Violet Revolution

There was a buzz of excitement at StyleChicago’s FashionChicago event last week, as people shopped 25 of Chicago’s top fashion designers.  StyleChicago is best known for their signature events where guests can sip cocktails, enjoy appetizers, and socialize with friends while shopping or enjoying spa and beauty treatments throughout the evening.  There’s usually a small fee to attend, but pay a little more, and you can receive their legendary VIP goodie bag.  Why is it legendary?  You might be picturing a small gift bag, but it’s actually a huge shopping bag filled with full size samples you’ll actually use (trust me on this), so it’s well worth the additional cost.  And it’s so coveted that you actually have to show an ID when picking it up. 

That alone is enticing enough to attend one of these events, but on this particular evening it was more exciting to see our top designers showcased at one venue.   As I perused through all the collections, it was clear we have so much talent here, and so many unique designs, it was tough paring down the photos into the collages below.  If you missed the show, click on the collage photos to see more of (and purchase, if I were you) their designs.

The diversity amongst all the jewelry designers was amazing.  The metalsmithing of Susan Elizabeth Designs was spectacular.  Every piece will have you wonder, “How does she make that?”  Susan has a background in sculpture as does Joni Kat Anderson, the designer of JKAT Jewelry.  This is evident in JKAT’s latest collection, which incorporates various stones with sterling silver to create modern pieces like the turquoise porcelain necklace, which can be worn as a pendant or lariat.  Paoo is a new jewelry line with some amazing statement pieces such as the gold cuff bracelets and emerald multi-strand necklace.  They also create some understated pieces as well, like the silver and gold pendants, perfect for Mother’s Day gifts.  In fact, Paoo is holding an “Amazing Mom Sweepstakes” where you could win a $500 gift certificate.  See the website for more details.  Sophia Forero‘s jewelry line hs something for everyone.  Some of her designs shown above include: her signature mosaic look where precious stones are woven into a unique design, metal cuff bracelets, and necklaces and earrings made up of various dazzling stones and materials.  Objets d’Envy is perfect for dressier occasions – designer Kirsten Goede’s Swarovski crystal beaded bracelet is just amazing (view some other pieces from her line here).  With Erin Gallagher’s line, you can stop by the Gem Bar (or go online) and design your own jewelry.  Erin’s line offers classic, versatile pieces, such as the O-pendant necklace and silver link necklace, which can be worn long, doubled as a shorter length, or as a lariat.  Her line is also popular with bridal parties, as brides can schedule a party where everyone can design their own jewelry for the wedding.  Finally are K. Amato’s designs — a Chicago staple.  Most everyone has heard of K. Amato jewelry, and with her unique filigree designs, such as the silver earrings and oval ring necklace, they are hard to mistake for anyone else.  My personal favorite of her collection that evening was the silver and gold multi-link necklace.

The clothing and handbag lines were not to be ignored either.  Again so many beautiful designs, it was difficult to choose just a few.  Since it is spring in Chicago, there were a variety of spring coats to choose from.  I loved the indigo windbreaker by Vaute Couture.  Windbreakers are functional, but aesthetically unpleasing.  This coat solves that problem hands down.  Kate Boggiano’s green trench was adorable as was Horacio Nieto’s tan trench, which had a little something extra.   By unbuttoning the collar, there’s a removable vest that can be worn alone.  His dresses were incredible too, from the one-shoulder turquoise cocktail dress to the yellow studded belted dress.  Speaking of cocktail dresses, Nora del Busto’s strapless dresses were fabulous.  Perfect for an upcoming wedding, as are Jess Audey’s designs, which I wrote about during the Chicago Incubator event.  The AUDEY line also offers a fresh alternative for bridesmaid dresses.  Fashion Heist, a new clothing line in Chicago, features versatile pieces perfect for day-to-night wear, such as the yellow and multi-print purple and turquoise strapless dresses.  Such dresses could be paired with a blazer for work, or dressed up with shoes and accessories for an evening out.  Lines such as Elise Bergman and Lara Miller featured clothing that can be converted into different pieces.  The pictured skirt by Elise can be converted into a dress and a wrap, among other variations.  Lara’s collection also included some functional, yet beautifully designed pieces like the bubble sleeve tie-collar blouse and side-zipper shorts.  Fashion artist Shernett Swaby’s designs featured the stitched leather squares shown on her leggings on some of her versatile, convertible handbags, while Brynn Capella’s line featured roomy, eye-catching pattern clutches and shoulder bags.

If you’d like to see any of these designers’ collections in person, be sure to check out their websites for location information or for upcoming events.