Style Expose

A New World of Fashion

2008-09-05T09:41:00.004-05:00

This is going to be a little confusing but here goes. The NY Times wrote an article about the internet's affect on the fashion industry. read that here

Then Smashing Darling (one of Stitches' favorite online retailers for indie designers) commented on the article saying this:

"The article also talks about Yves Saint Laurent’s passing and from an industry point of view what may have gone with him. He stood and still stands as a cultural icon for the industry. The fashion industry that he belonged to was artful and graceful. Fashion meant something. I really hope that part isn’t gone forever. It would mean all my training and hard work for what I really know would have been for nothing. I am hopeful that pendulum will swing back as more indie/emerging designers open up their own smaller, intimate design houses we will see some of the old fashion industry return. The part of the industry where design is really design and branding isn’t the deciding force."

This whole idea is that fashion has become a continuous search for what's "hot" that season, only to dump that idea/designer the next. Have we lost the iconic designer? Have we lost true talent to celebrity-culture? I really hope not. Indie designers, it's your turn to stay strong and keep producing quality work.

Comment on SmashingDarling.com.

photo: Yves Saint Laurent source: NY Mag

Project Runway Episode 7

2008-09-05T08:55:00.004-05:00

Our Chicago girl Terri creates her signature look; pants, top, and jacket for the legendary Diane von Furstenberg. Although Terri didn't win (Leanne did...meaning her look will be sold exclusively to American Express cardholders as part of DVF's Fall collection), she made it to the next round.

And from what I can tell from the previews, next week is all about Terri. Make sure to watch and see how much drama our Chicago designer stirs up.

Photo: Terri's look for Episode 7 (the Diane von Furstenberg challenge).

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Fashion Week Coverage

2008-09-05T08:46:00.003-05:00

Fashionista is doing a great job on reporting on all the NYC Fashion Week shows. They do a great job of describing what it was like to actually be there for the presentation. So if you're like me and depending on websites for this type of coverage, Read Fashionista this week

For photos (which of course is the most important part) of the Spring '09 collections, check out www.style.com

Photo: Fashionista's coverage of the Trovata show

Shibuy Hada Anniversay Party

2008-09-05T08:30:00.001-05:00

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

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How Emerging Designers Stand Out During Fashion Week

2008-09-04T16:06:00.003-05:00

Jeanine Poggi for Forbes wrote an interesting article about the challenges that emerging designers face and how some designers are uniquely overcoming them.

The story was written in light of NYC's fashion week (that starts tomorrow!), and offers some ways for emerging designers to get their name out there without having to spend the thousands and thousands of dollars on a runway show in Bryant Park (which really isn't a smart business decisions if you're a new designer).

Besides the fact that shows in the Park are expensive, Poggi highlights the fact that emerging designers are currently facing even more challenges than in the past. One is that consumers are wary of purchasing pieces from new labels when the economy is down. They tend to stick to what they know. Also, Poggi mentions that now more than ever celebrity "designers" are crowding the scene, leaving even less room for the independent designer to make a name for him/herself.

Poggi also offers some tips for designers hoping to present in New York Fashion Week, but skip the high prices of Bryant Park.

"Another way for designers to minimize costs is by foregoing traditional runway shows altogether and instead hosting exhibitions or trunk shows.

At an exhibition, designers use mannequins instead of models to show their collections. "It's a lot less money and you can just as easily get your point across," Guadarrama says. "With a mannequin they are one size, so you don't have to go through numerous fittings, which cost time and money."

Trunk shows, which are special events where designers display their work to a select group of viewers, help generate capital before runway shows. They also help designers get in tune with their target customer. "It's a way to go past the department store and straight to the customer you are selling to," Guadarrama says. "Guessing what they want doesn't pay very well."

The Internet has also become a source for new designers to garner visibility with both the industry and the customers. In an effort to save money and become accessible to the "masses," Griffin opted to show her collections on YouTube and MySpace instead of putting on a traditional runway show. "I send out a mass e-mail invite to the site, and it has worked out well for me," she says. "It has generated more buzz and more of a following than if I would have gone the traditional route."

So designers, when it comes to runway shows use your creativity. As always, good luck!

Source: Forbes.com
Read the Story

Photo: An example of a fashion exhibition (source: Forbes.com)

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

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Toast to Chicago Fashion: Champagne, Goodie Bags & Fashion Focus Chicago 2008 Preview Party

2008-09-04T15:58:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Style Chicago are hosting this event. Check it out.

Where: Pops for Champagne - River North, 601 N. State St.
Date: Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Time: 6-9 pm
Get Tickets - 1-800-838-3006 (order by phone)

A "Toast to Chicago Fashion 2008" is a preview party for this year's Fashion Focus Chicago 2008, at the elegant Pops for Champagne.

Event highlights:
- Champagne and sparkling wine
- Hors d'Oeuvres
- Awesome Goodie Bags ($250+ our best yet!
- Evian water poured from Christian Lacroix designed bottles.
- RSVP for Fashion Focus 2008 Runway Shows - complimentary

Sponsors:
Pops for Champagne, Fashion Focus Chicago 2008, Evian

Goodie bag participants:
* Evian * H20 Plus * Decleor Paris * Frederic Fekkai * ColorOn * 3Lab * Freeze 24/7 * Charles Ifergan * Philosophy * Per-fekt Beauty * Mystic Tan * Ruby Room * S Factor * Hourglass Cosmetics * Alterna * Eye Envy * Demeter Fragrance Library * Delle Amiche Salon * NuU Medspa * Spa Forever * Refine 360 * The Liquifan System * Rosebud Perfume Co. * TESS

Reserve Tickets Here

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

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Second City Style's Shopping with Andra

2008-09-04T15:47:00.004-05:00

Not too long ago I posted something about Andra Naylor, our friend from Google who helped us with a Stitches Special Interest Group. Anyway, since we've taken a liking her, I thought it'd be cool to post her stories she writes for SecondCityStyle.com.

Here's her newest story on getting ready for fall. Read It Here

They wrote a Story on Chicago Handbag Designer Diego Rocha. Read That Here

Brooklyn Fashion Week Begins

2008-09-04T11:10:00.002-05:00

Our Friends at Fashion Indie kicked of Brooklyn Fashion Week two days ago with a stunning show held ON THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE! Although I couldn't be there myself, I heard it was quite a show.

The show's designers included former Project Runway contestant Zulema Griffin and a whole host of Williamsburgers: Mandate of Heaven, Love Brigade, Brooklyn Royalty.

See What Else Fashion Indie is up to this Week

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

Sign up to have Style Expose posts emailed to you by subscribing to our RSS Feed on the homepage.

Chicago Fashion Incubator Series: 6ACE

2008-09-03T08:52:00.004-05:00

In a series of interviews, contributing writer Elise Moran takes you behind the scenes and into the lives of the six Chicago-based designers who are a part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street. Read about them, their designs, and why they'll be the next big fashion design stars. Up next, Glenn Mallory of 6ACE.

by Elise Moran

Maybe some of us wouldn’t want to throw our alarm clock across the room in the morning if we were going to a job we loved. Figuring out what that job is and then getting it is another story. Glenn Mallory decided he needed to be doing what he loved and his former studies in pharmacology just weren’t waking him up. In 2004, Mallory graduated from IADT and in December of 2007, he started his fashion design company, 6ACE.

As a Macy’s incubator designer, Mallory has come into the process with eyes wide open as a business entrepreneur with a young company. “There’s a big difference from what you learn in the classroom to real life. What you learn in school is schoolwork. This is real life. It’s a lot to learn in such a short time.”

Mallory produces his line locally and has said that the Incubator process has shown him what buyers are looking for and the different buy dates. Mallory is using the Incubator process as a learning experience. In time we will be seeing his name around town.

A few Questions and Answers:

SE: Who do you design for?
GM: I make clothes for men and women who are 25-35 year olds. They are young. They are urban. But they are still classy.

SE: What inspires you?
GM: Beautiful fabrics (Mallory combines the natural look of linen alongside leather to create his garments).

SE: What motivates you?
GM: My kids. They are 17, 10, 4, and 7 months. I want them to have a good foundation so they don’t have to struggle.

SE: Do your kids love that you’re a designer?
GM: Yeah. My oldest son wears a lot of my designs!

SE: What’s the hardest part of your job?
GM: Acclimating to the retail side of things versus the custom side which I am used to.

SE: What’s your favorite magazine?
GM: Sports Illustrated

SE: What’s your upcoming collection like?
GM: Lots of linen and leather!

www.glennmallory.com

Photos: (Top) Glenn Mallory, designer of 6ACE
(Below) a leather jacket and a linen suit, two designs by Glenn

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

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Recap of Saper Law's Business Registration and Accounting Seminar

2008-09-03T08:33:00.003-05:00

by Elise Moran

Opening a new business can be an exciting yet completely scary time in a person’s life. If you are in the fashion industry, chances are your background is in fashion not business. In coordination with Stitches, the Saper Law Offices have been holding monthly seminars to educate business entrepreneurs. The August seminar was on business structure, registration, and accounting.

The world of taxes and incorporation can be incredibly daunting and vast. At this seminar, Daliah Saper, Principal Attorney at Saper Law Offices, LLC, and Kathy Garlow, a CPA and Partner at the accounting firm of Shepard Schwartz and Harris, LLP, translated tax and legal jargon into an everyday understanding.

Daliah discussed the different types of business structures that are available and the incentives for choosing a particular one. There are simple steps such as choosing a company name and creating a business statement of intent that should be the first steps in any business venture.

Kathy chipped away at the tax glacier. Although an accountant should oversee much of a company’s tax work, it is important for an entrepreneur to understand the taxation of their company and what they will be responsible for. Kathy suggested keeping a simple notebook of transactions of the business to keep yourself organized come tax time.

The last part of the seminar was a case study of Samsara Design, a young millinery company. Daliah and Kathy walked the entrepreneurs of Samsara through the main questions a lawyer and accountant would ask of a company. Although the questions were challenging for the Samsara team, they seemed to be ultimately beneficial in laying out the structure of their company.

See Daliah's Past Presentations

If you missed this month’s seminar and are interested in learning more, attend the September presentation on IP Valuation and Trade Secret Protection. Register here.

Fashion Group International's Rising Star Awards

2008-09-02T15:49:00.001-05:00

*click to zoom in

Pivot's First Birthday Party!

2008-09-02T10:51:00.002-05:00

Partner Event: September Seminar at Saper Law

2008-09-02T08:57:00.002-05:00

IP Valuation and Trade Secret Protection: What are your customer lists and “special sauces” really worth?

The first hour of the seminar will be led by Daliah Saper, Principal Attorney at Saper Law Offices, LLC. Daliah will 1) provide an overview of the Illinois Trade Secret Act, 2) explain what constitutes a trade secret and what measures you need to take to keep your trade secrets secret and; 3) show you how to conduct an "IP Audit" to identify all intellectual property within your company in order to take the proper steps to protect it.

The second half of the seminar will be led by Jordan Katz, an Associate at Ocean Tomo, an intellectual property valuation company. Jordan will discuss the basics of IP asset valuation in the context of IP licensing, sale or purchase, financial reporting, and/or economic damage analysis. Three primary valuation methodologies will be highlighted.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Saper Law Offices, LLC, 500 N. Dearborn, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60610
Time: 11:30 – 1:30
Lunch will be provided.
Cost: $10
Advanced registration before September 15 is required:Click Here to Register

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

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Second City Style's Birthday Bash

2008-08-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

Division Street Special on Refinery29.com

2008-08-29T09:47:00.002-05:00

My good friend Kari Skaflen wrote a fantastic article about Chicago's emerging Division St. She's does a great job of slipping in the names of some of our best Chicago designers.

Read It Here

Thanks Kari for helping spread the word on not only Chicago, but also on Chicago fashion.

Fashion Focus 2008 Schedule of Events

2008-08-28T14:20:00.002-05:00

Just in case you haven't already taken a look at this:

Check out Fashion Focus Chicago's Event Listings

How Cool

2008-08-28T13:50:00.000-05:00

Designer Collections Packed Into an iPhone

Growth in Chicagoland

2008-08-28T13:04:00.004-05:00

An article in today's WWD stated that Club Monaco was going quite well in Chicago despite the frail economy.

Here's what they said:
Club Monaco is getting cozy with Chicago.

After renovating its Michigan Avenue store and launching a 3,000-square-foot-plus location in the Bucktown section last month, the contemporary brand plans to open another space, with more units possible in the region.

“Chicago is a primary market for us and we will be expanding even further,” said Tina Gershoff, Club Monaco’s vice president of retail. “It’s just as important of a market as New York.”

See the Story Here

Note From Stephanie: This story (of a national retailer realizing Chicago's growth potential) is just one example of my new theory. That Chicago will see enormous growth in the amount of attention it receives from the nation and the world in roughly the next ten years. Imagine if Obama wins (his nomination has already done wonders for press on Chicago) AND Chicago nabs the 2016 Olympics. I know I'm being quite optimistic, but let me dream. It's Chicago's time to shine.

just one of the many similiar stories on this topic in the media this week

2008-08-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

Chicago Fashion Incubator Series: Evil Kitty

2008-08-28T09:29:00.009-05:00

In a new series of interviews, contributing writer Elise Moran takes you behind the scenes and into the lives of the six Chicago-based designers who are a part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street. Read about them, their designs, and why they'll be the next big fashion design stars. Up first, Evil Kitty.

Don’t be afraid of the Evil Kitty
by Elise Moran

Maybe more students should take their school work a little more seriously. Lidia Wachowska created Evil Kitty as a public service announcement about rebellious teens for a graphic design class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. When people expressed interest in the Evil Kitty t-shirts Lidia had created, she realized Evil Kitty could get out of the classroom.

Lidia thinks she might have been naïve to turn her Evil Kitty t-shirts into the business it has become. “It’s a lot of work and it’s a complicated business.” But in 2005, Lidia opened the Evil Kitty door and hasn’t turned around since. “It’s amazing to be able to do what I love.”

She produces her clothes locally having chosen to make Evil Kitty a socially conscious company. After a few years in the business, she applied for and was accepted to become part of the first class at the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Since then her business has been growing significantly.

Being a part of the incubator has given Lidia huge exposure. For example, she is currently working on a project with Toyota, designing an outfit based on one of their new cars. The look will be showcased at Chicago's Fashion Focus events in October.

Lidia is grateful for the experiences so far. “I am surrounded by talented designers who are so motivating. (At the Incubator), it isn’t cut throat. We are provided with so many resources that we share with one another. I think that’s unique to Chicago and the Incubator.”

A few Questions and Answers:

SE: What’s your favorite part of the day?
LW: Being able to be my own boss and making my own schedule.

SE: What inspires you?
LW: Designing out of the main stream. The goth and punk movements have a big influence.

SE: What should every woman have in their closet?
LW: A little black dress that stands out in the crowd. Nothing plain!

SE: What’s your favorite band?
LW: Ohh! That’s so hard. Music totally inspires me. My all time favorite would be Rage Against the Machine. But the Ting Tings are my new favorite! I saw them at Lollapalooza and loved them!

Check out Evil Kitty on the Runway. The newest collection will be shown at the Chicago is.. RED HOT! Fashion Show on September 26th and the Chicago Sister Cities “World Fashion Chicago” show on October 2nd.

www.evilkitty.net

Photos: (Top) Lidia Wachowska, designer of Evil Kitty
(Below) pieces of her collection

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

Sign up to have Style Expose posts emailed to you by subscribing to our RSS Feed on the homepage.

Apply for the American Express OPEN Challenge and win a Daily Candy article about Your Business!

2008-08-28T08:36:00.004-05:00

Today Daily Candy Reports:

Need some help with your clientele? You’re in luck. DailyCandy is partnering with American Express OPEN to offer the American Express OPEN Challenge, with a chance to win a DailyCandy New York Dedicated E-mail about your small business.

All you have to do is submit a short description of you, your business, and why you think it deserves top prize. Two winners will be chosen to receive a Dedicated E-mail (a sponsored DailyCandy article all about your biz) written by DailyCandy editors and sent out to hundreds of thousands of savvy customers.

Of course, rules and restrictions apply, so head over to the American Express OPEN Challenge submission page and start your company on the road to riches.
Big opportunity? Check.

To enter, go to dailycandy.com/promo/amexopen

NOTE - In order to apply, your business needs to be operating in New York or you have to sell your wares or services online. The dedicated email is send to NYC subscribers only.

Objets d'Envy's Wine and Sparkle Soirée

2008-08-27T15:17:00.003-05:00

Objets d'Envy is kicking off the Fall 08 fashion season with a private shopping event and social. Come early for the best choice of jewelry and free wine tastings.

Be the first to own one of the new pieces from the upcoming Fall season. To preview the collection, visit Here.

RSVPs kindly requested to kirsten@objetsdenvy.com by 9/6.

www.objetsdenvy.com
www.modernsparkle.com

Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Contest

2008-08-27T11:10:00.002-05:00

Ecco Domani Wines created the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation in 2001 to recognize and support the careers of talented emerging fashion designers. Each year, seven designers win an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their collection during New York's fall fashion week. The EDFF award comes with a generous grant of $25,000 to help produce an unforgettable fashion show. The award categories for the 2008 - 2009 season include four womenswear awards, a menswear award, an accessories award, and a new sustainable design award. Some of today's hottest designers, including Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Doo Ri, Rag & Bone, Erin Fetherston and Alexander Wang, are past recipients of the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award.

Application
Contest Criteria

photo: past winner Alexander Wang

Today in WWD

2008-08-26T12:12:00.002-05:00

Chicago's StyleMax Had Higher Than Expected Attendance

Michelle Obama’s Wardrobe

Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.

Sign up to have Style Expose posts emailed to you by subscribing to our RSS Feed on the homepage.

NYC's Oak is looking for Interns

2008-08-26T10:47:00.003-05:00

I know this is a Chicago website, but I can't help post incredible positions in NYC. Oak is personally one of my favorite stores/showrooms in the US. If you are into incredibly fresh (and amazing) talent; one of these positions is for you.

Open positions include a buying intern, an editorial assistant for e-commerce site, e-commerce pr intern, and an oak production and design intern (for the fashion designers out there).

Oak is a great way to gain industry experience in all facets of the e-commerce business. While working in an exciting an motivated environment!

All of these internships are unpaid but offer school credit and are located in our Greenpoint based office (I used to live in Greenpoint, it's fantastic I promise).

Click Here for the Details