You don’t need to leave Chicago to experience a New York- or Paris-style week of fashion.
Beginning Tuesday, Fashion Focus Chicago 2007 spotlights Chicago-based designers and retailers during a roster full of chic runway shows, off-Mag-Mile shopping tours, avant-garde exhibits and business-savvy seminars that will keep citizens and visitors in step with — or a step ahead of — all the trends.
“Even though we’re only in our third year and still young, we’re taking a great step in building the programming,” said Melissa Gamble, director of fashion arts and events for the City of Chicago. “I hope people will come out to the runway shows, tours and exhibits because there’s a lot of great talent.”
* See fashionfocuschicago.com for details on other events.
TUESDAY
In the kickoff for Fashion Focus Chicago, Gen Art stages its fifth annual Fresh Faces in Fashion runway show. The event, whose New York counterpart has been a launchpad for Zac Posen, Chaiken, Rebecca Taylor and others, is a chance to see emerging Chicago-based women’s wear from Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, Apparatchik, Biasline by Soo Choi, Dieter Bennet, Moire Conroy and Nora Marcella, as well as menswear line Wrath Arcane, before they’re household names.
Time: Preshow reception 7:30 p.m.; runway show 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$60 general; $75-$125 VIP (includes seating at show, gift bag, afterparty lounge access.) Reservations required: 312-229-1701 or genart.org.
Two to watch: Dieter Bennet, a collaboration between former Columbia College classmates Dieter Kirkwood, 30, and Bennett Cousins, 28, hews to clean architecture and minimalist luxury reminiscent of Jil Sander. Another best bet is Apparatchik, whose dresses walk the line between futuristic and retro.
WEDNESDAY
Sister Cities International’s World Fashion Chicago, is a runway show featuring designers who have ties to Chicago’s 27 sister cities. The show’s blend of contemporary looks as well as updated ethnic styles from countries such as Pakistan and South Africa make this the favorite “Focus” show of a trusted fashion informant.
Time: VIP preshow reception at 6 p.m.; runway show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free for show; $100 includes VIP pre-reception. Reservations required; call 312-744-2400 for info or see fashionfocuschicago.com.
Two to watch: Dame Couture, a bridal and special occasion line, and Abla Majali, who designs for the Queen of Jordan.
THURSDAY
“Chicago Is … Red Hot!!!,” the 8th annual fashion show, stars 50 apparel and accessory designers affiliated with the city’s Apparel Industry Board.
Time: Preshow reception at 6 p.m; runway show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50 standing; $175-$300 includes seating and preshow cocktail reception. Reservations required. Call 312-836-1041.
Two to watch: Jewelry from Susanne Siegel and club-worthy clothing from Trois Chemises, whose flirty skirts and dresses pack heat.
SATURDAY
Gen Art’s Shop CHICago assembles a one-stop shop of clothing and accessories from emerging designers and boutiques across Chicago and beyond, as well as beauty outposts offering mini-spa treatments.
Time: Shopping from 2 to 6 p.m; reception and VIP shopping hour from 1 to 2 p.m.
Tickets: Free general admission; $40 for VIP Lounge access, VIP shopping hour and gift bag. For VIP tickets, reservations required; 312-229-1701 or genart.org.
Two to check out: Yumi Kim, whose vintage-inspired prints make dresses and tops pop, and Wrath Arcane, a line of edgy but not outlandish men’s streetwear.
FRIDAY
Designers of Chicago Show presented by Macy’s on State Street, showcases the Chicago-based clothing, handbag and jewelry designers who were chosen by Macy’s jury to be sold in the store, including Michelle Tan, Orlando Espinoza, Or’ien by Cyndi Chan and Katrin Schnabl.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (VIP reception starts at 6 p.m., but the RSVP list for that has reached capacity.)
Tickets: Free. 312-744-2400.
One to watch: Orlando Espinoza, who has become Chicago’s leading man of fashion.
SUNDAY
The Allure of Couture, a boundary-busting finale runway show that combines avant-garde looks, urban wear and couture. (Don’t expect career wear here.) It’s the new addition to the Fashion Focus runway show lineup, aimed at reflecting the diverse demographics of the city’s talent.
Time: 6 p.m. is VIP preshow reception; 6:45 p.m. auction; 7:30 p.m. show.
Tickets: Free for standing room; $75 includes seating for runway show; $125 includes seating and admission to pre-show reception.
Two to watch: Sujata Gazder’s red-carpet-worthy dresses and Nick Cave’s new cutting-edge menswear line.
Fashion as art
To inform your own opinions about whether fashion is art or commerce, consider popping in to a variety of thought-provoking (and free) fashion installations during Fashion Focus. Running Thursday through Oct. 30, the highlight is “4lines,” a professional installation that explores the edge of fashion, visual art and performance art. Featured artist/designers are Nick Cave, Shane Gabier, Anke Loh and Katrin Schnabl. It’s at the Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph St. [TRIBUNE]
