and originality.
-Joletha Goodman

Children's Ball - A Fête of All Seasons

On Saturday, December 13, about 1,200 decked out guests descended upon the Hilton Chicago for the 50th annual black-tie Children's Ball, Seasons: A Year of Discovery, an event benefiting Children’s Memorial Hospital. Guests were greeted at the grand staircase by the young violinists from the Suzuki Orff School of Music, taking them to a spring/summer-themed cocktail reception with a pink-hued ambiance, complete with Gerbera Daisies in the grandiose ballroom. The all seasons theme was chosen by this year’s co-chairs Emily Emmerman and Meredith Bluhm-Wolf that brought a celebratory feel to this year’s ball. Spring was in the air as guests enjoyed cocktails surrounding an oversized elaborate tree complete with a dancing butterfly. Lush buffets served summer favorites like shrimp cocktail, light Asian faire and mini hamburgers. As attendees moved into the ballroom, they entered a magical winter wonderland of all white décor. You could taste fall with their dinner menu which featured a bibb and butter lettuce salad with goat cheese and roasted beets, chestnut soup, followed by filet mignon. After dinner many revelers filled the dance floor.

Children’s Memorial Hospital depends on philanthropy as a non-for-profit, as they are one of the best institutions in the country. The ball was part of an overall plan with the Medical Research Institute Council (MRIC) which helped raise $5.3 million for the Children’s Memorial Hospital this year.

Co-chairs Emily Emmerman (left) and Meredith Bluhm-Wolf with dancers from Stage Factor

Deborah Jarol of Winnetka and her son Brad Jarol of Chicago

'Butterfly'' Dancer

2008 Children's Ball co-chair Meredith Bluhm-Wolf (center) with daughter Anna
*Photos by Garbo Productions

Chanel's Mobile Art Tour Cancelled

Given the present state of the economy, there's no question that people are cutting back on spending. Although, one would never guess that a prominent company such as Chanel would be. Recently, Chanel decided to conduct a mobile art tour in a space age type structure, created by architect Zaha-Hadid displaying artwork resembling Chanel’s 2.55 quilted chain strap handbag.

The mobile was able to make it to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and New York, but it seemed almost unfathomable for the mobile to make it to London, Moscow and Paris. The cost of the mobile was not mentioned, but an architecture critic did feel that the mobile was an indulgence, and given the state of the economy it seemed “delusional.” There were 20 contemporary artists involved in this project and the artwork was still owned by the artists. Chanel would have had the first chance to purchase the artwork. -Joletha Goodman

Link it! Stories we Like, from Sites we Love. It's the Week in Chic!

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Factio Magazine talks to diamond heiress Lita Asscher Factio Magazine

Is it easier to be a man or a woman? What do you think? Fashion Fille

Fashion Pulse Daily shows how get the biker chic look! Fashion Pulse Daily

What should Barack wear for his Inaugural? Hip Candy

See a few designers sketch ideas for Barack's Inaugural looks. Hip Candy

A Video Fashion Story: go behind-the-scenes and see what a real photo shoot looks like! Runway To Retail

Style Observer get's sparkly for New Year's Eve Style Observer

Fashion mistakes not to make this holiday The Fashionable Gal

No Go Fashion Shows

Betsey Johnson

First Vera Wang, then Carmen Marc Valvo, and now Betsey Johnson…we know that staging a show costs at least $100,00 but who is actually going to show at Bryant Park?

Ms. Johnson is one of an increasing number of designers who are not showing this February because the global recession begins to have an impact on their balance sheets. It’s not only the New York Fashion Week that is suffering; Cacharel has pulled out of Paris Fashion Week and Marni and Valentino are changing the format of their menswear showings.

So what can we expect this February? Fifty pink Christian Louboutin pumps for Barbie, that’s for sure. Mattel is planning a runway show as part of New York fashion week, with 50 designers who will produce life-size outfits inspired by Barbie. Christian Louboutin will be “designing pumps in iconic Barbie Pantone 219 Pink and each of the 50 models will be wearing the pink Loubous at the show.”

After 50 years, it seems that Barbie still lives in the perfect, material world and the recession doesn’t change her life. Louboutin tells us that “Barbie needs to wear great shoes because every girl needs to wear great shoes” and since he’s genius, he’s always right. Let’s see if Payless made some cute Pantone 219 Pink pumps.
-Chloé van der Wel

Plastinina Plagued by Recession

Even the super wealthy are plagued by the U.S. recession. In May, we reported that 16-year-old Russian Heiress Kira Plastinina was bringing her fashion line stateside aggressively opening boutiques in New York and LA. With what appeared to be an intense and well thought out marketing plan, turns out to be reversed as news streamed to our offices today with plans to close almost all stores that were opened. Kira's father, Russian entrepreneur Sergei Plastinin was said to have spent over $80 million opening the stores here. The brand already has 40 stores in their native Russia, two in the Ukraine and two in Kazakhstan and they planned to open 500 around the globe by 2010. With the financial crisis underway in the states, plans have changed and only two stores will remain open. "The number of shoppers in the U.S. fell significantly," Plastinina said. "It became much harder to find money for investment because of the financial crisis. We had enormous plans: New York, then India and China in 2009." Time will tell if the brand can re-enter the U.S. in a more shopper-friendly climate.

Trade News: Magia at Magic

Magic is back, but not without a few new tricks up its sleeve. New to this year’s convention will be an all new Hispanic segment: Magia at Magic. Las Vegas will dedicate 25,000 sq. ft. of its South Hall Las Vegas Convention Center to Magia and all its wonderful fashions. The Magic Marketplace will be held February 17-19, 2009 with attendees from over 15,000 individual retail stores and over 100,000 retailers that include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sears, Kohl’s, JC Penney, manufacturers, and fashion press.

Magia will represent over 45 million people in the U.S. who are Hispanic and Latin Americans. “We are very excited about collaborating with Magic. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping Hispanic-owned businesses better compete in the global economy. The fashion industry is a sector that is ripe with potential for Hispanic entrepreneurs and this joint effort is a great first step to fulfill that promise of growth,” said David C. Lizárraga, Board Chairman of the USHCC.

Magia will offer a seminar series dedicated to helping retailers better understand the Hispanic/Latin Market consumer patterns, demographics, leading industry designers, and valuable marketing tips. Magia will also give minority exhibitors networking opportunities with buyers and enhance global distribution for established consumer brands from Mexico, Columbia, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, and Paraguay. Magia at Magic is expected to bring an abundance of new resources to the fashion market and retailers.
-Jackie Medler

Cyber Deals! elizabethW

Beauty company elizabethW is offering comped shipping on orders over $75 and if you live in San Francisco, head to their Ghirardelli store and take advantage of an extra 20% off!

A Video Fashion Story: Fall 2008 Cover Fashion Shoot

Want to go behind-the-scenes of a cover fashion shoot? Take a look at our fall shoot via video for our print publication, Factio Magazine, and the results after the jump!



A recap of the results! Factio Magazine's Fall 2008 Issue...

COVER /FALL ADDICTION

Antik Batik fur gilet $628, Koros Art and Style, Silk satin shift dress by Albert Nipon, Available at www.BarriePace.com,Black Leah C Couture Millinery $300, Ikram, Black suede oxfords by Martinez Valero www.BarriePace.com, Black velvet opera length gloves $150, Available at Lacrasia, Rhinestone bracelets by Rj Graziano, Available at Nordstrom, Urchin ring by Tracey Mayer $425, Tracey Mayer, Glasses are available at See Optical $150

TO THE POINT

Antik Batik sequin dress $3,700, Exclusively available at Bottega Contessa, Fur collar by Martin Margiela, Ikram, 40 kt Blood crystal with Marquisites $325, Bottega Contessa, Black suede oxfords by Martinez Valero, www.BarriePace.com

HOOKED ON HEELS

Magenta chiffon dress with satin bow, www.BarriePace.com, Fur trim coat by Sportmax $1,992, Koros Art and Style, Black suede oxfords by Martinez Valero, www.BarriePace.com, Black silk chiffon scarf by Maria Pinto, Bag by Lumi, Available at bess and loie

ALTERED STATE

Silk pewter high neck blouse by Austin Reed $148, Available at www.BarriePace.com, Long sleeve satin double zip hooded jacket with leather peplums by Rick Owens $4,305
Ikram, Leather skinnies by Maria Kaya $1,590, Ikram, Black open cut T-strap by Camilla Skovgaard $537, Koros Art and Style, Silver Dayak cuff by Tracey Mayer $1,275, www.Traceymayer.com, Ring Orcal By Tracey Mayer $450, Patent leather clutch with real python skin by Diego Rocha $840, Available at www.DiegoRocha.com

FASHION WITHDRAWL

Orchid taffeta Rachel top by Maria Pinto $760, Orchid taffeta mona skirt by Maria Pinto $1,205, Red Velvet open toe heel with bow by Bruno Frisoni $1,050 Ikram, Alonson lace eye mask by Contessa, Bottega Contessa, Black muffler $336, Koro Art and Style, Peacock earrings $110, Botega Contessa

MAINLINE COLOR

Red Dear cashmere turtleneck $245, Ikram, Comme des Garcons skirt $1060, Ikram, Red tights $3.90, Available at H&M, Red Velvet open toe heel with bow by Bruno Frisoni $1,050, Ikram, Cinnebar necklace by Tracey Mayer $925, Available at www.Traceymayer.com, Cinnebar ring by Tracey Mayer $450

MONKEY ON MY BACK

Black jersey raglan top by Orlando Espinoza, Black leggings by Kate Boggiano $29.95, Hand made weave wool coat by Agga B., Available at Gamma Player, Black patent leather belt by Martin Margiela, Ikram, Blue and purple patent leather handbag by Diego Rocha $704, Black Patent leather booties, www.BarriePace.com, Gold satin stretch gloves $75, Available at www.lacrasia.com, Black ring by Erickson Beamon, www.Showroomseven.com, Patent leather headpiece with bow, www.zara.com, Blue patent leather handbag by Diego Rocha www.diegorocha.com

CREDITS
Photography/Jack Perno
Jackperno.com

Fashion Editor/Jesse Rodriguez
Fashion Assistant/Shanalee Gallagher
Makeup/Cammy Kelly @ Artists by Timothy Priano
Key Hair Stylist/ Cindy Adams @ Stewart Beauty for Steven Papageorge
Hair Assistant/ Shoko Inoue for Steven Papageorge
Model/Hailei Star @ Elite Model Management
Producer/Liz Ragen
Photo Assistant/JJ Jetel