Dedicated to Chicago's Fashion Trendsetters and Style icons. Shedding light on the fashion community and trends in Chicago. And digging deep into the inspirations and ideals that shape Chicagoan's sense of style. Enjoy!
If you've ever taken a History of Chicago class or watched a documentary about how Chicago got it's start then you know our city used to be everything but pretty. From stockyards to gangsterville Chicago had a gritty past.
To overcome this reputation the cultured socialite women of the city took to beautifying it through the couture clothing they wore. They believed it improved Chicago's beauty and sophistication. Thus I present, Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum. It's an exhibition of garments that date from 1861-2004, and "represents the most prominent couturiers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Each gown has a strong connection to Chicago and belongs to the Museum's permanent collection." -Chicago History Museum
Check it out. Chic Chicago runs until July 26th, 2009. Click here for more info. Check out some of the highlights of the collection in the gallery. Click here for behind the scenes footage of the exhibit preparation.
On April 24th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, SAIC, will be celebrating their 75th Annual Fashion Show. The shows theme is The Walk. Over 200 garments designed by the Fashion Design students will be featured. Tickets are $75 and are available through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.
Check out what's new for Custo Barcelona in the Spring Summer 2009 Collection. Visit the site or the Custo Barcelona store in the Water Tower Place on level 2.
Thanks to my FABULOUS hairstylist, smooches Joe ;-*, I found out about Valentino: The Last Emperor. This indie film chronicles the highlights of notorious fashion designer Valentino's career. Cameo appearances include, Gwenyth Paltrow, Anna Wintour, Alek Wek, Andre Leon Talley and the list goes on. I haven't seen it yet but Joe, my stylist and fellow fashion lover, gave it raving reviews. Sooooo I think I'm going to see it tonight. FYI, it's showing at 2 places in the city: Landmark Century Centre Cinema and Landmark Renaissance Place Cinema.
This Friday, April 17th, Florodora continues its spring trunk show series:
Visit the store on Friday 12pm-6pm for a trunk show featuring Squasht by Les!
One of Florodora's hit products so far this spring has been this line of fun and stylish reversible hats. But Chicago designer Lesley Timpe has expanded her line to include a full line of casual clothing and accessories. She'll have her full line at our trunk show tomorrow, including lots of great spring hats, headbands, and her full line of clothing -- see the pictures below to get an idea.
Support our talented Chicago designers. ENJOY!
Florodora 330 South Dearborn M-F 10-7 Saturday 11-5 312.212.8860 www.florodora.com
So I walked over to the new Barney's New York...as promised. It was like I walked into another world...a luxe mall or something. You instantly feel transported to NY. First let me say that champagne and donuts were being served as soon as I walked in (they won me over already) then my eyes darted all around the store excitedly. As I breathed in the fashion I started to feel like I was amongst the fashion elite in chicago. Everyone had their own style and dripped in designer clothing, shoes and accessories. And everyone knew each other. The store had a really good vibe today.
I was really impressed with the Men's Floors...yes I said floors (plural). There was a really nice selection with varying styles and tastes. I especially liked the urban watches that were displayed (check them out in the photos). And another thing that impressed me was the Christian Louboutin designed exclusively for Barney's. The shoe is reminiscent of a time capsule, (check it out in the photos). I LOVE IT!
There are 7 floors in total including the lower level and the restaurant, Fred's, at the top floor. BUT no escalators...just ultra chic elevators and staircases. The store has a lot of the soul of the old space. For example the design theory is the same. Designers names on the wall, clothing racks and mannequins suspending from the celiing, and quirky visual effects are all still existent.
The store, in a nutshell, is a nice touch to the already beautiful Gold Coast. The visual merchandisers there never cease to amaze me.
Go check it out for yourself...it's at the intersection of Rush and Oak St.
I visited Bloomingdale's today and noticed trends were all over the walls. The visual merchandisers are apparently making it clear to consumers what the trends are and what they need to have in their closets. I like it...what do you think?
Today is the day! APRIL 16TH. The new Barney's New York is opening it's doors and unveiling the new store. Definitely going to check it out in about 30-45 minutes...sooooo I'll get back to you with details, pics and news.
