CHECK-IN: I arrived at the Drake hotel early and was greeted by a young lady and sat in a quiet comfy area, where I briefly observed the happenings before media check-in time. I noticed all volunteers and staff were polite, yet dressed so chic, & prim -- you couldn't tell the difference between staff or models, unless you noticed the subtle badges.
My media team captured their production still setting up; the venue being transformed from a vintage, stale large business meeting room, to a contemporary posh, daring and edgy event space. A bit before check-in time I was greeted by Anthony Martinez, (Director of Communications), given All-Access media passes by his pleasant staff, along with VIP wristbands and led to where my staff would begin set-up.
BACKSTAGE: We headed backstage to begin interviews and even though the atmosphere was chaotic, there was still a sense of control. You could feel the models' excitement, Aveda hair stylists & make-up artists elated to display their expertise, with the soft spirited designers steaming, & carefully examining their art one last time for perfection. Even more interesting was witnessing Steve Alvarez (Director of Runway Execution/ Master Stylist) greet each model, make up artist, and hair dresser with a paternal nurturing.
SHOWTIME: After my interviews, my media team followed me to capture the tail end of the libations presentation. The showroom was now filled to capacity. My colleague, and friend Lisa Scott (Chicago Public Defender), can vouch that the champagne was crisp, and red wine was intellectually satisfying. The CEO of Fashion Bar, Tony Long, was humble and treated everyone like a VIP, greeting each guest, from standing room patrons to the exclusively invited guests. We were ushered to our seats, and the music began & flashing lights flickered.
Note: A percentage of proceeds went to "Inspired Youth," a program in which inner city students in the northernmost part of Chicago are benefactors.
REVIEW: All 5 emerging artists were great but the ones to look out for are definitely Chicago's very own Columbia College graduate, Sarah Fitzgerald, and Japanese designer, Satako Mizuno. Sarah opened the show with her designs and they were punk rock, inspired with an urban twist -- Vivan Westwood would certainly be proud. Satako wowed the audience with sophisticated pieces, attention to detail like the costumes in the movie Marie Antoinette, but contemporary and flirtatious all at the same time. You heard audience gasps (I even did so a few times), applause, smiles, and even a slight standing ovation once she entered at the end. These two designers' pieces stood out the most!
A few critiques: A larger venue or event space is necessary, as the event was sold out, and at times you briefly felt as such. Also, perhaps have staff collect the glasses from libations afterward, as most people sat them under their seat when done, sometimes an interruption on the runway.
I've sat at many fashion shows across the nation and to be frankly honest, many are quite reductive. I can indeed say Fashion Bar's stood out. I can see why Fashion Bar Chicago would be the "fashion bridge" between Los Angeles and NYC. Bravo.
Ciao,
-William Nero-
REVIEW: All 5 emerging artists were great but the ones to look out for are definitely Chicago's very own Columbia College graduate, Sarah Fitzgerald, and Japanese designer, Satako Mizuno. Sarah opened the show with her designs and they were punk rock, inspired with an urban twist -- Vivan Westwood would certainly be proud. Satako wowed the audience with sophisticated pieces, attention to detail like the costumes in the movie Marie Antoinette, but contemporary and flirtatious all at the same time. You heard audience gasps (I even did so a few times), applause, smiles, and even a slight standing ovation once she entered at the end. These two designers' pieces stood out the most!
A few critiques: A larger venue or event space is necessary, as the event was sold out, and at times you briefly felt as such. Also, perhaps have staff collect the glasses from libations afterward, as most people sat them under their seat when done, sometimes an interruption on the runway.
I've sat at many fashion shows across the nation and to be frankly honest, many are quite reductive. I can indeed say Fashion Bar's stood out. I can see why Fashion Bar Chicago would be the "fashion bridge" between Los Angeles and NYC. Bravo.
Ciao,
-William Nero-
CEO, D'Nero Group
Twitter: @dnerogroup
Instagram: dnerogroup
Facebook.com/dnerogroup
I love how descriptive you are. Felt like I was right there with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanya! 😄
DeleteGreat review! I was one of the MUAs for the show, I'm actually in the backstage pic working on the blonde model in the chair lol. It was such a great experience.
ReplyDelete