Macy’s Presents the Designers of Chicago

Macy’s Presents the Designers of Chicago, kicking off Fashion Focus with the first show of the week.

Chicago’s Millennium Park was the perfect setting for a fabulous fashion show (that was packed despite the downpour), featuring the Spring 2010 must-haves. Macy’s promotes Chicago designers, not only at this show, but all year round with their Incubator programs, giving new fashion designers a platform to grow their collections. The show began with the veterans showing why they are still hanging on Macy’s racks.

Lara Miller kicked off the spectacle with a line that was both colorful and eco-orientated. She introduced her spring 2010 looks with fresh spring colors as blues and whites were mixed with pearl detailing and shapes varying from flowing tunics to tighter fitting dresses, all with a touch of bamboo.

After that, it was Blake Standard’s turn to impress the fashionable crowd. Reds, purples and ivory garments came down the runway and made you feel like you were ready to board a luxurious yacht in Saint Tropez. Short jackets with fun detailing, ruffles and jersey dresses and t-shirts will make you wish for spring, if the stormy weather didn’t already.

Then 5p1t showed herringbone mixed with ruffled necklines in a muted palette of greens, tans and khaki. The seersucker dress, we loved! Tennille White is known for her extravagant and plus-size designs and again, she rocked the runway with peach colored dresses, gold accents and green silks. Lauren Lein was next and her headpieces were the eye-catcher, although her outfits already are made to turn heads. Suits, flowing layers, lace, and tulle – it was all there to be found in Lein’s feminine collection.

Then Lee Allison and The Tie Bar gave us women something to think about for the rest of the night! Male models in nothing but printed and colorful dress shirts and ties? Count us in! Jermikko’s Spring 2010 collection was soft and very conceptual with a neutral but darker palette and a focus on angled shapes. Ivory, tan, grey jackets combined with pops of yellow and red were the perfect canvas for the pleats and ribbons of Jermikko.

After the seasoned designers finished, the up-and-comers in the Incubator program could show off their skills. Anna Hovet’s collection was a breath of fresh and colorful air. Geometric shapes were the focus of her sporty line and purple and turquoise were the perfect colors to use on black solid backgrounds. Zamrie brought us a sweet collection with pleats, ruffles, flowing garments and the watercolor gown is a piece we want right now. Furio showed some skin with see-through fabrics mixed with silk skirts and layering of pieces all in pearl pink, while Nora Del Busto’s contemporary collection featured fresh white garments with angled necks, skin showing cut-outs, triangle shapes and clean print. Cynthia Ryba used plaid and muted purples and greens on her metallic looking line. Halter dresses, jackets, and blouses – Ryba showed off lots of skin in her easy going collection. Last but certainly not least, Audey. The Audey Spring collection was very doll-esque, which we loved! A lot of bright colors mixed with asymmetrical shapes and ruffled necklines made the sun almost come out…almost.
- Chloé van der Wel

*Photos by Billy Rood & Melissa Martens of figphoto.net
Designer Lara Miller shows Spring 2010 collection at Macy's show during Fashion Focus