Fashion Bar Chicago delivered again on October 8th, 2014 with a spring/summer 2015 fashion production that was unsurpassed. The event was located in downtown Chicago, at the upscale Drake Hotel, located in the magnificent mile area right off of the famed Michigan avenue. The most important factor that made me take a genuine interest in covering this fashion show this year, was the emphasis on the non -profit charity Family Rescue. The nonprofit organization not only strives to alleviate domestic violence, but they provide shelter, housing, and also education for recipients of their program.
The check-in was easy and smooth, and though the energy in the room was full and bustling, the scene was more of excitement than chaotic. My aunt & events manager, Lisa Nero, and I were able to grab champagne at the bar, fraternize for a bit with a few of the brand ambassadors -- the lovely Brittany Hinrichs,a local fashion blogger & Susan Anthony, owner of Skinlogica spa. Sara Ovando, Fashion Bar Chicago's legal liaison, was quite the delight as well. We were seated and able to sneak in a quick selfie before the show began.
The show opened with a fashion line for Satoko Mizuno, an incredible designer from Japan, whose pieces were sexy, flirty, and made for the modern working woman. A surprise for the audience was not only the opening models' beautiful dress, but a live puppy was coddled in her arms wile she strutted down the runway. Most of Satoko's designs could be worn towards the weekend for business attire during the day, but chic enough to hit the town for an after 7 cocktail later in the evening.
We were then awed by the designs of Prina Baggia. Her princess-inspired ball gowns were shimmery, with sometimes frilly hats at times, but they were all accompanied by beautiful accessories that accented the garments very well.
Next the crowd was wowed by wonderful swimwear designs from Gabrielle Zwick. The carefully constructed bathing suits were at times accompanied by long, flowing, beautiful sarongs. Her line was tasteful enough to walk around the pools of the Ritz Carlton's along the Caribbean sea, but dashing enough to be hip and current have a smart cocktail with your girlfriends at the local beach.
The final designer was Maury Cesair who was new to the Fashion Bar Chicago brand. His couture, custom, fantasy designs focused on coral reefs and under the sea inspired flowing dresses. Maury's aquatically exhilarating gowns astonished the crowd sometimes intertwining glances of seashells & oysters making you feel Oceanside.
Etiquette, elegance, poise, grace, & sophistication were all words that this show emoted. The thing I remember most is not only the gorgeous fashions, but Fashion Bar Chicago is a team, no role too small or too big, all a family, each member working towards promoting the designs or contributions of the other, like a timeless clock -- without one piece, it just wouldn't work. Tony Long the CEO greeted everyone with a warm and inviting personality. Anthony Martinez, the Communications director was not only a host, but help seat guests no different than the assistants. Steve Alverez, the director of runway execution was behind the scenes most of the show but you could certainly feel his presence as the timing of everything flowed beautifully. Not only worth a - flight from New York City, but certainly worth the long haul one from London Town!
-William Nero-
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