Beyond the Catwalk: New Views on Fashion

Following on the heels of Chicago's first Fashion Week, two fashionistas offer new perspectives on modern society's passionate love affair with clothing and what it says about its wearer.

On Wednesday, November 3, at 5:30 p.m., the Newberry Library's Wednesday Club hosts Lynn Ellenberger, co-owner of Chicago boutique Flirt, and Rebecca Epstein, calendar editor for Los Angeles CityBeat, for "Beyond the Catwalk: New Views on Fashion," a provocative look at fashion and popular culture, including clothing as political statement.

"Beyond the Catwalk" will be held at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.). Admission is $12, or $7 for Newberry Associates, and includes light refreshments. For more information, call (312) 255-3778.

Ha Jin Reads @ International House

Acclaimed novelist Ha Jin reads from his new book, War Trash, tonight at 7 p.m., at International House, 1414 E. 59th Street in Hyde Park. Critics have called War Trash "powerfully moving" and "nearly perfect." War Trash tells the story of Yu Yuan, a young Chinese soldier captured by American forces during the Korean War. Yu is intent on returning home to his widowed mother and fiancee, but in the POW camp he is caught in the center of a bloody power struggle between Chinese Nationalists and Communists that threatens to destroy his dreams of home. Ha Jin is an award-winning poet and novelist. He is the author of "Waiting," "The Crazed," and "The Bridegroom" among others. For more information, call (773) 684-1300.

Li-Young Lee and Aleksandar Hemon Reading

This evening The Guild Complex features emerging and established writers whose lives and writing have been influenced by their movement from one culture to another. Li-Young Lee and Aleksandar Hemon – both immigrants to the United States – will read with student writers at the Loyola Community Literacy Center and Northeastern Illinois University who have written essays titled "How I Came to the United States." Call 773.227.6117 for more information. The Guild Complex is located in the Chopin Theater at 1543 W. Division at Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. Free.