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This is Fashion Focus Chicago’s fourth year in production showcasing Chicago ’s hidden talent. I attended my first Fashion Focus runway show under the stars and illuminated tents at Chicago ’s Millennium Park – Chase Promenade. Allure of Couture runway show focused on high-end contemporary collections by 13 designers including Mario Pinto (known for styling Michelle Obama), Nick Cave and Abigail Glaum-Lathbury.
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Chase Promenade
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The tents are joined together with the middle tent hosting the runway events. The runway is quite lengthy and hugged by two screens on either side displaying the designers name as their collections parade the catwalk. Both sides of the runway were reserved for VIPs and local Chicagoans whom rsvp’d for the shows, 6 rows on either side. The media and press were placed at the head of runway, naturally.
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Sam Kori George
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Allure of Couture pumped dance music through the speakers and kicked off with designer Sam Kori George. George kept his models glammed with long straight hair and berry-stained lips. His signature silhouette is classic tailored suits and wool winter jackets in winter-white and black. A collection appropriate for the mature corporate America woman. George’s most valuable gem came at the end of his collection with a strapless fire-engine red evening gown made of taffeta.
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James De Colon
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James De Colon presented 2nd and by word of mouth is one of Chicago ’s leading Latino Designers. This native New Yorker attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City . Following college, he freelanced in design before moving to Puerto Rico where he opened a successful boutique. In early 2001, he was lured to Chicago by the appeal of the Magnificent Mile, the thriving theater district and the opportunity to expand his market. De Colon operates a successful, private studio in Chicago . De Colon’s collection was a collage of two piece wool crepe suits and autumn toned bubble skirts. The collection remained uniformed in beige tones with the occasional fur shrug or burnt orange tweed skirt. De Colon’s stand out moment came from a floor length leopard spotted shirt dress blowing in the wind like a brilliant feline.
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Maria Pinto
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Next up without doubt one of the most popular designers of the evening, Maria Pinto, popular for dressing Michelle Obama for her debut on The View. This attention is only catapulting Maria and hopefully boosting sales of her existing collections available at Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue , Takashimaya, and fine specialty stores throughout the country. Maria’s fall collection is reminiscent of the roaring 50’s with a modern yet sophisticated edge. My favorites are a peacock feathered inspired skirt, the brick red plaid wool winter jacket and the pale gold sequined corset inspired cocktail dress; makes me wish I had a fabulous party to attend.
Designer Katrin Schnabl trained and performed as a modern dancer then began designing for dancers and performers. Inspiration of dancers in movement mirrored Schnabl’s line of assemetrical fluid dresses and relaxed knits breezed down the runway to the tunes of Radiohead.
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Vatit Itthi
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Three of my favorite moments came in the form of silk charmose billowy dresses by Vatit Itthi. Vatit Virashpanth and Itthi Metanee are the creators behind Vatit Itthi, a ready-to-wear line that combines regal elegance with a twist for the modern women.
Photo Credit: City of Chicago/ Patrick L. Pyszka & Abby Israel
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