Sun God Shades

Last drizzly Thursday, I walked the streets of Bucktown to RSVP Gallery for a party featuring the full collection of inventive Karen Walker Eyewear. On any other day, RSVP Gallery features a few selections of these designer sunglasses (that will run you about $200 each) plus select brands such as playful Lanyard necklaces that call to mind childhood innocence.

The Karen Walker Eyewear event included looks inspired by the Sun God. Yet the designs looked to be a combination of retro 50s and 60s designs (modified cat eyes and round Elton John shapes) and futuristic accents like extra bridges and graphic arrows.

The orange are pretty fun. Or you could always go for those referencing post eye surgery shades.

NightWalk - Part Three: Blast from the Past

For my last "NightWalk" post, we turn back the hands of time. The beautiful burnt orange and yellows make these designs pop. The reference from the past, whether 20s, 40s or 50s, combined with modern aesthetics, is refreshing.

And these costume pieces have amazing hints of individuality—from the tree illustration and shimmering back lace to the peek-a-boo layers on the Marie Antoinette dress. If only they came in my size!


*Note: I work for a PR firm that represents this show.

NightWalk - Part Two: Headwear & Architecture

 

I continue the "NightWalk" coverage with unusually scary head/facewear from SAIC students. Side note, does not Erin Pianetto's ensemble look like a missing character from children's show "Yo Gabba Gabba!"?

As we venture into other designs, I develop a fascination for architectural silhouettes with natural colors, as to not distract. The mask and coordinating ensemble screams Lady Gaga, yet the chain mail top is oh so "Barbarella!"

Look out for one more "NightWalk" post, which includes period pieces!



*Note: I work for a PR firm that represents this show.

NightWalk - Part One: Future

On Friday, May 7, I journied to the Modern Wing for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's new late-night student fashion show, NightWalk.

Though, probably not intentional, the event name reminded me of Edward Hopper's print "Night Hawks," currently in the procession of the AIC.

The show featured designs by SAIC Legend of Fashion honoree Gary Graham, a finalist in the 2009 Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. The collection was very Anna Sui, circa Autumn/Winter 2008-9. (Graham's designs are available at Chicago boutiques Robin Richman and Koros Art & Style Ltd.)

Then there were futuristic/sci-fi looks from SAIC sophomore students. The top of Pirada Muadsong's dress resembles fish gills and the bottom looks like a man's suit jacket. Her inspiration? Loy-Krathong day, a full moon festival in Thailand—composed of lotus-shaped boat flouts made of folded banana leaves, which gives thanks for the life-giving river goddess.
My interpretation of Leah Silverblatt's Norse Viking inspired garment is an Arabian prince in space.

Silvio Pinto's inspiration was Norwegian black metal. Oddly enough, the sleeves remind me of the bandaged and infected alien arm of the main character in "District 9."

Maggie Thom's ensemble is inspired by Triadic Ballet, which used geometric shapes to redefine the body. This outfit is extremely literal.

 More fashions to come...

*Note: I work for a PR firm that represents this show.

ARTROPOLIS

ARTROPOLIS (April 30-May 3) had three floors filled to the brim with ART! Art Chicago welcomed modern and contemporary artists from galleries internationally. NEXT featured avant-garde works from both commercial and non-commercial arts organizations around the world. Finally, the International Antiques Fair included over 100 world-renowned dealers in everything from jewelry to furniture. 

The first two shows featured art with mediums that defied the norm—money, sheet music, water, car windshield, dummy, straws, and the list goes on...My faves cocoon this text.

Though I'm a big antique/vintage fan, I left after a few minutes of perusing. I would rather rummage through a resale shop to find treasures that are affordable and obtainable than to merely glance at the pieces from afar.

ARTROPOLIS was definitely a successful Sunday outing. Plus, we received a free bottle of FUZE. A word to the wise (or fellow dairy intolerant folk): Contents do contain milk products.