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Fashion Fri Apr 30 2010
Fashion Chicago Shows Off Hometown Talents
StyleChicago.com hosted Fashion Chicago: Exclusive Shopping Event yesterday afternoon in the trendy River North neighborhood. Women in their 20s and 30s, dressed in their warm weather best, formed a long line to get into the makeshift boutique on Huron St. Within the small, not to mention sweltering, space were tables and racks that displayed jewelry and clothing by Chicago designers. Smart Water, Fuze, wine and cocktails were handy for cooling down and caterers wove in and out with appetizers from Nacional 27 and Ra Sushi.
Audey's dresses stood out among the rows of rolling racks. Owner Jess Audey was all smiles as she explained each of her designs, including the outstanding damask print dresses from her Spring collection. Made of rayon and linen, they have the tactile density of upholstery. But these aren't grandma prints. They are fresh, graphic and substantial.
Susan Elizabeth Designs displayed beautifully handcrafted jewelry. Metal-smith Susan Elizabeth Eichstaedt, who told Boutiqueville, "I'm not a symmetrical person," showed off cuffs, rings, earrings and necklaces. Her designs use metal and sometimes, colorful beads to create offbeat pieces reminiscent of hand drawn scribbles.
Chicago native Elise Bergman says on her website that she "keeps both city and country girls in mind" with her simple yet luxurious pieces. She uses silks, organic cottons, hand-dyed or hand-woven natural materials and rare vintage fabrics that all exude a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic. Bergman described her boutique, Elise Bergman Studio at Roslyn as a "store within a store," whose home is on Damen Ave. in the hip Bucktown shopping area.
Aside from the uncomfortable heat, Fashion Chicago was a successful presentation of Chicago fashion. It's always wonderful for Chicago fashion and jewelry designers to get exposure and support from the greater Chicago community.
ambushU.com / May 6, 2010 6:55 PM
Very nice post!! Photo of Elise Bergman collection very cool...