The Allure of Couture

Chicago style went contemporary for the evening of The Allure of Couture in Millennium Park. The Fashion Focus runway show took place October 6, 2008 at 7:30pm. Chicago’s choice designers displayed their latest lines.

The show began with satin and wool separates by Sam Kori George and James De Colón followed in a haze of golds, tans, and creams. Redshift rocked with black piecy leathers and edgy asymmetrical designs. Maria Pinto sparkled and shimmied in feather and bead covered dresses. The night left the unconventional menswear up to Jack Cave – complete with his rendition of men’s metallic shoes. Katrin Schnabl collection made an earthy statement with her neutral tones, coral and sea blue accents, and activist-inspired plastic jewel bag ensembles. Billy Atwell was seriously conservative while Moire Conroy hinted at romantic. Abigail Glaum-Lathbury also tapped into earthier hues while Mi Ri Uhm focused on white linens and creamy wild silks. Vatit Itthi carried silk flower designs throughout most of their satin and silk tiered collection, except for the delicate gowns which were each done in one bright hue. Nick Cave brought the show to an end with amazing pieces made up of strips of men’s shirting.

Each collection was amazing and unique. Looking for retail that relates to the latest Chicago Look for patched, piecy and asymmetrical shapes, deconstructed edges, and sheer and silk fabrics. High-waisted pants and skirts are also in this season. Don’t pass up any patent shoes, bags, or bright colors. Don’t be afraid to add a bow, flower, or belt for a bit of fun flair.
-Jackie Medler

Vatit Itthi

Abigail Glaum-Lathbury

Billy Atwell

Katrin Schnabl

photos by Alyssa Blanchard for Factio Media

Alice Berry

Chicago designer, Alice Berry, has been doing her thing for nearly 20 years now and knows how to put on a good show. This year her runway show was set in the baroque interior of the Chicago Cultural Center, where Berry staged a performance piece merging fashion, politics, and poetry.

Models sashayed down the stage in various shapes and sizes to acoustic music, while poems and images were projected on a floor to ceiling screen behind the models.

Her collection included cinched hand-tied jackets, wrap halter dresses, and skirts in varying colors. What makes Berry's designs a step ahead the rest, is the way she is able to blend contrasting patterns and textures together. This year she paired paisley and lace, suede and chiffon, and silk and micro fiber to create a one-of-a-kind collection.

www.aliceberry.com

-Katherine Mingey

World Fashion with Sister Cities

Chicago’s Sister Cities Program presented high-end designers that were the representatives of Chicago’s 27 sister cities on October 2. The show was a testament to the burgeoning fashion industry and included a selected few internationally based designers that are wanting to storm the Chicago fashion scene. The runaway show began at 7:30 at The Chase Promenade at Millennium Park, which held the pre-show party that celebrated the 27 sisters cities. The attendees included everyone from industry professionals to the community and corporate world. Pre-show tickets were $100 and included food, drinks, VIP seating during the fashion show and entrance into the after party that took place at the Trump International Hotel and Towers. World Fashion Chicago is sponsored by Toyota, Jones Day and ComEd.
-Katie Davidson

photos by Jonathan Cohon

Chicago is Focusing on Fashion

Chicago gets a chance to prove its fashion sense every year during Fashion Focus Chicago week. New faces and new designs prove their worth along with already established top Chicago designers on the runways in Millennium Park. Fashion shows include Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion Presented by Blackberry & T-Mobile featuring a special presentation by Clandestine Industries hosted by Pete Wentz, World Fashion Chicago presented by Sister Cities International, Dress Code- Chicago Fashion Design School’s Show, The Allure of Couture and Macy’s presents the Designers of Chicago. Along with the fashion shows will be shopping events, fashion installations, student designer events, and industry seminars that are all the talk of the town. Give this second city’s style a second glance this October, and you are sure to be delighted with what you see.
-Jackie Medler

Check out the complete list of shows and events click here

Mario, Make Me a Model

Mario Tricoci is looking for Chicago’s hidden beauties with their “Mario, Make Me a Model” campaign. Mario Tricoci welcomed all women and men 18 years and older to open calls at select Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spas this past July 29^th and 30^th. A roster of nearly 400 entrants was narrowed down to 21 for the semi-finalist competition that took place last Tuesday, August 5^th at Chicago’s Cultural Center. It was here that five finalists were chosen by a panel of celebrity judges – including Mario Tricoci! The five lucky finalists: Ursula Dabrowski of Vernon Hills; Kelly Kohmen of Chicago; Noelle Lynch of Mundelein; Josalyn Molina of Downers Grove; and Stephanie Ryan of Lake Forest will now be competing on the runway this October at Fashion Focus Chicago. Before the final judging, Chicago Magazine will cover a fashion advertorial spread dedicated to “Mario, Make Me a Model”, and done by talented photographer Matt Ferguson. Finalists will also receive makeovers from Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, runway instruction by Ford Models, and personal training with Equinox Fitness Clubs in preparation for their October runway debut. The winner of “Mario, Make Me a Model” will receive a five-night trip for two at Mexico’s Riveria Maya by Apple Vacations and more amazing prizes from Mario Tricoci and Equinox Fitness Clubs. Whoever the lucky winner may be, all finalists will equally be considered for modeling contracts with Ford Models and a Mario Tricoci trend photo shoot. Visit www.mariomakemeamodel.com to follow the promising models, prizes, and events.
-Jackie Medler

photos by Alyssa Blanchard

Pete Wentz Meets the Fashion Press

Fashion Focus Preview Show
Photo by Factio Media

The main event is months away despite many anxious industry insiders, but the June 16^th kick- off for Chicago’s prime fashion event Fashion Focus 2008, was held at the Hard Rock Hotel to project a sneak peek into this year's week of chic and to get everyone excited for what is to come.Today's event left no one anxious, as speakers such as Melissa Gamble from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Lancôme makeup artist Alex Sanchez, Pivot Boutique owner Jessa Brinkmeyer and Clandestine Industries’ Pete Wentz excited the crowd for the fabulous events to come (Factio also spotted his new wife Ashlee Simpson in the front row showing her support).

Musician Pete Wentz addresses the fashion press on June 16
Photo by Alyssa Blanchard for Factio Media

Gamble and Daley touched on the growing fashion community that is Chicago and its current prominence in national headlines, which makes it a perfect time to steal the show. Sanchez announced Lancôme as the official sponsor of Fashion Focus 2008 and promised a very secretive but alluring new line from the brand to be sold exclusively at Fashion Focus partner, Macy’s. Brinkmeyer stressed the importance of supporting an eco-friendly fashion world as Pivot does and proved to the audience that it is possible to look great and help out Mother Nature while you’re at it.

Wentz, a world-renowned rock artist who calls Wilmette his hometown, was an exciting reminder that high fashion is not all about New York or LA, and he promoted that even further when he decided to start his clothing line Clandestine Industries out of Chicago. Yet, as if these speakers were not convincing enough, a short fashion show previewing some of the looks that will be shown this fall followed the announcements featuring nineteen inspiring designers with highlights from Elda de la Rosa, Katrin Schnabl, Anna Fong, Abigail Glaum-Lathbury and Paul Sista.

Fashion Focus 2008 will be held October 1st through the 8th, but it is suggested that you start the countdown now. This event has rocked Chicago for the past few years but as far as things are looking now, it might be the best, most innovative year yet. Stay tuned on all things Fashion Focus this fall by signing up at www.factio-magazine.com. We'll have up-to-the-minute news during the shows, event VIP invites and more.
-Nora Silver

Here's a peek at what we saw today!