Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push
We all know about the plight of the buxom when it comes to finding a bra that fits correctly, but what about our smaller-chested sisters? Turns…Read More
Shop It NowThis Classic-Cool Trunk Show Is Worth A Trip To The 'Burbs
How often have you purchased a to-die-for dress (or top, or coat, or...you get it), only to realize that, out of the dressing room light, it doesn't look as fabulous as you thought? Optimism can turn to defeat when you realize that your new trousers actually don't make your butt look great. Enter the fresh label Isoude, a line that truly gets it. Designer Kate Brierley specializes in working personally with clients, and in making sure that each piece in her collection truly fits and flatters each of her customers. She'll be stopping by Neapolitan Collection in Winnetka this week to preview her newest designs, and help you get the best bang for your buck, fit-wise. The best part? Every single one of Isoude's pieces are made in the good ol' US of A, and they're eco-friendly, natch. We asked Brierley what she was most excited to show Chicago shoppers, and as expected, she's got our tastes all figured out. "Women look to Isoude for various reasons, either they need that chic uniform piece that seems great for a million occasions, or some women just love to collect our special limited edition pieces. The process is really intimate, we take measurements, pick out made to order pieces together, and this is something we love to do." Still need convincing? Click through for a sneak peek at the designer's trunk show offerings.
When: Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Neapolitan Collection, 715 Elm Street (at Arbor Vitae Road); 847-441-7784.
When: Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Neapolitan Collection, 715 Elm Street (at Arbor Vitae Road); 847-441-7784.
Chicago's Newest Fashion Line Wants You At Its Launch Party
Here at R29, we love to represent Chitown (and its local designers!) as often as possible. Which is why we're clearing our calendars this Thursday for the launch party for City of Win, an uber-hip new streetwear brand straight from stylish local dudes. The designers will be at Beauty Bar fête-ing the debut of their line, as well as the release of their album, W1N Volume I. The disc features tons of local hip-hop talent, including YP, Scheme, and Chandler London. The party promises to be the place to be, and they'll (naturally) have the city's best DJs spinning for revelers. Doors open at 9 p.m. (no cover, #thankyouverymuch), and if you arrive early you'll get to take home a copy of the new EP. Winning, indeed.
When: Thursday, May 10, 9 p.m.
Where: Beauty Bar, 1444 West Chicago Avenue (at North Bishop Street); 312-226-8828.
Photo: Courtesy City of Win
6 Columbia College Students Show Off Their Senior Year Designs
It's graduation season, and in Chicago, that means Columbia College students in the university's fashion design program are finishing up their masterpieces. Waiting for you a click away are pieces from six graduating seniors we think deserve a little extra attention. We were impressed by their creativity, both in their designs and the aesthetic direction behind their lookbook images. We've got links to each student designer's webpage, too, so if you're ready to develop a sartorial relationship (why isn't that a status on Facebook?) with a new under-the-radar designer, you're all set.
Photo: Courtesy of Laundry Magazine
Photo: Courtesy of Laundry Magazine
Why Cynthia Rowley Went To SAIC
Cynthia Rowley is not afraid of mixing art and fashion. In fact, she embraces it—as an alum of the School of the Art Institute, she has been trained in both design and visual arts, and it shows. Rowley has collaborated with SAIC designer/artist Nick Cave, painter Will Cotton and installation/video artist Olaf Breuning—and of course with her husband, gallery-owner Bill Powers, with whom she shared the 2012 SAIC Legend of Fashion Award.
We talked with Rowley about her time at SAIC and what makes the school unique.
Why did you decide to go to school at SAIC, rather than in New York City?"I had been a painting major for two years at another school, and I wasn't sure if fashion design would be my cup of tea. I wanted a school that was known for fine art."
When did you make the transition to fashion design?
"I have sewn all my life since I was seven years old. By my third year in art school, I fully committed to combining my hobby of sewing with my training in fine art. I also thought it would be easier to make a living as a designer than an artist. Ha!"
What was in style in Chicago when you were a student at SAIC?
"The rest of the world was irrelevant. It was kind of a vacuum. We were just making whatever we thought was artistic and cool. Looking back now, things were definitely over the top. I was going through a phase where I put little puffy quilted wings on everything!"
What makes SAIC fashion students stand out?
"What I loved most about seeing the work of the students is that it's completely original and of total independent thought. They're not influenced by what other designers are showing on the runway."
Photographed by Francis Son for Chicago Social Magazine
New Line Alert: Shop The Perfect Spring Trench At The Edit
We don't know how they did it, but Los Angeles-based outerwear line Helena-Quinn designed the perfect coat (scratch that, lots of coats) for a Chicago spring. Modernizing the classic swing coat, Helena-Quinn coats are the perfect weight for weird Chicago spring weather. They're as functional as a classic trench coat, but they've also got a ton of chic, feminine style instead of just leaning towards menswear inspiration. Functionality and sartorial wow-factor? We're sold. If you're struggling between wearing a winter coat (too much) and wearing no coat at all (not enough), Helena-Quinn is your answer. You can shop online, but if you want a hands-on experience, you'll find them at one of our favorite recent additions to the Chicago shopping scene, The Edit in Bucktown. The Edit, 1917 North Damen Avenue (at Cortland Street); 773-252-3350.
Photo: Courtesy of Helena-Quinn
Threadless & Gap Buddied-Up And Made These Dream-Team Shirts!
We've loved Threadless forever. The idea of artists submitting T-shirt designs to be voted on by the public (and hopefully produced) is just plain awesome and inspiring. We're going a little nuts, though, at the news that Threadless has partnered up with Gap to create the line of shirts we've got waiting for you with a click-through. The collection includes designs from international artists, and they're too cute for words. You can find them at Gap stores, and online, and each one retails for $29.95. Can you pick a favorite? Side note: Is it time to wear T-shirts yet? Pretty please?
A First Look At CFI's 2012 Designers In Residence
Spring has us craving something new, particularly when it comes to fashion. Thankfully, the Chicago Fashion Incubator is feeding the beast by announcing its new class of Designers In Residence for 2012. This year-long residency on the business of fashion (the whole business–not just design!), begins again with six designers who demonstrate skill and potential. CFI can count among its alumni some seriously impressive local talent, including Christina Fan of C/Fan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, and Anna Hovet. We're thrilled that the new CFI class has been announced and we're looking forward to seeing a lot of them (and their work) in 2012. Click through to see who made it into this year's class, and remember their names...you'll want to.
Get In Our Closet! A Chicago Dream Duo Designed This Bag
We love it when two of our favorite Chicago creatives team up, and this chic little clutch is no exception to that rule. The Envelope Clutch is a collaboration between Elise Bergman and Suitor stationery, as part of Suitor's Dillingham Fair series of limited-edition collabs. The clutch, made of reclaimed leather and lined custom-designed fabric, is a chic wardrobe staple with a unique story—we're talking 'bout love. Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at how this bag came to be, then shop Suitor's website to purchase one of your own.
Video/Photo: Courtesy of Suitor.
ELISE BERGMAN FOR SUITOR from Suitor on Vimeo.
Video/Photo: Courtesy of Suitor.
Boys, Suit Up! New Spring Hotness From Sebastien Grey
We love us a local designer, and when it's one whose only mission is to make our men look good, we're in love. Sebastien Grey, the resident menswear designer focused on suits and special occasions, recently released a spring '12 lookbook, and it's (expectedly) hot. Click through for tuxedos, suits, and man-accessories your beloved could potentially pull off this spring. If you see anything you're really sold on, visit Sebastien Grey for a custom fitting.
Sebastien Grey, 70 West Madison Street (at Dearborn Street); 773-486-4646.
Photo: Courtesy of Sebastien Grey.
Sebastien Grey, 70 West Madison Street (at Dearborn Street); 773-486-4646.
Photo: Courtesy of Sebastien Grey.
Eat Your Hearts Out, World: This Collab Bag Is Only Available In Chicago
Typically when we think of something you can only get in Chicago, frostbite comes to mind. Not true anymore. Vintage-focused designer Ani Lee recently collaborated with handbag line FedoraMi, to create an exclusive-to-Chicago evening bag. The result is the Isi bag—designed in vintage silk and Italian leather, the clutch combines the aesthetics of both designers. The bag is modern but also timeless and high-quality, meaning if you care for it the way you should, you'll be loving it forever. Anyone picking out Valentine's Day gifts for themselves should nudge this link in the right direction.
Isi bag, $650, available at Sofia, 72 East Oak Street (just west of Lake Shore Drive); 312-640-0878.
Photo: Courtesy of Sofia
Video: This Male Model Makes Everything Look Good
If you have the urge to stare at something stunning on your lazy Sunday, look no further. Local menswear line J. Cheikh just released a preview video for their spring '12 collection, featuring familiar (and smokin' hot) face Oraine Barrett. It looks like the line is ready to offer up both casual and formal looks for Chicago men who like attention (in a good way). If this video is any indication, 2012 is going to be a foxy year, indeed.
Video: Courtesy of J. Cheikh
J.CHEIKH from PAUL KANE IMAGE on Vimeo.
Video: Courtesy of J. Cheikh
Show Your Teeth: These Tooth-Shaped Jewels Make Us Smile
Meet Boonestala, the local jewelry line designed by metal artist Sontra Stala and designer Erin Boone. The two combined their inspirations (and a great deal of research on lions' teeth) to create a collection symbolizing protection—and we've got it all right here for you to see with a quick click-through. Each Boonestala piece is hand-carved in wax, cast in silver or brass, and assembled in (suddenly snowy) Chicago. We love the wearable toughness of each Boonestala piece, and, if you like what you see, they're all waiting for you on Boonestala's Etsy. Ignore your holiday shopping this weekend and score a much-deserved gift for yourself. No toothpaste necessary.
Photos: Courtesy of Boonestala
Photos: Courtesy of Boonestala
Tailor-Made Deals. Get Them Now!
-
Keepin’ It Classy: $90 Off Lisa Curran’s Chic (Not Skimpy) Swimwear
-
Effortlessly Chic And Now $60 Off: Meet The Perfect Summer Flat
-
Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push
-
Brighten Up Your Pad With Seriously Rad Summer-Perfect Throws
-
50+ Hot Summer Nail Polishes Mother Earth Would Approve Of
