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Karl Lagerfeld makes hay with a show inspired by Marie-Antoinette’s Hameau (the pastoral retreat where she used to take her lovers), and Alexander McQueen offers a cerebral take on evolution, playing with alien, insect, and sea creature themes…. Plus the most bizarre shoes I’ve ever seen...
Paris Fashion Week ended last Thursday, which means that Chicago retailers from boutiques like Ikram, Blake, and Chalk are on buying appointments placing orders; our Fashion Director Stacey Jones is planning her upcoming shoots; and I’m here with a roundup of the show highlights. Overall, the recession was palpable in what was a safer and very chic season. There are still terrifying shoes on...
Well, sports fans, we have made it to the end of something exhilarating, maddening, frivolous, and momentous: another fashion month has ended! I plan on taking a restorative weekend in which I will stay far away from high heels, but I’ll be back here next week with input from...
Fashion Week involves much back and forth across the city, and when shows aren’t held at the Louvre or Tuileries (blessedly uncomplicated central locations), it means more planning. But sometimes the distant venues are so gorgeous you forget the extra time it took to get there...
It seems black is the reliable bet during this economic crunch. Why should designers pretend it’s not what women go for most of the time? But this is still Paris Fashion Week—we want a little drama, right? Well, the Chanel show yesterday provided a good mixture: a little theatricality with a lot of practicality...
Skokie-based model Shelby Coleman (whom you may remember from our Q & A in October 2008) gives us a brief behind-the-scenes look at a day in her life:
March 4, 2009
First day of Fashion Week! Today I have a full schedule, which consists of five castings and two shows! I wake up at...
There have already been some memorable moments during this Fashion Week: seeing the incredible Beth Ditto at the Jeremy Scott show on Saturday and having a “gros dejeuner” with friends to kill time between shows. But a fashion memory I will certainly never forget: I accidentally...
Paris Fashion Week, the final and most important lap in “fashion month,” kicked off Wednesday, but most would argue that it really got started with Thursday morning’s Balenciaga show. And oh, things are just rushing forward. The draped silk looks, harem pants and bubbly skirts paired with pert shoulders, called to mind...
HAYDEN-HARNETT
Thursday night, I found myself in a room in the Hotel Chelsea with a bunch of models who were lounging around and indulging. Wait, it's not what you think. The models were indulging in junk food—or at least pretending to—and showing off the latest collection by Hayden-Harnett. Probably not the same type of shenanigans that Bob Dylan and other rock stars practiced at this famed hotel...
Head-to-toe bright color is a curious trend right now. It intrigues the introvert in me. I couldn't wear it, but I might want to be friends with the person who did.
Young, party-loving Chris Benz referenced the late '70s in his warehouse presentation this season—specifically the clubgoers of New York during this era. It made me think of '70s Sonia Rykiel, with her superhero matching ensembles of red, blue, and yellow. Rykiel said she...
ALTUZARRA
There's a new designer coming to Chicago, and his sexy
ruched dresses have people heated up. Givenchy and Proenza Schouler
alumnus Joseph Altuzarra has the kind of stuff to draw power buyers
from Barneys, as well as Chicago boutique owner Ikram. First time out of the ring and he has an
order from such an influential force in the retail world. Promising. His incredibly...
Swirling paisley eyeshadow, highlighter-bright coats, Thierry Mugler sleeves—it was the 1980s en totale at Marc Jacobs last night.
What I admire about Marc Jacobs:
1. He's one of the few designers who can thrive in a corporate environment and send out a totally creative show within those confines.
2. He's a total extremist whose shows...
CHICAGO FASHION is a special publication mailed to Chicago's subscribers. FASHION focuses on Chicago—the looks, shops, styles, and people—while keeping track of the global trends. The publication comes out twice a year, with the March and September issues of the monthly magazine.
To get future copies of FASHION, subscribe to Chicago magazine here.
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Wild ThingsGlam it up with sexy shapes add drama with an '80s attitude |
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Great EscapeChannel bygone Hollywood elegance. Classic refinement is the destination |
Editor's Letter |
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Looking Up |
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The Fashion Pros |
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Northern ExposureCanadian photographer David Leslie Anthony conquers Chicago with worldly flair |
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The Sartorialist Speaks OutScott Schuman, the shepherd of street style, schools Chicago men on how to look great for fall |
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Israeli InfluenceUkrainian import Tali Kogan brings Tel Aviv designers to the Midwest |
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Right Now |
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Barely ThereNude is this season’s black |
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Beyond BrightAdd splashes of eye-catching neon |
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Walk This WayDress up the leg |
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Booting UpThigh-high boots offer slinky, slightly kinky sex appeal. |
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One to Watch |
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Pump Up the VolumeBig coats are back. Androgyny reigns. Pair with pants, a miniskirt, or boots—and nothing else |
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Maxi Pads |
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Tough LoveDetail your look with metal |
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Backstage BeautiesRising runway star and Skokie native Shelby Coleman, 17, riffs on her behind-the-scenes access |
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Sexy & SwingyShake off the doom and gloom. These designers’ key fall pieces will elevate the mood of your wardrobe |
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Object of Desire |
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Fan FareElectrify your step with this radically adorned version of a 1940s-style mary jane |
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