Borris Powell
The Art of Fashion 2010 Recap
The event featured designers Elda de la Ros, Lauren Lein, Borris Powell, Kirk James, Lara Miller, and Paul Sisti. It also showcased emerging talents Hector-Javier MonArrez, Fraley Le, and Lydia Wawrzyniak.
These designers showcased their best pieces from their Spring 2011 collections. All the collections were very impressive and unique to the aesthetics of each designer.
Lara Miller
Kirk James
Paul Sisti
Lauren Lein
Lauren Lein
Borris Powell
Borris Powell
Elda de la Rosa
Elda de la Rosa
Hector-Javier MonArrez
Lydia Wawrzyniak
Lydia Wawrzyniak
Fraley Le
Borris Powell Recap
On Wednesday Borris Powell debuted his Spring 2011 collection at the Drake with a runway show titled “The Life of Two Fairies,” and it was magical!
The Drake created the perfect garden setting with a fountain and huge floral arrangement around which the models walked. It really felt like you were in a whimsical fairy land. The collection included a variety of short and long dresses and coats. While some pieces, including the coats, were very structured, majority of the collection was flowy and fanciful. The color pallet included green, yellow, pink, and a variety of floral prints.
The one thing we expect most from Powell is his attention to detail. No detail was spared in presenting this collection. From the setting to the pointy ears the models wore, this collection could not have been more complete or better presented. It was simply fantastic!
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
Photo by Christopher Free
FashionChicago 2010
Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the StyleChicago.com’s FashionChicago 2010. This event brought together some of the biggest names in Chicago fashion for a four hour long shopping event at a fantastic art studio on Huron. Some of my favorite designers were there including Lara Miller, Borris Powell, Horacio Nieto, and Jess Audey. Many of the designers were offering some great discounts!
Two lines that particularly caught my eye were Crescendo Apparel and Zamrie.
The Brio - www.crescendoapparel.com
Crescendo Apparel was launched by Kathryn McKechnie in fall 2009 with the designs of Kristen Burger. The great thing about this line is that it is designed for women with small waists and big hips. Their mission is to make it easy for women with this shape to find great looking clothes that fit. Their Spring/Summer 2010 collection includes some great floor length boho dresses, elegant knee length dresses that can be dressed up or down, and an array of trousers. My favorite look is called The Brio. It is a striped shirt dress that has a bubbled skirt, gathered sleeves, and a popped collar with a little bit of ruffle. Check out this collection, as well as the Fall/Winter 2009 collection at http://www.crescendoapparel.com/.
Ashley Zygmunt - www.zamrie.com
The second line that caught my eye was Zamrie. This label is brought to us by designer Ashley Zygmunt. Zygmunt was one of the designers included in the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2009 at Macy’s, which allowed her to start this label. She attended Purdue University for Apparel Design and Technology and has worked with some big names including Zac Posen and Peter Sam. Her styles include tailored suits and dresses with alluring details that bring both style and practicality. Some of my favorite Spring 2010 looks include tanks, tops, and dresses with a pastel tie-dye, and silk tanks with ruffles down the shoulders. Check out this collection and the Fall 2010 collection at http://www.zamrie.com/.
312 Fashion Series Recap
The 312 Fashion Series last weekend was a huge success. The three days of shows at Loft on Lake featured Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell and Anna Hovet on Thursday, April 8th, Lara Miller on Friday, April 9th, and Horacio Nieto on Saturday, April 10th.
Thursday night showcased the fall collections of the four featured designers. Jess Audey’s collection showcased her classic styles with fall patterns and colors including oranges and browns. Anna Hovat included a variety of hoods and leggings and her signature contrasting fabric panels. Her color pallet included white, black, and purple. Kate Baggiano showed a feminine collection that featured a light blue button down day dress and a white ruffle trimmed cropped jacket. Boris Powell’s collection was the same one he featured at London Fashion Week. His looks included elegant ball gowns and a structured coat.
Friday night showcased the Fall/Winter collection of Lara Miller. The show had an artistic flair featuring painting studies rigged into bags as accessories. Her collection was eco-friendly and convertible as we have come to love and expect from Miller. Models converted their outfits while walking the runway. With the changes Miller showed countless chic looks on the catwalk.
The final show on Saturday night showcased the Fall/Winter collection of Horacio Nieto. His collection featured Arlo Menwear and Womenswear. The menswear collection featured structured military jackets with high collars and gray trousers. Nieto accessorized with scarves, gloves, and boots. His womenswear collection featured structured mini dresses and coats in jeweled and rose tones. His looks were edgy and slightly futuristic with straight lines and unique shapes. The models completed the look with twisted faux hawks and killer sky high booties and boots.
The entire runway series was an event to remember. Hopefully there will be more events from 312 Fashion in the future!
312 Fashion Series – Kick Off April 8th
What could be a better way to spend a Thursday night than at the kick off event on April 8th for the 312 Fashion Series?
The event will take place at Loft on Lake and will begin with a cocktail reception from 7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M hosted by StyleChicago.com. At the cocktail reception enjoy cocktails provided by Casa Noble & Fuze while listening to the musical styling’s of DJ Sye Young (Voted one of Chicago Scene Magazine’s best DJ’s).
The Chicago Designer Vignette presentation will begin at 8:30 P.M. and will feature Jess Audey, Kate Boggiano, Borris Powell and Anna Hovet.
Cap the evening off with complementary admission to the 312 Fashion Series official after party venue, The Underground!
Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/102672
For more information check out the 312 Fashion Series website.
For a sneak peak at one of the designer’s collections check out this video of Borris Powell’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection The Rise of an Empress.
The Rise of an Empress
Photo by Giuliano Correia, courtesy of Borris Powell
Free on Friday?
What is a better way to spend your evening than checking out the Fall/Winter 2010 Collection of Borris Powell? This collection entitled “The Rise of an Empress” was first presented last month at London Fashion Week. Be one of the first fashionistas in Chicago to catch a glimpse.
His collection features gowns perfect for the Red Carpet, sexy cocktail dresses, and luxury coats. With a Royal flair inspired by a trip to Rome, this collection showcases Powell’s versatile abilities with a modern twist. The color pallet includes gold, cream, emerald green, and wine tones.
The show will take place at Millennium Knickerbocker, which is located at 163 E. Walton Place (312-876-7512). Doors open at 7:30 with the show beginning at 8:30. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.borrispowell.com.
Borris Powell at London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week 2010
Our very own Borris Powell debuted his Fall/Winter 2010 collection entitled “The Rise of an Empress” at London Fashion Week on February 19th. His show was a part of the “A La Mode” showcase at the Charing Cross Hotel. The event showcased some of the best independent designers from around the world.
His collection featured empire lines, structured bodices, and flowing silk to incite power and beauty. The show included regal gowns as well as cocktail dresses. A trip to Rome was the inspiration for this collection. He truly succeeded at his wish to “make women feel beautiful.”
Powell will bring his Fall/Winter 2010 collection to Chicago on March 19th.
Photo by Giuliano Correia, courtesy of Borris Powell
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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.
