Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event

Shop Chicago designers during Glitter! Click to learn more. For more information go to chicagofashionresource. Admission is Free!

Event Alert: Party at Cynthia Rowley's!

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Mr. Ford Returns from Hibernation

After six years of hibernation, Tom Ford will finally be returning to the women’s wear fashion scene. His highly anticipated return has been gaining some worldwide notoriety amongst the fashion industry’s finest. Don’t let the fact that Mr. Ford has awoken from a six year slumber have you thinking that he will be putting a rest to his exclusivity. A red carpet full of Ford’s designs is not what the designer has in mind. Tom has stated that he “will wait to see who is nominated for the Oscars-and will dress one person.” The designer held a private showcase of his latest and greatest this past September. Ford’s showcase consisted of an exclusive audience with 100 guests and editors, and an even more glamorous lineup of models including Julianne Moore, Beyonce, and Lauren Hutton among others. In regard to the latest campaigns from this spring 2011 line, the return of Ford is definitely worth the wait. Tom Ford’s legacy previously brought us some of the best from ex YSL, and Gucci (anyone remember Charlize Theron at the 2004 Oscars? Epic.) and there is nothing from this new collection to be disappointed about. It appears that his recent break has enabled him to truly tap into his creativity. Tip of the hat to you Mr. Ford, bravo! - Nicole Simone

Islands of the World Fashion Week Nassau, Bahamas

Day one of Islands of the World Fashion Week

From November 11-13th, we took our annual jaunt to Nassau, Bahamas for one of our favorite fashion weeks of the year - Islands of the World Fashion Week. The sun, talented designers from Island nations and well-known special guests (Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll of Project Runway fame) make this fashion week one not to miss.

On opening night, we took in some of our favorite designers who usually showcase in the Bahamas including Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas who is consistent with their stunning collections of handbags and clutches made of straw and sisal plait adorned with luxurious beading and shells. This season, K-Bobby of Jamaica stunned us with his beautiful cocktail dresses, both long and short in sumptuous fabrics. NextGen Designers presented next starting with Whitney Miller of the Bahamas. We loved her soft collection of dainty shorts and dresses in hues of gray's, whites and light pinks. David Rolle (who ended up winning the prestigious scholarship from Parson's) showed off a decidedly darker side of metallic suits for men and creative cocktail dresses for the ladies. ICandy, another Island favorite, showed off some of her latest swimwear creations in rich teals, whites and hot pinks to a crowd that no doubt loves the Bahamian beaches by day. Jay McCarroll who won Project Runway's first season was the final designer on day 1 showing off his Spring 2011 collection. He hasn't shown a full collection since his documentary "Eleven Minutes" and it was exciting! Jay's take on the modern sheath dress was fun to watch. Each dress was a bright color of green, blue, pink and even white accented with either block shapes or circles. Models wore platform shoes that were covered with socks that were found at the market in the Bahamas the day of the show that matched the color of the dress. A superb ending to that night's shows!

Day two of Islands of the World Fashion Week started off with the very charismatic Nick Verreos (season 2 of Project Runway) who hosted a new award for the fashion week - "In Search of the Next Oscar" Competition. The contenders were Raynelis Howell from Turks & Caicos and Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic. The most exquisite design from Georgina was a full length silver sequin gown with cut-outs around the mid-section. From Raynelis, we loved her black, ruffled cocktail dress that featured a skirt made out of sheer drapes. Theodore Elyett, the "Runway to Fashion Week" Winner from the Bahamas, had a stunning collection of colorful printed looks that seamlessly mixed well together. Guest designer Indashio from the U.S.A. brought some bubbly fun to the runway girly dresses in bright, happy colors. The final designer of the night was Oliver Tolentino from the Philippines. Each creation that came out was more stunning than the last. A Factio favorite was a copper bustier with floral shorts and a full-length beaded gown with blue and brown flowers.

Day three of fashion week featured "Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show." Dignitaries from Haiti flew in specifically for the event, sat front row and enjoyed Haitian designers including Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell, David Andre Collection by David Andre, Artisands du Soleil Haiti by Giovanna Menard, Michel Chataigne, Maguy Durce, Maelle Creations by Maelle David and Savannah Savary. After the show, an after party outside at the British Colonial Hilton featured Bahamian singers and lots of great local food like conch fritters, conch salad shots and drinks like Bahamas Mama's. It was a beautiful end to Islands of the World Fashion Week and all we can say is, we can't wait for next year.

*Photos by Factio Media

Prince William Finally Put a Ring On It

Kate Middleton may not have had to kiss a frog, but her recent engagement to Prince William is truly a fairy tale. The British fashionista, who also comes from an upper-middle class family, has been on and off again with the Prince of Wales for the past 8 years. The couple met while in college at St. Andrews, where Prince William paid $300 to watch Kate work the catwalk in a charity fashion show. The British beauty was proposed to in October during a trip to Kenya. Prince William discussed his engagement plans with the Queen, and Katie’s father before presenting her with an 18 carat, white gold, sapphire and diamond ring, that was also worn by the late princess Diana. Prince William said that the ring “was a way of making sure [his] mother didn’t miss out on today.” The royal couple plans on having the wedding in the spring/summer of 2011, in London. We are sure this will be the biggest wedding of the year. Congrats to the happy nuptials!- Nicole Simone

Gilt City Launches with Private Dinner

On October 21st, Gilt Groupe launched its newest website, Gilt City, with a private dinner for a select group of tastemakers at The Elysian. Gilt Groupe Founder Alexandra Wilkis Wilkinson, Vice President of Brand Relations Christian Leone and Gilt City’s Senior Director Matt Carroll (formerly of Modern Luxury), welcomed the group who enjoyed tantalizing cuisine like the Kabocha Squash Soup, Alaskan Halibut and Chocolate Pot de Crème dessert.

Gilt City members will have access to some of the city’s best restaurants, spas, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, and service providers for great prices. Some of the opportunities are the chance to taste the cuisines of top restaurants (including private tastings with chefs), sneak-previews of upcoming cultural offerings, playing golf at private courses, and trying out the latest exercise classes and spa treatments. Each week the site will feature 8-10 different sale items and like Gilt Groupe, members to this website receive reminders via e-mail. "I am thrilled that our original concept of selling clothing on Gilt Groupe has expanded to the local services market with Gilt City. We look forward to working with Chicago area businesses in the near future to bring our members the best of Chicago each week," said Alexandra Wilkis Wilkinson. Not only is Gilt City a great way to explore the wonderful things your city has to offer, it’s also easy and quick in order to fit into your busy schedule.