Designer Spotlight: Stephanie Kuhr

Stephanie Kuhr

Stephanie Kuhr

Stephanie Kuhr is a current resident of the Chicago Fashion Incubator. She has studied at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her line is called Dottie’s Delights and includes vintage inspired lingerie and foundation wear. Her pieces are one of a kind and exquisitely detailed. They are chic and sophisticated and help to create a more flattering silhouette.

We asked Kuhr a few questions. Here is what she had to say!

1. Who are you as a designer?

I love working with shape wear and foundation garments, designing detailed and structured feminine garments for a woman to look and feel her best on her most important glam events.  You may have a show-stopper of a gown, but if everything isn’t taken care of underneath there, it’s just not going to work!  So I like to take care of the women I design for  — celebrate their curves!  It is also somewhat of a mental assurance to feel the support of a good foundation, it helps with posture and I always feel like I walk around with more grace and confidence.

2. What is your inspiration for your line?

I have always had an affinity for the past and vintage aesthetic, especially mid-century fashion.  There has always been something about the classic Hollywood glamor that really struck me.  I love finding and researching vintage imagery wherever I can find it.  I am also very inspired by the burlesque scene that is going so strong right now.  There are so many wonderfully empowered women bringing back the art of tease with intelligence and class, really bringing the fun back into it!

3. Who is your design muse?

I don’t have a specific muse, but I do keep an eye on certain pin-up artists and burlesque ladies, both old and new.  Some of the models I work have come to influence my designs as well.  Then, of course, I always try to keep in mind the everyday woman as well, because while the fantasy is fun of models and performers, I want to help every woman feel as glamorous as these women in the body that she has been given!

4. What are your upcoming events?

I’m hoping to put together a really special “pin-up photo shoot party” to celebrate the launch of my new collection. It will be a day full of pampering and hair/make-up tips from professionals to transform participants into a pin-up for a day…with a special photo souvenir of you looking your best in Dottie’s Delights lingerie!  This will hopefully happen sometime around November, just in time for the holidays!

5. How can customers find your line?

Come Spring, watch out for Dottie’s Delights at select retailers and specialty stores, but in the meantime, you can order custom lingerie for any specific need through my etsy store at dottiesdelights.etsy.com or by email.  (dottiesdelights@gmail.com)  Custom fittings and consultations at the CFI at Macy’s on State by appointment only.

Here is a glimpse at just a few of Kuhr’s looks.

To find out more about Stephanie Kuhr check out her blog and website.

Tags: Dottie's Delights, Stephanie Kuhr

CFI Meet & Greet Recap

macys.com

Last Wednesday I attended the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) Meet & Greet at Macy’s on State street. This event was an opportunity to meet the six resident designers Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Stephanie Kuhr, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Donaldo Smith, and Christina Fan.

CFI was started in March 2008 and every year provides six emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources to launch their careers in fashion. The year long program provides resources, workspace, showroom, curriculum, and mentoring for the lucky chosen six. As a designer in residence you have the opportunity to network in the community and show your line at local events and fashion shows. One of the goals of the program is to provide the designers with business acumen to successfully launch their companies.

This year’s designers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and bring unique style to the table.

Christina Fan’s brand C/FAN is full of luxurious fabrics including silk, suede, and fur. Her color pallet is dark with pops of color. Her designs are easy to wear and fit into your existing wardrobe.

Christina Fan

Miriam Cecilia Carlson’s brand m.c.c. includes both ready to wear and couture collections. Her designs include mostly structured dresses. Some are quite simple while others are avant garde. One thing is for sure, you are going to get notices in one of her designs.

Miriam Cecilia Carlson

Stephanie Kuhr’s brand Dottie’s Delights is self proclaimed vintage. She designs exquisitely detailed burlesque style lingerie. While her unique variety of garters and bustiers aren’t meant for everyday wear, they are quite beautiful.

Stephanie Kuhr

Leah Fagan’s brand Peloton includes lots of versatile and wearable separates. Her designs have great lines, structure, and cuts. Leah wants her designs to be comfortable and easy. All of her pieces are washable and made of comfy fabrics. You could easily wear one of her designs to work and still feel comfortable lounging around in the same outfit at home.

Leah Fagan

Jonnie Rettele’s brand Nonnie Threads is one of two men’s wear lines in the CFI this year. Her designs include great shirts, pants, vests, and jackets. They have a certain structural appeal that makes them unique, while simple enough for everyday wear. Her inspiration for her collection was her husband.

Jonnie Retlle

Last but not least is Donaldo Smith with his brand Killian Gui. Donaldo is the only male of the six designers and is the second men’s wear line in this year’s CFI. His designs consist mostly of ready to wear tailored shirts.

I cannot wait to see what else is to come from these six fabulous designers. To find out more about the CFI follow this link.

Leah & Stephanie

Tags: Chicago Fashion Incubator, Christina Fan, Donaldo Smith, Jonnie Rettele, Leah Fagan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Stephanie Kuhr