On Friday March 4, 2011 the University of Chicago’s student fashion organization, MODA Chicago, presented its annual Spring fashion show. The event was held at the Sidney R. Yates gallery at the stunning Chicago Cultural Center. Three to five looks were presented by each designer in the show. Emerging designers and established stores also participated in the show, including AKIRA, Ann Taylor, Anastasia Chatzka, Jacqui, Kembrel, and Imaginary People.
I had a great time socializing and made new friends, as well as caught up with some old ones. I was especially happy to run into my old friend Justin Staple and his lovely girlfriend Catherine Lee. I met Shimul Lahoti, who writes a great column about the Chicago fashion scene over at Examiner. I also finally met the marvelously beautiful Ariya Sasaki, the artistic director of the event. Great minds dress alike, and we coincidentally both styled our hair with Cynthia Rowley barrettes as you can see below!
DJ Yoni spun music for the show
My Favorite Looks from the Show:
My friends know I have a thing for men who are world travelers… hot!
*Special thanks to Ariya Sasaki
On March 3, 2011, the Chicago Fashion Foundation hosted the fourth annual Scholarship Event at the Chicago History Museum. Nine local fashion students presented their original designs to compete for the grand prize of a $5,000 scholarship. Project Runway alum Peach Carr served as the evening’s host, and she also presented her line of tennis inspired sportswear.
Chicago’s leading social blogger Candace Jordan, 24/7 Chicago Host Catie Keogh, local designer Lara Miller, and Giorgio Armani’s Amanda Monteiro served as the competition’s judges.
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I fortuitously captured a photograph of the winner, Ana Leon, presenting her favorite look to the judging panel. The competition was actually scored ahead of time to allow the judges a closer look at the garments. This photo was taken in the middle of the judging process.
Ana Leon’s winning look during the runway show
Peach’s first look
And most importantly, congratulations to the winner Ana Leon!
This past Saturday night, my friend Mark Tisdahl invited me to attend the heART of the City fundraising event at the Zhou B. Art Center to support the Jane Addams Hull House community arts program. The main event of the evening was a fashion show produced by Akira, Chicago’s beloved local boutique. Local artists were on hand for live painting performances and gourmet hors d’œuvres were served alongside a premium open bar.
The lovely Darlene Hill from Fox Chicago was the hostess and announcer for the evening. The scene was Chicago’s philanthropic elite, the men and women who frequent luxurious events like these to support social programs for the less fortunate. Tickets were $115 each and proceeds benefited the Jane Addams Hull House.
It wouldn’t be a runway show without a barefoot model
Final Looks
Samuel Ng of Akira
Nicko of Akira
Sarah and I had a ton of fun wandering through the different floors of the multi-leveled Zhou B art collective. The following pictures are of a few of our favorite artworks displayed around the hallways. Sarah in particular is a fan of brightly colored abstract works, while I favored the living plants and zen designs.
