Archive for August, 2010
Designer Spotlight – Miriam Cecilia Carlson
Miriam Cecilia Carlson
Miriam Cecilia Carlson
Miriam Cecilia Carlson discovered her love for fashion at a young age and chose to pursue her dream to become a fashion designer by attending Dominican University.
Miriam gained experience as an intern for Zzazz Productions and during her time abroad in Paris where she learned millinery from Jean Paul Gaultier’s milliner and draping techniques from Mme Gres’ seamstresses. These experiences helped her discover her own signature techniques.
Miriam has received many honors and awards. In 2008 she was recognized at Dominican University’s Annual Fashion show for the Best Overall Design. The same year she was chosen to be a part of the Driehause Fashion Show Award of Excellence. In 2009 she won Best Senior Collection at Dominican University. She has also been awarded the Creativity in Fashion award by the Cook County Treasurer. Miriam graduated from Dominican University in May of 2009 Magna Cum Laude.
Miriam began selling her m.c.c. line at Verse Chicago Boutique in 2009. In 2010 she became a Designer in Residence of the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Now a days Miriam is popping up all over Chicago. Just a few weeks ago she walked the red carpet at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010 when she designed one of the event’s Office Max supply dresses using only notebooks, brass facets, leather, and a zipper.
Her collections comprise of cocktail dresses, evening dresses, and separates. Miriam’s detailed draping and manipulation of fabric give her pieces her signature look. Her designs look elegant yet effortless. She has something for any woman at any moment in life.
We asked Miriam a few questions. Here is what she had to say!
1. Who are you as a designer?
I grew up occupying my time as a child with sketching girls in ball gowns, staying up late sewing with my mother for 4-H, playing dress up and making Grecian dresses out of sheer curtains. Little did I know that the “girl” I drew would become my classic fashion illustration model, the sewing skills my mother taught me would carry me through college and into producing my own clothing line, and those “curtain dresses” were the beginning of discovering my signature draping technique. I am now 23 and living a dream that I could never fully admit until now. I am currently launching my clothing line: miriam cecilia. I thrive off of working in the city of Chicago and being one of the six Designers in Residents at the Chicago Fashion Incubator. My family lives out in the country where I am able to escape, breathe, and find my inspiration.
2. What is your inspiration for your line?
I believe that it is the small moments in life that are the ones worth
exploring. I am drawn to the spontaneous moments found in nature and the simple everyday emotions we feel. I like to take in the world around me and let the organic moment and natural colors translate into a collection that tells a story. My desire to find meaning in life inspires not only the designs of my garments but also the process of construction. The development of each new piece is a journey, where I allow the fabric to respond organically to my manipulation.
3. Who is your design muse?
I do not look to people for inspiration… I like to play off of emotions and how they reflect in the natural world. A snapped branch to me represents a relationship being broken apart or a fern curving into itself demonstrates how people can always come back to each other. The thick birch forest is my muse, the mist hovering the pasture in the early morning is my muse.
4. What are your upcoming events?
Fashion’s Night Out- September 10th, Macy’s on State St: miriam cecilia will be showcased where people can place special orders
Italian Expo- September 17, 18, 19, Navy Pier: miriam cecilia will be on display and on the runway for viewers to chose as their favorite
5. How can customers find your line?
Contact miriam@miriamceciliacarlson.com to inquire on a selected garment or a special order.
Here are a few looks from her Fall 2010 collection.
Check out the rest of Miriam’s Fall 2010 collection here.
Emmy Recap
Who was best dressed at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards? Here are some of my Hits and Misses.
Hits
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
“True Blood’s” Anna Paquin wore this stand out Alexander McQueen dress from the spring collection. She has received a lot of criticism for this dress, but I believe she really pulled it off. It was very flattering on her and really fit for the occasion considering the tough and strong character she plays on “True Blood,” Sookie Stackhouse.
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
“Glee’s” Lea Michele looked radiant in the color of the evening, navy. This Oscar de la Renta gown hit her in all the right places and was the perfect combination of fun and sophisticated for the 24 year old. Her Lorraine Schwartz statement necklace was the icing on the cake, and even her dark nail polish really pulled the look together.
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
My top pick of the night was the Best Actress in a Miniseries or Movie winner, Claire Danes, from “Temple Grandin” in this stunning Swarovski crystal-encrusted Armani Prive gown. It was simple, yet elegant. Perfect for the Best Actress winner.
Misses
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
“Parenthood” star Lauren Graham failed to impress in this Yigal Azrouël dress. The cut, the fit, it was all wrong.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Christina Hendricks from “Mad Men” was a feathery disaster in this Zac Posen dress.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kate Gosselin looked matronly in her Carmen Marc Valvo dress. It was a bit top heavy.
Men’s Pick
photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com
Ryan Kwanten from “True Blood” is my male pick of the evening. He stood out in his plaid double-buttoned suit and stand out patterned red tie. It was refreshing to see this young star in something other than the basic black tux.
Did You Know…
that you can buy Christian Siriano at Payless?
There is nothing I love more than a good deal. Even better is a good deal on designer digs, which is why I am loving Project Runway winner Christian Siriano’s collection for Payless.
Siriano is part of the Fall 2010 Designer Collections at Payless. His collection includes a variety of heels, flats, boots, and bags. Here are a few of my favorites!
Christian Siriano for Payless
Christian Siriano for Payless
Christian Siriano for Payless
To view the entire collection check out the Payless website.
Upcoming Events
www.prettyafrika.com
Mark you calendars fall go-getters!
Start the fall season right by attending the Chicago Jazz Festival featuring Pretty Afrika Designs. The designs being featured will include ornate accessories, and gorgeous jewelry ranging from simple pieces to the must have statement pieces.
When: Saturday, September 4th and Sunday September 5th, 2010
Where: Grant Park at the Chicago Jazz Festival
Check out their website for their exclusive pieces.
Recycled Fall Trends
This fall we are seeing a few trends that we have seen before: crossbody bags, jeggings, and gray accessories. These recycled trends have been around for the past few seasons and are becoming more mainstream this season.
Crossbody Bags
Coach MIA LEATHER CONVERTIBLE www.coach.com
This practical style has been around for a few seasons now, but is definitely in full force this fall. Crossbody bags can be found all over town at any price point. The latest crossbody bags are no messenger bags, they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Perfect for day or night, these bags keep your hands free and your mind off leaving your bag somewhere. So whether you want something dressy or a bit more casual, there is definitely a crossbody bag out there for you.
Jeggings
www.gap.com
This trend, which first made its appearance in 2009, has gone mainstream. Now everyone from Lauren Conrad to The Gap is selling jeggings. Jeggings are a combination of jeans and leggings which makes them great for pretty much anyone. They are super stretchy and come in all different washes. They tend to have more structure than leggings and come with traditional jean hardware like zippers and pockets. If you have thought twice about this trend give it a second chance this season.
Gray Accessories
www.bananarepublic.com
We first saw this trend last fall. Gray is a great accessory color because it can easily be paired with any other color since it is a neutral. We are seeing gray in tons of shoes and bags. You could also try a great gray belt, hat, or scarf. My favorite way to wear this trend is an eye catching pair of boots. I’m excited to be able to rewear this trend from last year!
End of Summer Specials
End of the summer specials…the best thing the end of the summer can offer!
11 Years Of LILL
904 W Armitage Avenue
When: Monday, August 23rd
Where: 1154 LILL Studio (904 W Armitage Avenue)
What: After 11 years of successful business, LILL (a custom bag shop) celebrates and is offering customers 11% off of everything in-store and online (even handbag parties).
For more information about LILL and their special offerings check out their website and bio.
Dress-Up Boutique
1937 N Damen Ave.
When: Ends August 31st, 2010!
Where: Dress-Up Boutique (1937 N Damen Ave)
What: Dress-Up Boutique is offering 90% off new and already marked down merchandise including an assortment of the hottest styles. Its their biggest blowout sale including well know brands such as Free People, Alexia Admor, BB Dakota and much more!! Get the last minute summer must haves starting at just $10.
For more check their website out!
Upcoming Events
The 900 Shops Share and Save Event
900 N. Michigan Avenue
When: August 19th-22nd
Where: The 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 606110
What: The 900 Shops will be hosting a shopping event benefiting Dress for Success Chicago, The Glass Slipper and Share Your Soles by donating gently worn clothing. Donate and the first 100 customers will receive a fantastic 900 Swag Bag and an opportunity to win a $500 shopping spree.
AIBI’s Speed Networking Event
351 W. Hubbard Street
When: Tuesday, August 24th
Where: Rumba (351 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654)
What: Are you a professional business owner? The Apparel Industry Board will be allowing professionals in the fashion industry to meet and network with one another to secure their success in their businesses.
Over the Weekend
3451 N. Southport
When: Saturday, August 21, 10am-6pm & Sunday, August 22, 11am-2pm
Where: Cerato Boutique (3451 N. Southport)
What: Juxtapose Jewelry will be featured in a trunk show event hosted by Cerato Boutique. The designer, Jen Cook, will be there for a meet and greet displaying her one-of-a kind pieces.
To check out more from Cerato Boutique visit their website!
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Studio-808, Inc. is the brainchild of Erin Creaney, a PR executive with a near-athletic enthusiasm for emerging designers. Finding herself searching the city for great designers with new and different looks, she knew a larger operation was in order. What's more, she felt the world needed to know about the fashion percolating in the Windy City. Thus was born Studio-808.com.
