Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion

Photos by Billy Rood of figphoto.net. Left to right: C/FAN, Kristin Hassan, Dorsia

Gen Art's Fresh Faces Fashion Show was the final show for Fashion Focus, presenting new up-and-coming designers on our "watch" list!

Kristin Hassan presented a zesty,colorful collection with girly shorts and delightful tailored tops. JLee Silver showcased trendy summer outfits.The Silver models had an amazing flare that matched the beach inspired clothing. Some of the garments included bright summer gowns and sparkling accessories.The JLee Silver Collection is new and trendy and more specifically it pulls forward creativity to the line. Imaginary People presented everything from prints and patterns to high-waisted leggings and skirts.Dorsia showcased menswear with sophisticated colors, unique textures from vegan leather jackets to denim shorts. The conclusion of the show was showcased by Red Doll by Tatyana.The out-of-this-world dress moment was made when a bright red gown was presented on the stage.The long dress had two big lustrous red flowers on each shoulder to compliment a black satin belt. The dress was a perfect way to cap the magnificent night.
-Jessica Campos

Photos by Billy Rood of figphoto.net. Left to right: JLee Silver, Red Doll by Tatyana, Imaginary People

*video by Tim Musho and Billy Rood of figphoto.net

Borris Powell and his Garden of Love

EnVent Studio turned into a magical wonderland this past Saturday, October 25th, for the final night of Fashion Focus with a show named Le Jardin de L’Amour.Borris Powell knows how to let his crowd believe in their love for fashion with this very beautiful European love story told through his clothes. For his Spring 2010 collection, the innovative designer chose a décor of dramatic chandeliers and romantic greenery while a DJ spun in the middle of it all. Read the full story at Factio Magazine.

Horacio Nieto Spring 2010 Fashion Show

With the industrial EnVent Studio as a backdrop, Horacio Nieto showed the young and the fashionable why he is one of the biggest names in Chicago fashion at the moment. Purple light decorated the walls and clean white seats were spread out over the entire venue for the crowd to enjoy Horacio Nieto’s Spring 2010 menswear and womenswear collections. The young designer is a breath of fresh air in the world of Chicago fashion with a conceptual but fresh perspective on the art of designing. Read the full story at Factio Magazine. Check out the photo gallery for womenswear and for menswear.

*Photos by Billy Rood of figphoto.net exclusively for Factio Media.

Dress Code

The second night of Fashion Focus was a smashing success as local colleges and universities showcased their talent for fellow fashion obsessed Chicagoans. Students from the Illinois Institute of Art, Columbia College, The School of the Art Institute and International Academy of Design and Technology put on a fantastic show filled with everything from tailored dresses to avant-garde couture. Read the full story at Factio Magazine.

*Photos and video by Billy Rood of figphoto.net exclusively for Factio Media.

Macy’s Presents the Designers of Chicago

Macy’s Presents the Designers of Chicago, kicking off Fashion Focus with the first show of the week.

Chicago’s Millennium Park was the perfect setting for a fabulous fashion show (that was packed despite the downpour), featuring the Spring 2010 must-haves. Macy’s promotes Chicago designers, not only at this show, but all year round with their Incubator programs, giving new fashion designers a platform to grow their collections. The show began with the veterans showing why they are still hanging on Macy’s racks. Read the full story at Factio Magazine.

Video by Billy Rood. Photos by Billy Rood & Melissa Martens of figphoto.net

Abigail Glaum-Lathbury Spring 2010 Fashion Show

With the industrial Prairie Production space as a backdrop, Abigail Glaum-Lathbury plays with the ideas of identity and sameness.

Glaum-Lathbury’s collection delivered. A certain mystery surrounds her conceptual garments with some of the most extreme angled shapes we have seen in awhile. Models walked through the crowd in flats, while each stopping and slowly turning, giving us the opportunity to be amazed by the garment from all perspectives. Read the full story at Factio Magazine.

Deal Alert : 30% Off All Jackets and Sweaters at Tracy Porter

Take an extra 30% off jackets and sweaters at Tracyporter.com until midnight tonight! Happy Shopping!

Chicago’s Fashion Focus Opened with a BOOM!

Chicago’s Fashion Focus opened with a bang…or should we say a BOOM! The 2^nd floor of the 900 Shops on Michigan Ave. was turned into a meeting place for a stylish crowd of industry professionals (like the Mayor's Fashion Council) and designers who mingled the night away while enjoying Svedka specialty cocktails, splendid hors d’oeuvres and fashion presentations of various designers, including Elda de la Rosa, Heidi Hess, Horacio Nieto and Tennille White.

Borris Powell, Jermikko and Michelle Tan featured chic wool garments, while Kristin Hassan and Kate Boggiano ruffled up their looks. It seems like we’ll be wearing various pops of colors against a black, grey or navy background. Red, purple, and orange were seen in a variety of garments and leather details were a returning factor in the Alice Berry pieces. Squasht gave us ruched necklines and wrap dresses, while Horacio Nieto stole the show with a purple gown featuring a sleek, tougher jacket.

Informal modeling was taken to a whole new level with models posing like mannequins, while another set performed a dance routine to the electronic beats of DJ Rock City. Another extreme of the night was the delicious hors d’oeuvres! Bull & Bear, Sunda (a Factio favorite), Old Town Social and Market did an amazing job at keeping the fashion-focused guests satisfied with little dishes varying from different meats to mac and cheese to sushi.

The night ended with fabulous swag! We loved the full-sized bottles of hair product handed out by Moroccan Oil. If the beginning of Fashion Focus is already this spectacular, we can’t wait for the rest of the week!
- Chloé van der Wel

*Photos by Alicia Nieto for Factio Media

Agent Provocateur Gets Naughty with a New Cardigan Featuring Cashmere Penises

Wearing a hard-on on your sleeve just became fashionable thanks to lingerie retailer Agent Provocateur. The "Sharon" sweater ($500) is all the rage and made of the softest cotton and silk cashmere. Criss-crossed penises complete the look. For more style choices, click here.

Megan Fox for Emporio Armani

Hollywood’s latest sex symbol Megan Fox will become even more popular as she stars in Emporio Armani’s upcoming underwear and jean advertisements. Fox will be taking the fashion crown from Mrs. Victoria Beckham. Armani is also synonymous for exuding sex appeal and having scantily clad models and celebrities in many of their ads. The photo shoot took place in Los Angeles over the weekend and while no details have been released about the campaign, we’re sure it will be steamy as always. - Jordan Harness

Meet Adam Lippes of ADAM tomorrow in Chicago!

Meet one of our favorite fashion designers Adam Lippes of ADAM tomorrow at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue from 12pm to 3pm.

The Olsen Twins to Launch Eyewear for The Row

The Olsen twins have taken their love for wearing trendy sunglasses, into a business deal. The fashion forward pair will launch a collection of eyewear for spring under the luxury label The Row, produced in licensed partnership with Linda Farrow Eyewear. The girls want to test the market and see what kind of frames their customers respond to but for now they have four looks on their radar; your classic Top Gun metal aviator, an oversize square frame for all those Nicole Richie fans, vintage-inspired brow-line rims and a pair of round shades taken from the Sixties. According to an interview with WWD, “We tried to find certain pieces that look good on more than one face, to pay close attention to how they fit certain faces and make them wearable at the same time,” Ashley Olsen said. Despite having this big project on their plate, the Olsen twins as also getting their hands dirty in the costume jewelry department, working with Robert Lee Morris on the contemporary Elizabeth and James label. The future looks so bright for these girls, they just might need a new pair of shades. - Tracey Johnsen

Event Alert: Details Magazine and Gant at Barneys