ROCK THE HOLIDAYS AT THE MARTY CASEY SILVER ELEMENTS COLLECTION’S DECEMBER TRUNK SHOW

By Denise O'Handley

Designers Marty Casey and Marla Zegart of The Marty Casey Silver Elements Collection, will host an exclusive trunk show at its Made in Chicago boutique located in the AIBI building at 44 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, on Saturday, December 22 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Fusing fashion and music, the complimentary event will offer a backstage pass to the current collections featuring sculptural silver jewelry, artistic scarves and chic leather bags, as well as a special acoustic rock and roll performance by Casey, who also is known as the lead singer for Chicago’s own Lovehammers.  A portion of the proceeds from each sale supports the Marty Casey Elements of Nature Fund that helps plant trees in conjunction with the American Forest “Global Releaf” ecosystem restoration projects (www.americanforests.org).

For more information about the event, contact Made in Chicago at 312-836-1041 or visit www.silverelementscollection.com.

A FASHION WONDERLAND

FGI-Chicago Hosts its Annual Meeting & Holiday Party at Made in Chicago

By Denise O’Handley

Our friends at AIBI hosted a festive and fashionable celebration on Tuesday, December 4^th for FGI-Chicago’s Annual Meeting & Holiday Party at their newly opened Made in Chicago shop featuring 16 boutique collections by talented Chicago designers.   Guests enjoyed exploring each of the boutique rooms, shopping for Holiday gifts –and themselves – and tasting cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while catching up with old and new friends alike.

If you missed the event, be sure to make Made in Chicago a Holiday shopping destination this season and choose a gift that represents a bit of sweet home Chicago for the fashionista on your list.   A diverse and chic selection of apparel and accessory items are offered for women, men and children.  Some of the items that caught my eye are featured below.

Made in Chicago is located in the AIBI building at 44 E. Grand Avenue.  The store is open Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm. 

From the Marty Casey Silver Elements Collection, this sexy Flame necklace is Rock and Roll chic and inspired by Marty’s lyrics to “Set Fire.”  The pendant is enhanced with an infinity blade and designed in a two-toned silver on a 19” beaded, double stranded chain.  $150

Circa 1856’s AM’s Locket Necklace is a sure stocking stuffer pleaser.  The necklace is created from three separate vintage pieces including a gold filled locket engraved with the initial “AM” from the 1920’s, a partial mesh late Victorian fob, and a clasp made from a fob dating back to the late 1880’s.  The chain is modern gold-filled box chain.  $155

For the stylish man on your list, visit Anastasia Chatzka’s boutique and pick up a bow tie and suspenders set.  Sold separately, the bow tie shown is $38 and the suspenders are $35.

Elda de la Rosa has designed gifts for the ages with her beautiful handmade silk flower pins that are both great statement pieces and gifts.  Prices range from $25 - $65.

To wrap up that perfect gift, EcoWrap has created a whimsical collection of “Chicago Small Bow Bags” that come in red, green and blue.  Sold for $16.99 each, they are the ideal eco-friendly way to wrap small gifts.

HATS OFF TO THE HOLIDAYS

Formé Millinery Tops off the Holidays with its Annual Holiday Hat Tea

By Denise O’Handley

Just in time to ring in the New Year in style, Formé Millinery will host its Annual Holiday Hat Tea Event at The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, on Friday, December 28th, featuring the exquisite creations of award-winning couture milliner, Jenny Pfanenstiel.   The festive event features The Drake Hotel’s Afternoon Tea menu, informal modeling and live harpist music.  Four seatings are offered and sell out quickly.  To make a reservation, email Shaun.Rajah@hilton.com.

Jenny’s designs recently earned her a 2012 FGI-Chicago Rising Stars Award in the accessories category.  To view her latest collections, visit www.fromeonlineshop.com.  You’ll also find her designs at the annual One of a Kind Show and Sale at The Merchandise Mart December 6^th –9^th (Booth #8033), where she will have her complete Fall/Winter, Cocktail/Derby and Baby hat collections for sale. 

I’M DREAMING OF A BLUE CHRISTMAS

Cityblue Apparel & Denim Hosts Holiday Pop-Up Shops and

Jewelry Trunk Show by Local Designer this December

Cityblue Apparel & Denim’s Old Town boutique, located at 1444 N. Wells St., will host a festive shopping experience this December when the store is transformed into a Holiday Pop-Up Shop.  Featuring designers including C/FAN, Nicki Jean, busywrist, Jules and Ashland Leather, to name a few, the event will offer a one-stop shopping destination for all your gifts for him and her this season.  Light refreshments will be offered to shoppers.  The Holiday Pop-Up Shop will be open Friday, December 14^th from 4 pm – 7 pm; Saturday, December 15^th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 16^th from 12 Noon – 5 p.m.

And if that’s not enough to knock your stockings off, Cityblue also will feature a trunk show by local designer Pamela Cohen and her Aviva Rose Jewelry collection at the boutique’s Lake Forest location, 662 N. Western Ave.  Shoppers will enjoy 10 percent off any Aviva Rose purchase during the show, which will be held Friday, December 14th and Saturday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Aviva Rose Jewelry combines timeless elegance with modern creativity to produce beautiful pieces that can be worn morning through night.  Her pieces are the perfect accessory to complement the unique style of CB clients.

For more information about the Cityblue Apparel & Denim Holiday events, visit www.shopcityblue.com.

Neiman Marcus hosts FGI, Chicago Member's "Fall Fashion Event"

Neiman Marcus Chicago hosted Fashion Group International, Chicago for a Fall Fashion Show Event on October 10, 2012.  This exclusive event featured Fall designs by; Red Valentino, Tory Burch, M Missoni, LaFayette 148 and Burberry.  Models were lovely with fresh faces and red lips by CHANEL.  

Neiman Marcus Hosts FGI Members Only Fall Fashions Event

Fashion's Night Out Chicago 2012

 

Fashion's Night Out Sponsored by The Shops at Northbridge & CS Magazine

Monique Lyle, Lisa Ackerman & Kerri Hannen 

Fashion’s Night Out was started four years ago as a way to celebrate fashion and boost consumer confidence in the retail economy. The New York-based event has grown worldwide, with over 5,000 Events being held globally.  In the early years, 2009 and 2010,  it wasn’t even on my radar in Chicago.   Maybe I was still in “recession-shock”.  By 2011, it had became a curiosity and by 2012 in had gained plenty of traction.   I am proud to see that in 4 short years, it has grown up and has become a fully embraced Industry Event in Chicago. 

The Mile was full of activity on 9/6/2012!  So much so, that I was sad to only make it to one event – but it was a very Chic Party hosted by The Shops at Northbridge and CS Magazine.   

They teamed up to create "The Ultimate Fall Fashion Challenge" with looks styled by a host of local Celebrity Stylists using items from The Shops at Nordstrom Retailers such as; Nordstrom, Forever XXI, Tommy Bahama, Hugo Boss and many more. 

The Judges included myself, Candace Jordan (Bell of the Blog), Carrie Lannon (Ulta Beauty), Katie Schroeder and Lisa Shames (CS Magazine), Jessie Kalin (Windy City Live), and Elaine Doremus (NS Magazine). 

Below is a recap of all the winners, their prizes and the stores they styled but my favorite was the “Great Gatsbyesque” styling of Forever XXI by Maggie Morgan.  I loved the Pearls, drama and nostalgic references.   This won her the “Most Creative” styling and her prize was a week's test drive in a brand-new Cadillac, a custom piece of art and a sparkly necklace from Swarovski valued at $350

XXI Styled by Maggie Morgan

.Amy Olson (paired with Nordstrom) won for Judges's Choice. Prize was a "wine, women & shoes" party at Stuart Weitzman including a $400 gift card and party for Amy & ten friends, including 20% off for the night!

White House Black Market, Suzanne Kopulos of Garmental

Suzanne Kopulos of Garmental.com (paired with White House I Black Market) won for Shopper's Choice. Prize was a red patent leather YSL clutch from Nordstrom.

Erica Bethe Levin & Jessica Zweig of Cheekychicago.com (paired with United Colors of Benetton) won for Most Wearable. 

Made In Chicago, Lauren Lein Burgundy Dress

Prize was a deluxe beauty basket from Nordstrom values at $400.   They were all great – but my most wearable would have to be “Made In Chicago”.  I love that Lauren Lein Burgundy Dress!

By, Lisa Ackerman Regional Director, FGI Chicago 

@ackerman_lisa

FGI welcomes Tracey Mayer

Introducing, Fashion Group International, Chicago's newest Board Member, Tracey Mayer. 

Tracey Mayer

 Tracey Mayer developed her passion for hand crafted jewelry after several trips to South Asia where she spent countless hours side by side with the local artisans watching them create magnificent pieces of art.  It is her intention to design a collection for both men and women that is simply unlike any other, patiently hand crafted by artisans at the peak of their art, each piece a true indication of her passion and vision. 

Working with 950 silver, which is 2.5% higher in purity than sterling silver and gives the metal a distinct look, Tracey continues her innovative approach to metal refinement and stone cutting, including her signature sandblasted finish and bullet cut stones, both unique and unmistakable looks.

My Favorite Piece!

The fusion of nature’s most exceptional rocks, including black diamond, ruby, emerald, pink sapphire, and carved white and black mother-of-pearl, with her cutting-edge techniques position the brand where the mainstream and progressive markets intersect, offering just enough edge while retaining the level of sophistication Tracey is known for.  She welcomes you to experience the ultimate in quality, creativity and craftsmanship.

Tracey resides in Chicago where she is a member of Mayor Emanuel’s Fashion Council and a board member of Fashion Group International.  She is also an active volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and serves as a parent advocate for www.theconcussionblog.com

Tracey Mayer designs feature cufflinks, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings which range in price from $350 - $1,700.  http://www.traceymayer.com/

Tracey has many skills to contribute to the dedicated FGI Board of Directors.  Her current passion, is supporting Chicago innovation and achievement get the "lift" they need to be successful.

"The rapid growth of the tech industry in Chicago and the common thread that now exists between the fashion and tech industries presents unlimited possibilities.  I would like to focus on initiatives that will bridge the gap between the creative entrepreneur and the financial end of the business."

Welcome Tracey!

Lisa Ackerman, Regional Director FGI, Chicago

FGI Beauty Buzzes on Social Media

Fashion Group International's Beauty buzz discusses the impact of social media on Chicago beauty business. Attendees sipped on great wines and nibbles while panelist discussed the role of SM in their business practices. All declared that the use of social media has been positive for them. There is the occasional wayward tweet or customer service issue, but all in all, the tone was that social drives business. People want to build community with the brands they use. Customers want to feel that they are apart of a movement, or something special. Social Media is the way to keep connected before, during, and after a business interaction with customers. Potential customers can see how responsive and informative you are with your own current clients and can decide to buy just from a social media interaction.

 

 

 

 

 

The panelist included greats like Stacy Koerner-Roney, Founder and Publisher of Glossed and Found (the online beauty mag), Kate Leydon, the Founder and President of the Ruby Room, Amber Wallor of The Left Hand Marketing group and and beauty extraordinaire Richard Class from Blue Mercury.

 

   

  

The Blue Mercury team was so gracious and the selection and space was amazing. I will be making a return trip for a spa treatment! Be sure to check out all of our great panelist on their social media channels. Tweet them and join their beauty community. Glossed and FoundBlue MercuryRuby RoomLeft Hand Marketing

And a special thanks to Lisa Ackerman, the Regional Director for the Chicago chapter of Fashion Group International. Thanks to her you will be seeing this lovely face around the FGI group more often as I am the newest FGI social media manager and blog writer. Thanks Lisa for the amazing opportunity. You can find out more about my fashion and social media experience at dbabetta.com  XO, @TerezBaskin 

RISING STAR AWARDS PRESALE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

Click here to purchase discounted tickets.



The New Beauty Buzz: Exploring Social Media's Impact on the Business of Beauty

Click here to RSVP now!

New Member: Jessi Sheehan

New Member Jessi Sheehan Helps Chicago’s Fashion Industry “Evolve”

A Chicago native, Jessi Sheehan’s passion for fashion began at a young age when she would change her clothes four-to five times each day to be certain her look was perfect for every occasion.  Today, she holds a certificate in Apparel Merchandising and Fashion Design from Indiana University and is an accomplished personal and editorial stylist having worked for the industry’s who’s who, such as Jillian Lewis of Project Runway.

Jessi recently moved back to her hometown of Chicago after a year in New York City and founded Evolve in January 2012, which specializes in a variety of services from closet organization to complete wardrobe styling for women and men, as well as personal styling for weddings and other special events.  Her talents are also sought by fashion-forward leaders including Harper’s Bazaar and Liz Claiborne. 

Jessi is excited about getting involved in FGI-Chicago and hopes to collaborate with local boutiques, photographers and designers to help Chicago’s fashion scene evolve to international esteem.

For more information about Jessi and Evolve, visit www.evolvechicago.com, follow her on Twitter @evolve_chicago or contact her at info@evolvechicago.com

Jessi’s fashion “must have” this summer:  White skinny jeans.  She suggests pairing them with a boyfriend  tee or sheer silk blouse.

Jessi’s fashion words of wisdom:  Don’t take all trends so literal.  Take what you see and make it your own.

Retailing on the Edge, featuring Gwen Morrison

Click here to RSVP

A Portal of Gold: Gilt Groupe Founder Alexandra Wilkis Wilson Shares Her Entrepreneurial Inspirations

FGI-Chicago members who attended the April breakfast event featuring a discussion with Gilt Groupe founder, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, left with a bit more entrepreneurial brilliances as she shared highlights from her new book, By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop, which she wrote with co-founder, Alexis Maybank.   Held at Chicago’s hip new PUBLIC hotel, the event was sponsored by CS and attended by nearly 70 FGI-Chicago fashion industry leaders.   The inspirational morning featured a delicious breakfast, followed by a discussion with Wilson and a book signing. 

If you missed the event, following are three key learnings I took from the discussion:

• The leaders of an organization should not all be visionaries, as the Gilt Groupe’s five co-founders learned after investing in the personality type and cognitive style Myers Briggs test.   To achieve success, process people must be a part of the executive team.
• Learning to recognize  when your stress load is affecting you mentally, emotionally and physically is something she couldn’t “stress” enough.  Deal with stress by taking time off to recharge your mind and body. 
• The relationship between business partners is fundamental to the success of the company.  (The book includes a business partner check list.)  How do you fight?  And, how you work things out?  Communication is key to a successful business partnership and you can’t over communicate in Wilson’s opinion.  

The book is filled with many more business start-up tips, words of wisdom and inspirational stories and can be purchased at Amazon.com and BN.com  for $27.95.

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: