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Rush Women's Board President Consie Pierrepont and designer Rachel Roy

Eighty-one and Hotter than Ever

Although Fashion Focus Week officially begins October 9th, Chicago’s fashion savvy were ahead of the game at the Women’s Board of Rush University Medical Center’s 81st Annual Fashion Show, October 4th to benefit Rush University’s Heart and Vascular Center.
 
International design sensation, Rachel Roy, kicked off the evening’s events, gliding on stage to welcome attendees in one of her own stunning golden-hued jackets. 

The collections ranged from sumptuous fur
coats to delicate ball gowns.  There were, however; several dominating themes: Texture was a repeated trend with many of the dresses featuring brocades, knits, ruffles and in one case, feathers.  Judging from the exaggerated waistlines and sexy belts -- think patent leather, rhinestone and wool, the waist will be a viable asset for Chicago women this fall. Cascading pleats, volumous minis and floating evening frocks were also prevalent. Saks paid tribute to the iconic Grace Kelly with a collection of dresses inspired by the princess. 

Roy wasn’t the only famous face in attendance, stylish Chicagoans such as Susan Crown, Nora Daley Conroy, Jamee and Abigail Field, Melissa McNally, Cindy Chereskin and Melissa Gamble rocked the runway.  NBC’s Anna Davlantes, FOX’s Robin Robinson, and the Sun-Times’ Bill Zwecker also modeled designer looks to support Rush University.   

Boutiques and large-scale retailers such as, Ultimo, Macy’s Luca Luca, Escada, Neapolitan, Paul Stuart, Tiffany, Saks, Frances Heffernan and Loro Piano worked together behind the scenes to provide the collections for the sumptuous show that delighted Chicago’s fashion royalty. 

As a new feature, this year’s fashion show included a designer segment highlighting the city’s blossoming fashion industry and the commitment to its continued success and growth. 

At 81, the oldest consecutive charitable fashion show in the nation proved it can still turn heads.  We can’t wait to see what the 82nd annual fashion show will bring!

-Kari Skaflen