Chicago Fashion Show. Anna Fong Spring 2012 Collection
Susanna Negovan and Michigan Avenue Magazine hosted “A Mayan Tale” showcasing the Anna Fong Spring 2012 collection along with Tony DiPasca and Carissima Salon’s “Styling Preview” at the historic Blackstone Hotel (built in 1910, designed by Marshall & Fox). With free admission to the event, there was standing room only in the ballroom.
Pre-show excitement included “behind the scenes” hairstyling and makeup application of the models on the runway. Excitement escalated as elaborately dressed dancers performed an Aztec Fire Dance on stage, expanding from Ms. Fong’s Guatemalan-Chinese heritage. The Omeyocan Dance Co. is based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and run by brothers Roberto and Alex Franco. The main dancer “played” with real fire as he put his foot in the flame. The intense dance lasted for at least ten minutes.
Fabric from the Spring 2012 collection came directly from Guatemala. Highlights included sophisticated dresses in soft colors with textured fabrics that could be worn for a special luncheon or to work and into the evening. A gorgeous black leather skirt paired with a tweed jacket was one of my favorites. Elegant and sexy white satin wedding gowns flattered the thin models with thigh high slits.
Anna Fong’s ready-to-wear collection includes dresses, white blouses, jackets, bottoms and accessories. Fong also designs wedding and custom gowns. Her designs are geared toward a confident and refined woman age 25 years and higher. Prices range from $140 for a white blouse to $750 for an evening gown.
Aside from fashion, Fong’s passion is to support the International Justice Mission, “a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery; sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.” Fong discovered her new mission upon a recent trip to Guatemala.
—Cindy Burns
Photos: Steve Starr and Second City Style