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KELLY RYAN O'BRIEN
Kelly is the Director of Gen Art Chicago and is a big part of the national company that promotes emerging designers in art, film and fashion. O’Brien, a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native, began her journey promoting urban culture at Federated Department Stores in New York City, where she utilized her natural abilities in product development for the International Concepts department. She then cultivated her distinctive styling techniques with Donna Karan, styling celebrities and VIP clients, creating high profile parties for the upscale Madison Avenue store and enhancing the image of Donna Karan with clients like Demi Moore, IMAN, Sting, David Bowie. Moving back to her roots in the Midwest, O’Brien embarked upon the challenge of bringing a cutting-edge flavor to Chicago through her work with Gen Art, the premier not-for-profit promoter of emerging artists in fashion, music, film and art. She currently produces leading arts and entertainment events – such as Fresh Faces in Fashion, Styles ’05, and Ignite!– at the most coveted venues to expose undiscovered talent for Chicago’s stylemakers. We caught up with her to talk style, how she worked her way up the career ladder and where to find the best hidden treasures....
FACTIO MAGAZINE: Describe your signature style.
KELLY RYAN O’BRIEN: My styles are cyclical, phasing in and out of seasons and attitude depending on where my head is in life. If there’s one consistent signature style that never dulls for me, it’s timeless vintage pieces: clothing and accessories. I still get excited finding that one item in a re-sale/consignment/vintage shop. It takes a skilled vintage hunter, confidence in the vintage buyer, but it’s so rewarding! The best part is that fashion is always changing; it’s an art form that requires attention and care – you can make it change you, or keep you just the same.
FM: Define the style in Chicago.
KO: Style in Chicago seems to be one of two ways. Of course, there will always be the conservative Midwestern style and then there are those who really embrace fashion and make it their own. What I love about Chicago fashion is that the people are less concerned with magazine driven styles, but more about their own personal style. That makes Chicago extremely unique.
FM: Tell us about Gen Art and how you started in the fashion business.
KO: Before returning to Chicago, I was a celebrity stylist and event manager for Donna Karan in New York City. Once in Chicago, I immediately sought out Gen Art, starting out as a freelancer so I could feel out the Chicago market and three years later I’ve worked my way up to Director of the office!
I am responsible for all marketing, public relations and sponsorships. My main goals in Chicago are to generate buzz and awareness about Gen Art, create cutting-edge programming, ensuring that all Gen Art events are of the highest quality and integrity. To accomplish these goals, I need to have an up-to-date inside knowledge about the latest in fashion, film, art and music scenes in Chicago. I have to be in constant contact with the city's tastemakers in each of these areas in order to showcase the most exciting and talented artists Chicago has to offer! Naturally, we are always looking to build Gen Art's strong database and continue to get the word out about these artists and our efforts.
Our goal is to showcase and promote emerging talent in the most entertaining and innovative ways. I want to create synergy between the fashion, film, art and music world's in Chicago for the inspiring and unique spirit of this city - always with a couple of hot cocktails.
FM: According to you, which women past or present has impeccable style and why? What women in which city worldwide have the best style?
KO: Ooooh, I am always so bad at this question. I think that the women who embrace their own style are the one’s who believe in their own style. It is too hard to pick just a couple women!
One woman that I can mention is my mom, Rita O’Brien. She has this funky style, sort of a boho chic, but somehow makes it look classic at the same time. The older she gets, the better her style. Every time I go home, I can’t believe the finds in her closet, and she never pays full price!
FM: Where do you like to travel? And, what do you usually look for to add to your wardrobe, out of town?
KO: Work keeps me in town most of the time, I wish I had more time to travel. I lived in Europe for a short period of time, and by far and away my favorite city is Sevilla, Spain. Whenever I travel, I look for items that are not available in Chicago. It is awesome to get items that are representative of the location you are visiting. It doesn’t just have to be international either, there are hidden treasures everywhere! For example, if you are traveling through Indiana, stop in a small town, and check out what they have. I bought my favorite pair of overalls (yes, overalls) that way, and I absolutely still wear them.
FM: What are your favorite shops in Chicago? How about worldwide? Any online?
KO: In Chicago there are many, but a few are: p45, Robin Richman, Jade, Jake, Heijfina and Active Endeavors (don’t let the name fool you!)
Online, my guilty pleasure is shopintuition.com. They have a lot of hot styles, and aren’t horribly expensive.
FM: What are your shopping secrets?
KO: Avoid matching as much as possible
FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe? What is your biggest fashion vice?
KO: My fruit of the loom “wife beaters” are something I truly don’t know what I would do without. I have an entire drawer of them. As old of a style that it is, I never tire of doubling them up with skirts/shorts/pants, whatever! Of course J crew black flip flops are a staple year after year.
FM: What is a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more? Any tips for getting ready for an event?
KO: BE YOURSELF! So many people try too hard when it comes to special events, and end up looking uncomfortable in their own skin. There is no dress code for special events any more. As much as I would enjoy events where everyone is dressed to the nine’s, it just is not like that anymore. Events are more about style, not how dressy you can be. What is dressed up for one person may be casual for another. Whatever your style, just work it!
As for tips? My advice is to not give yourself too much time to get ready. If I have too much time, I start changing things about my look, which I was really confident about in the beginning, just because I have time!
FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you have?
KO: You either have style or you don’t. You can, however, learn style to a certain extent. Money could help you if you already have it, but it can’t create the innate sense of style.
FM: What would most people be most surprised to know about you?
KO: Up until a couple of years ago, I was extremely nervous to speak in front of crowds and on TV (now it is something I do frequently!)
FM: What business advice and inspiration can you give to women?
KO: Find your passion in life and don’t settle in a job that is “just a job.” Once you find that passion, envision it as reality and keep moving forward. Realize the importance of networking, reading your trade publications, and truly believing that what you are doing is making an impact. There is no such thing as being in the right place at the right time; it is your drive that gets you there.
FM: What tips would you give women in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and business?
KO: As a newlywed, I am the first to say that balancing work/life is the biggest challenge so far. At some point you have to say, this is just work and it will be here tomorrow.
Again, I am still trying to figure that out, as my work is my life!
Check out Gen Art at www.genart.org.
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