Chicago Macy's Brasil Kick Off Event With Carlos Falchi & Diego Rochas

Carols Falchi, with me holding a Falchi Bag for the photo, and his daughter Kate Falchi
Macy’s launched their “Brasil: An American Journey” campaign last week and Chicago’s State Street joined in on the festivities. Carlos Falchi was in town for his FALCHI by Falchi collection and Chicago handbag designer Diego Rocha our favorite Brazilian Chicagoan of Project Accessory fame, was host to a fashion show featuring looks by Calvin Klein an Thursday. I had the opportunity to meet with both designers before the event complete with music, food, drinks, beauty and a fashion show! The party started at Macy’s, but you have time to enjoy designs by top Brazilian designers and shop for apparel, accessories, jewelry and housewares that capture the spirit of this vibrant culture though June 17, 2012.
FALCHI by Falchi Handbags at Macy's
Hand painted design by Carlos Falchi silk-screened onto metallic bags
Needless to say I was thrilled to meet Carlos Falchi. His daughter Kate Falchi has recently followed in her father’s footsteps and is a handbag designer as well as a collaborator with the FALCHI by Falchi line at Macy’s. They work out of New York yet have been to Chicago, love our city and have many clients here. They told me about a couture client who came into Macy’s and bought almost everything of his FALCHI by Falchi collection. First I had to gush in awe of him, because I can remember Carlos Falchi bags way back in the 70’s! He is so warm, happy and sweet that he made me feel very welcome. I also have a theory that when an artist is allowed to do what they like to do, they stay youthful, happy and full of life, and he certainly proved it. SCS: What can you tell me about your FALCHI by Falchi collection for Macy’s? CF: I started 40 years ago and now I am able to use custom designs to make a collection that everyone can enjoy at an accessible price point. Oh they hate me because I still want all of the details and quality to be just right. A lot of the bags reverse, and the shoes are doing quite well. SCS: How do you go about designing handbags and accessories? CF: I always start with painting, it’s my mad scientist method. (He even hand painted the jacket he was wearing!) Then that design filters into the product with the right price point. Now with digital you can do much more with patterns and silk-screening using my own paintings. As for his couture handbags, he uses all farmed skins and feels that is very important. As bright as his pieces are, he pointed out you never will see his name on his bags. SCS: What was the best advice that anyone ever gave you? CF: Not to loose my Brazilianess! I grew up on a farm. It’s all about staying in the sun and continuing to grow.
FALCHI by Falchi Display
My favorite FALCH by Falchi Cuffs
This is not two bags but one. It's reversible!
Brasil Window Display at Macy's State Street
Diego Rochas at Macy's. Yes he designed the cool cuff he is wearing!
Diego Rocha presenting the Brasil launch event fashion show at Macy's
I also met with handbag designer Diego Rocha at the Macy’s event on Thursday. He told me he now has many more clients and is also working with a designer in New York, but for now he can’t tell me the name! Diego was a great choice to present the Calvin Klein fashion show with many FACHI by Falchi accessories. He was adorable and his excitement was contagious when he spoke about the color and fun accessories on the models! –Carol Calacci Photos: Second City Style

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