May 7, 2012

Anna Dello Russo for H&M

I’m very excited for the latest H&M collaboration with one of my personal favorite style icons–Anna Dello Russo! On October 4th, you’ll be able to shop her exclusive accessories collection that will be available at 140 H&M stores.

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The collection will consist of shoes, bags, jewelry and sunglasses…and all statement-worthy and over-the-top. Would you expect anything less from ADR?

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From Anna herself– “I am excited by this collaboration: this is the first time H&M has involved a fashion director in a special project. This is the sign of an important evolution in fashion, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be the one chosen to lead it. I wanted to create precious accessories that are impossible to find. As a stylist, I know accessorization is essential; it is the personal touch in any outfit. With these pieces, everybody can have fun, and turn an ordinary day into a fantastic fashion day.”
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Zfd7MhMHw]

Photos & video courtesy of H&M

January 12, 2012

Modahnik Spring/Summer 2012

Often in Chicago, or any other city where it’s freezing most of the year, we tend to resort to black and neutrals. But local designer Kahindo Mateene is challenging that.

Starting her colorful clothing line Modahnik just 2 years ago, Kahindo has now earned one of those coveted spots as a Designer in Residence for the Chicago Fashion Incubator program. Her unique prints and amazing use of color is what really makes her designs stand out. I love the combination of feminine silhouettes with the bold use of fabrics. Modahnik fun fact–all of her designs are produced in Africa using sustainable fair trade practices. Awesome!

Here’s a look at a few of my favorite looks from Modahnik Spring/Summer 2012.

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October 12, 2011

Current Obsession: Dolce & Gabbana Star Print iPhone Case

If you keep up with me on Twitter you’ve probably figured out by know my obsession with the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 collection. Dolce & Gabbana has never really been a go-to brand for me but they knocked it out of the park for this season. I already own the star-print dress (seen here) but there are so many other star printed items I’m dying to have from the collection. If I have the chance to purchase anything else from Dolce & Gabbana Fall ’11, it would be this…

Dolce & Gabbana Star Dauphine Printed iPhone Case

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And while I’m at it, why not pick up the star-print clutch…right? 🙂

March 2, 2011

“So You Wanna Be a Designer” Chicago Casting

Aspiring designers, fashion-forward creatives and those who think their stylish imagination and originality are a cut above the rest are welcome to apply today for ‘So You Wanna Be a Designer’, a Kenmore Live Studio online fashion reality show.

If you’d like to appear on So You Wanna Be a Designer to take the ultimate designers’ journey and compete for the chance to show your work to fashion insiders and a captive online audience, see below for casting details.

Hosted by Debbie Jagel and broadcast on Facebook, the show will expose six selected contestants to top designers, stylists and photographers as they learn the ins and outs of the fashion business and compete for a grand prize of $20,000 and a Kenmore Elite laundry pair.

Invitations for contestants, which will take place in Chicago, will be issued in March. To apply, visit www.facebook.com/kenmore and click “Be a Designer” on the left hand side of the page. You have until March 4!

Good luck! 🙂

September 29, 2010

Christina Fan of C/FAN Designs

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On Monday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chicago’s own, Christina Fan, of C/FAN designs. She truly is one of my favorite designers in Chicago and if you look at her collections, you’ll see why. She describes her aesthetic as effortless, luxurious and sexy. What more could you ask for? It’s perfection. Her designs are very wearable yet quite unique. She takes wardrobe staples and designs them her way, to create a beautiful C/FAN garment.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Christina at the Chicago Fashion Incubator Meet and Greet this past summer. She is part of this year’s CFI group along with 5 other designers. I had to ask her how her experience with the CFI has been going so far. She said it’s absolutely wonderful and it’s great to have a foundation for business (like financing, accounting, etc….all those things fashion people try to avoid). Because she was the only designer who already had her line going before she joined the CFI, she claims it has really helped her from a business standpoint.

Speaking of business, one of the most interesting things about Christina is that she has no formal training in design….she actually graduated with a degree in History from Northwestern University and had plans to go to law school. She even had a full ride to Chicago Kent. She traveled a lot and kept putting off law school, and that’s when she finally realized that she wanted to be a fashion designer.

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What’s so interesting about C/FAN is that because of Christina’s business/professional background, she wanted to design practical clothing. It’s difficult for a designer to go this route because sometimes it can be too practical where it’s boring. Christina has found that perfect balance of practicality and individuality.

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When I asked Christina, “who is the one celebrity you would love to see wear one of your designs?” she immediately responded, “Cate Blanchett.” Christina loves her style and her aesthetic and thinks Cate and C/FAN would be a great match.

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Christina has come a long way in the past few years. Starting C/FAN in 2008 with a line of outerwear sold at Akira, she is now in Sofia Vintage, Cerato, SHE Boutique and more. She is very happy where she is right now because she feels like her collection is being sold at places that fit her aesthetic.

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What’s next for C/FAN? Christina is showing her Spring 2011 collection at Chicago Fashion Focus next month. She also hopes to one day dabble in accessories, specifically handbags.

And of course the infamous ChiCityFashion question… “Why Chicago?” Christina was born and raised here so she knew it was at least a good place to start. Also, the Chicago Fashion Incubator program has provided her with a lot of support. Christina says, “If your product is good, you can be based anywhere.” So true….

For more C/FAN visit www.cfan-designs.com