Chicago Street

11/5/11

Alexis Bittar Interview with Meghan and I

If you’re an accessory aficionado, Alexis Bittar is on your radar. Each of his designs is a statement piece of individual splendor, and last week, we had the extraordinary honor of chatting with him at an exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue event. We walked in and amongst the runway seats and audience stood two tables–and later models–adorned with lavish bounty: Alexis Bittar’s Spring 2011 collections. We saw ocean-inspired necklaces, colorful leopard prints and bejeweled masterpieces, all designed to wow.

There were three collections for spring, each with their own personality: “Lucite,” “Elements” and “Miss Havisham.” The three all had their own texture, material preference and vibrancy that appeal to three style aesthetics. However, they all hold one thing in common: personality. These pieces are not for the feeble-minded. They’re for the fashionably brave who wish to use the industry for what it’s intended to do: impress and stand out.

Here’s what the jewelry master had to say:

SA: How is the Spring 2011 collection different from your others?

AB: Well, I designed three collections, so its is a medley. Each one of them has a distinct personality. I think in general there’s this kind of [motivation] to try new textures and metals, and overall, there was a fantasy.

SA: Do you have a favorite piece or set within the collections?

AB: Sophie’s choice! There’s a bunch in there. I love the pearl collar necklace. I love the woven turquoise collar, which is all hand-done. There’s a ‘80s graffiti print that’s also really amazing.

SA: Do you have a muse?

AB: It’s tricky because again I have three collections, so each one has a muse. I try to mix it up in terms of personality. I’m good friends with Iris Apfel. She’s more mature…almost 90, and they did a whole exhibit about her at the MET. She’s got such a great personality, and she’s a fashion icon. She has great individual taste. Also…Debbie Harry. I like people who have personality, who aren’t wallflowers. I feel like if you’re going to do fashion, then at least have fun.

SA: Why did you choose Lauren Hutton for the spring ad campaign?

AB: It’s funny because when I first started to design, I was selling jewelry on the streets of New York. I remember Lauren actually coming to my table when I was 19 years old. I feel like today Lauren resembles a mother of where fashion is going this season in terms of what Chloe and Celine are doing: This very clean, very ‘70s aesthetic. When you find a face that’s iconic and of substance, sometimes that comes with age. To have an iconic face, you have to be around for a while. There’s something in the maturity of her face. She’s a strong woman. She’s my date to the MET Ball!

SA: How do you feel like your designs have evolved since setting up a table on the streets of New York? Do you feel your work still holds the same personality it did then?

AB: Definitely! I’m fortunate I’ve got a team of 12 people on the design team, and 300 total. So, I’m able to design more and more frequently. I have the privilege that I can design what I’m inspired by. For example, for fall, I’m designing this pendent that says, “Reality TV Makes Me Sad.” It’s been 20 years, but I’m much more detail oriented now. I understand the consumer better. I feel like with the older I get, the better I understand what women want.

SA: Do you have any jewelry trends you are particularly excited about for spring?

AB: I like the clean metal pieces. Also, the trend toward this multi-ethnic, eclectic feeling. I feel like mixing that up is a strong look.

SA: Can you give us fall sneak peak?

AB: For fall, I worked again with Jason Wu to design his collection. We went into this baroque, Gothic, Tim Burton look, while still being very chic. We just showed it in Paris!

SA: You were really big into the New York party scene. What of that do you see in your work today?

AB: A lot. I was going to clubs when I was 13. I feel like the whole energy of it is to have fun, and a little bit of shock. You want to keep people on their feet. Fashion shouldn’t be boring.

We couldn’t agree more.

By Meghan Turner
Interview conducted by Meghan Turner and Maia McGinley

Images: Gold ring ($325); Turquoise and varasite collar ($495); Leopard bracelet ($375) courtesy of Alexis Bittar

Spring 2011 Brights

Spring always gives Chicago a positive, energy-infused attitude adjustment. What better way to commemorate this long-awaited mood swing than with a full spectrum of rainbow brights? This season, add life back into your wardrobe with playful hues, like tangerine, hot pink, electric blue, sunshine yellow and–my favorite–neon green.

There may be many bold colors to choose from, but there’s even more ways to incorporate them into your look. Instead of the predictable graphic prints of seasons past, try one of spring’s biggest trends: colorblocking. Mix high-impact separates in different hues to wow on the street. If that sounds too loud for your taste,  just incorporate color with small accents like a skinny belt, cross-body bag and nail polish. Minimal classics and monochromatic whites are an immaculate backdrop for pops of color. Or, for the disco queens out there, embrace the 70’s revival with glittery, silky fabrics paired with gold accessories.

Whichever style resonates with you, don’t be intimated by vibrant hues. They have the innate power to bring excitement, life and playfulness into your look. To do just that, check out some of our favorite fashion pick-me-ups below (clockwise from left):

1. Lavin Summer 2011 satin gown in poppy
2. American Apparel “Manilla” nail polish ($6; American Apparel)
3. Nixon “Marmalade Marble Vega” watch ($60; Nixon)
4. Jil Sander long pleated skirt ($895; Neiman Marcus)
5. Rebecca Minkoff “Grape Studded Rockette” bag ($150; Gavin; 1939 Central Street, Evanston)
6. Issa halter gown ($714; shopbop.com)
7. Rag & Bone cobalt denim legging ($185; Intermix)
8. Logan blue metallic platform sandals ($160; Topshop)
9. Petit Bateau yellow raincoat ($144; Penelope’s, 1913 W Division Street)
10. Asos lime belt ($14, asos.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Lavin, American Apparel, Nixon, Neiman Marcus, Gavin, shopbop.com, Intermix, Topshop, Penelope’s and asos.com

Fashion Foundations Annual Scholorship

When charity and fashion merge, they offer the promise of inspiration and entertainment. Every year at the Chicago Fashion Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Benefit, the organization awards local fashion students with scholarship money based on their one-of-a-kind ensembles. This year’s inspiration was Chicago’s music scene, and with the community’s support, CFF was able to give away a whopping $6,500 to three lucky winners.

This was CFF’s fourth benefit to date. It was held last Thursday at The Chicago History Museum and was hosted by “Project Runway” contestant (a Chicago native) Peach Carr. About 200 attendees and CFF members mingled under twinkling chandeliers while the Ravinia Jazz Scholars serenaded its audience of fashionable guests. A cocktail reception with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, from grapes rolled in goat cheese to Crumbs cupcakes, completed the pre-show entertainment.

While the who’s who took their seats, the impressive panel of judges were introduced: Candace Jordan, a Chicago fashion enthusiast and blogger; Catie Keogh, the host of NBC’s 24/7; Amanda Monteiro of Georgio Armani; and Lara Miller, the adored Chicago eco-designer. They watched as nine students showcased their designs on the runway, competing for one of the scholarships: $500, $1,000 and $5,000. Before the final judgment, Peach Carr presented her own spring line of tennis separates inspired by the ’70s.

The third place award went to Rebecca Lopez of Columbia College for her design inspired by the Maxwell Street Blues, consisting of a weaved graphic skirt and white-trimmed blouse. Second was K’Lynn Kennedy from The International Academy of Design and Technology. Her tuxedo-inspired suit with skinny trousers, cummerbund and sharp-lapelled blazer reflected music with a classical edge. The winner was Ana Leon from The School of The Art Institute. Her original design inspired by Chicago’s jazz scene was a silky gray-blue bustier and pencil skirt. The lady-like silhouette could have stepped right out of the ’20s and was impressively constructed.

Although not everyone went home a winner, all the students left knowing they have the support of a growing community of local-fashion lovers. As Chicago’s scene evolves, it’s imperative we cultivate it with fresh ideas, new talent and a double dose of local patronage. Through opportunities and events like this, our city continues on its way to fostering a more habitable place for fashion to thrive and for dreams to become reality.

Closely Knit

Year after year, knitwear is a necessary wardrobe staple. This year, though, bulky textures and bold styles separate the au courant styles from the outdated. Such new approaches to sweater dressing–including cropped hems, oversized shapes and unexpected cuts–put a spin on the otherwise conventional look.

Nothing is more practical, or fashion-forward, right now than a giant sweater. Thankfully, some of the most popular styles are blanketed looks and menswear-inspired cardigans, commonly referred to as the grandpa or boyfriend sweater for their relaxed look. There’s also a rainbow of hues to keep things interesting, including pastels that inject a shot of color into the gloomy winter months.

Give the vast variety of styles out there, the chunky knit’s functionality is endless. Plus, it’s so easy to wear. Try layering a boyfriend cardigan with slim, feminine pieces, or leave it open and belted. Cropped sweaters are best worn during the winter with maxi lengths and high-waists. Finally, chunky knits and slim pants are a guaranteed winning combo, with they’re urban yet sophisticated feel.

Check out some of our favorite knits for Winter 2010:

1. Aleksandr Manamis belted, backless sweater ($630; Sofia Vintage; 72 E Oak Street)
2. See by Chloe cardigan ($460; lagarconne.com)
3. Wilfred gradient sweater ($115; Aritzia; 835 N Michigan Avenue)
4. Coral knitted top ($65, Topshop)
5.  Chunky cable turtleneck sweater ($248; Intermix)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Sofia Vintage, lagarconne.com, Aritzia, Topshop and Intermix

Yea I interviewed the hottest woman on the planet!

Last Wednesday night, I trekked out to Woodfield Mall for a chat with the one and only Adriana Lima. The Brazilian supermodel’s visit outshown even the $2 million fantasy bra she had in tow. The dazzling undergarment, adorned with more than 3,000 precious stones, was created for her comeback performance in the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last month, a year after giving birth to her baby girl. Upon her arrival in Schaumburg, the massive crowd–which had been gathering for hours–screamed and even shed tears at the mere sight of her. I immediately realized the magnitude of my encounter with the beauty: this model is a freakin’ rock star. Luckily the angel took a break from the runway, photo shoots and motherhood to visit Chicagoland and answer a few questions for us.

Here’s what the angel had to say:

SA: So how does it feel to wear the bra?

AL: It’s amazing. I love diamonds, and I love jewelry. It’s my second year wearing the fantasy bra. It’s designed by Damiani, and so far it’s the most beautiful diamond bra that Victoria’s Secret has done. It’s my favorite. It’s very elegant. It’s very sophisticated, the design, the colors–diamonds, sapphires, and topaz.

SA: Is it heavy?

AL: You know you would think it is; but it is very comfortable. They work so many hours to make sure it’s comfortable. But you know what, even if it was heavy, whatever. Cold, heavy, it feels great!

SA: What is your favorite thing you wore down the VS runway?

AL: This year I liked my first outfit. It was red…you know, like a Spanish, rock and roll feeling. I loved the fantasy bra too.

SA: Are you a rock and roll kind of girl?

AL: You know what…I’m kind of everything. I’m a Gemini, so you know there’s many, many, many people in me. I’d describe me as an angel, rock-and-roll, elegant, sophisticated. I’m everything. I’m a mom, an athlete you name it.

SA: What would you say has been the best experience VS has given you after all these years?

AL: The year that I did the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Cannes. It was amazing. Also, when they did the fashion show with Justin Timberlake (gasps)…it was my favorite. It was ahhh-mazing. And what else? There’s so many… When they started doing the Victoria’s Secret commercials with Michael Bay. I mean, to work with somebody like that, at that level… It’s a pleasure. You know, all the books and some of the pictures you see (pointing to the black and white photographs in the store). Sometimes we do limited edition books and some are photographed by Russell James. I think it’s such beautiful work, and something that even later in life I’m going to have, for me, forever.

SA: And for your daughter.

AL: Uh yea, (laughing). I don’t know how Valentina is going to react, but we’ll see, we’ll see. I’m happy.

By Maia McGinley

Vert Couture Runway Show

The second annual Vert Couture fashion show, “Sexy and Sustainable,” was held last Sunday at the new, environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz of Chicago showroom. One of the largest LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings in Chicago, the setting elevated this runway show’s focus on fusing fashion and eco-responsibility. The event itself was quite impressive, but most admirable was the fact that 100% of the profits were donated to Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit that promises to plant 15,000 trees in Chicago by 2015.

The attendees’ attention, nonetheless, remained on the fashion. The event started with a cocktail reception that featured eats by Karyn’s on Green and tasty libations made with Krome Vodka and organic juices. Acting as conversation pieces, impressive eco-conscious art installations and fashion designs by SAIC students filled the airy, 80,000-square-foot venue. Then, an African drum and dance group gave an impromptu performance that didn’t exactly feel like a cohesive addition to the event, and shoppers explored the many pop-up boutiques that sold a selection of local artists and designers.

The final component was the runway show. The designers included Modahnik, 71Jules, Crescendo Apparel, Silkutopia, Enamore and Junk Drawers, and all the ensembles–down to the shoes and jewelry–were also environmentally safe. Modahnik’s bright, African-inspired prints took on a modern approach with interesting cuts. 71Jules’s wrap dress showed how a single garment can be worn in many different ways, and Crescendo Apparel designed looks with the curvy woman in mind. Bold formalwear by Silkutopia was made using recycled gowns, creating dramatic statement pieces that could have easily stepped off the “Boardwalk Empire” set. The presentation finished strong with risqué lingerie and sleepwear from Enamore (a Parisian-chic collection of nighties and silk eye-masks), and Junk Drawers’ scantily clad male models were dress in a variety of briefs made from materials discarded by the apparel industry.

Vert Couture proved green fashion left behind its reputation as being wearable burlap sacks. Party goers left with Vert Couture’s motto engrained in their minds: Fashion can be sustainable and sexy at the same time.

By Maia McGinley

Photography by FotoSB

Tags: 71Jules, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Show, Crescendo Apparel, Enamore, Junk Drawers, Modahnik, Silkutopia, Vert Couture

Fall Fashion to Welcome: My first official styling gig with Style Admirer

First image: Velvet dress by C/FAN ($380; Cerato Boutique; 3451 N Southport Avenue), Allison Schiller ring ($449; Krista K; 3458 N Southport Avenue), Osanna Visconti double spiral cuff ($320; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue), Hue lace tights ($18; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue) and Charles by Charles David “Nightlife” lace booties ($114; Lori’s Shoes). Above image: Agga B dress with gold beaded sleeves ($550), Melinda Maria “Baby Jane” earrings ($575; Sarca) and Hue tights ($18; Lori’s Shoes)

Agga B vintage fur vest ($760) and linen blouse with Swarovski crystals ($160), high-waisted jeans (the stylist’s own)

Smythe blazer ($595; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market), Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent patterned tank ($256; Fix Boutique), Rag & Bone wool mini skirt ($230; Fix Boutique), leg warmers (stylist’s own) and Sam Edelman black lace-up boot ($212; Lori’s Shoes)

Leather coat with fur lining by C/FAN ($1,118; Sofia Vintage; 72 E Oat Street), Allison Schiller stone ring ($398; Krista K), The Branch oversized silver cage ring ($160; Sarca); Maui silver antique heart necklace ($570; Sarca), Helmut Lang stretch leather leggings ($690; Krista K) and Josie satin tank ($128; Krista K)

Creative director and writer: Meghan Turner
Photographer: Ace Ujimori
Stylist: Maia McGinley with Meghan Turner
Model: Shanna Vincent
Hair and makeup: Emily Cumings
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Grothe

Medallions

I may not be drawn to jewelry like most women, but I still feel the need to invest in at least one accessory that carries me through the season. With fall comes the desire to tweak one’s wardrobe, and since I have worn my chunky statement rings to the bone, I’m taking a new appraoch to accessorizing. Enter: the long-chain, medallion necklace.

This belly-grazing accessory claims the spotlight for fall. The abundance of styles can cause one’s indecisiveness to surface, but whether you choose a vintage medallion, whimsical charm or a bold pendant, you can literally do no wrong in the selection and styling. Use it to dress up a t-shirt and jeans, update a little black dress or add some glam to a chunky fall knit.

Go for a sophisticated, 70′s look by combining a vintage-inspired necklace with wide-leg jeans and a silk blouse; or try piling on multiple chains for a gypsy feel. If you’re an 80’s gal, mimic Madonna with the comeback of Rosary-inspired cross. Get adventurous and even try wearing the strand backwards with a backless top or dress.

Accessories complete a look—they’re the icing on the cake, and these long-chain, medallion necklaces make it easy to add interest to both statement-making and simplistic ensembles. This versatile piece has maintained its staying power by resurfacing for decades. Though these trinkets are housed in nearly every closet, there’s always room for expansion. Here’s some of our favorite medallion necklaces for Fall 2010.

From left to right:

1. Jennifer Tuton gold rings necklace ($196; Perchance Boutique; 3512 N Southport Avenue)
2. Whistle necklace ($140; Cynthia Rowley; 1653 N Damen Avenue)
3. Jules “Bijoux Pegasus Ox” layer necklace ($175; shopjules.com)
4. Alexis Bittar starburst pendant necklace ($295; shopbop.com)
5. AK Vintage “Isle of Earth Necklace” ($104; tobi.com)
6. Guitar necklace ($5; Forever 21)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Perchance, Cynthia Rowley, Jules, shopbop.com, tobi.com and Forever 21