Welcome to the FGI-Chicago Blog

Welcome to the FGI-Chicago Blog, a forum that is open to all members to share fashion and design trends, news, events and other information of interest to your associate industry members.   We encourage all of you to utilize the new Blog to promote exciting new happenings at your business and to offer your expertise on contemporary issues in the business of fashion through by-lined articles.  The FGI-Chicago Board members also will post weekly event news, new member profiles and additional content that will help your careers and businesses flourish. 

If you’re interested in being a guest Blogger or would like to post a business announcement, please contact Denise O’Handley at denise@wkprchicago.com.  All submitted content is subject to editing by the FGI-Chicago Board of Directors in accordance with the established writers’ guidelines.  Approved content will be posted within three business days of your submission.

Rising Star Awards Call for Nominations

2012 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Fashion Group International of Chicago is pleased to announce that this year's Rising Stars event will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the SAX Hotel. An integral part of this exciting evening will be the awards presentation where outstanding individuals and/or companies will be saluted for their innovation, creativity and accomplishments. We ask each and every FGI member to be part of the process by bringing these cutting edge names center stage.

We will be choosing one Rising Star from four to six nominees in each category which includes; Apparel, Accessories, Beauty Entrepreneur, Interiors/Home, Fine Jewelry, On-Line Media and Retail. With Chicago Magazine as our media sponsor, there is the opportunity for our finalists to garner both press and visibility. Become part of the process by filling out the attached Rising Star Awards Nominee application by Monday, June 4^th. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted prior to final selection to assess their qualifications.

The Rising Star Creative Committee will review all nominee applications to ensure that each proposed nominee meets the eligibility requirements. A minimum of four Rising Star semi-finalists in each of the above categories will be selected by the committee and will be notified in writing by June 29^th. Final judging will be conducted by FGI members. Each Rising Star will be announced at the Rising Star Awards ceremony.

Please feel free to nominate more than one candidate in as many categories as you like. With your support, Fashion Group International of Chicago, Inc. can identify the next generation of Rising Stars. Thank you for your participation.

Rising Star Awards Eligibility Requirements:

• A minimum of one year and a maximum of six years experience in the category
• Nominations are open to business owners, entrepreneurs and employees of companies
• Prior Rising Star winners are ineligible to participate

CLICK HERE FOR THE NOMINATION FORM

Please send completed forms to Stephanie D'Ambrosio at sdambrosio@mmart.com

 

Fall/Winter 2012 Trend Presentation Event Recap

by Lisa Ackerman

One Comprehensive Show

The Fashion Group International Trend Presentations are one of the highlight events I always look forward to.  The best of the best Ready-to-wear presented in a succinct and entertaining manner via audio/visual really does capture the best of the best from the New York, Paris, Milan and London Shows.

This year’s Fall/Winter 2012  hosted by The Shops at Northbridge (4/23/12) was  no exception.  They provided Catering from Blue Plate and PF Changs.  Well done!

The Trend Presentation is always well edited for those that appreciate Fashion in a cerebral way.  Mary Lou Luther and her Team in New York always seem to hit the most salient points – with humor.   Condensing the upcoming fashion themes saves me time when analyzing and applying it for business. 

Special Q&A by industry experts moderated by Susan Glick, VP Women's Apparel MMPI directly followed and was definitely an added benefit to the event here in Chicago.

Some of the salient points I took away from our expert industry panelists follow:

“We will definitely see a lot more of the red lip and dramatic eye”  Kate Leydon, Owner/Founder Ruby Room Spa Chicago

 “…influences from popular culture such as Mad Men will keep traditional retro inspired classics strong” Krisie Smith, VP Sales, Mid-West, Doncaster

“…the color trend (blocking) will remain strong” Erica Strama, Sr. Manager Marketing, Macerich

“…many the rich, luxury treatments we see will sell… the customer is ready for it and ready to spend” Dierdre Bormes, The Fifth Avenue Club Director @ Saks 5th Avenue Chicago IL

This event generously sponsored by: