Designer Kate Pankoke has a new showroom! The Chicago fans’ favorite from Project Runway is settling down a bit (she has been on Project Runway three times!) and just set up shop at the Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan in Chicago. We caught up with Kate at the grand opening of her new Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke Showroom last night.
Here is what Kate shared with us:
• No, she does not think she will be on Project Runway again but she might if asked to be a judge.
• Yes, her appearances on Project Runway have definitely helped her business. She said people used to hang up on her but now they know who she is.
• She may be on another reality TV series involving bridal fashion, but if so, she wants some control of the content. She doesn’t want it to be all about the drama, but rather more about bridal fashion.
• Kate loves Chicago and she is here to stay! She can get to and from New York quickly to buy fabrics, but has the luxury of having more room to breathe here in Chicago. She loves the character of the Fine Arts Building, the home of her new showroom, located right across from Grant Park. This charming historic building built in 1885 has gorgeous Art Nouveau motifs and murals from a renovation in 1898, and it still has elevator operators! We think this building is perfect for Kate’s bridal showroom and hope other fashion designers move in as well.
Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke sample gowns lined the showroom.I’m enjoying champagne with Kate Pankoke (center) and Second City Style Fashion Intern Kelcie McCurdy (right)Delicious treats and cupcakes from some of Chicago’s best wedding vendors.Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke gown detailKate’s assistant Dena (left) with Kate’s sister Whitney who showed us photos of her Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke bridal gown for wedding coming up later this month!Cakes and sweet treatsA model at the Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke Grand Opening
Visit ElayaVaughn.com
Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke Showroom | 410 South Michigan Ave, Suite 501 | Chicago, IL
– Carol Calacci
Photos: Second City Style
1 thought on “Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke Showroom Grand Opening Party In Chicago”
What beautiful pieces! I have 3 friends who have daughters getting married this year. Two of the 3 are in need of MOB dresses…this could be a great source for them. Plus, it’s right up the street from my Museum Park location! Congratulations Kate Pankoke!!
Designer Kate Pankoke has a new showroom! The Chicago fans’ favorite from Project Runway is settling down a bit (she has been on Project Runway three times!) and just set up shop at the Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan in Chicago. We caught up with Kate at the grand opening of her new Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke Showroom last night.
Here is what Kate shared with us:
• No, she does not think she will be on Project Runway again but she might if asked to be a judge.
• Yes, her appearances on Project Runway have definitely helped her business. She said people used to hang up on her but now they know who she is.
• She may be on another reality TV series involving bridal fashion, but if so, she wants some control of the content. She doesn’t want it to be all about the drama, but rather more about bridal fashion.
• Kate loves Chicago and she is here to stay! She can get to and from New York quickly to buy fabrics, but has the luxury of having more room to breathe here in Chicago. She loves the character of the Fine Arts Building, the home of her new showroom, located right across from Grant Park. This charming historic building built in 1885 has gorgeous Art Nouveau motifs and murals from a renovation in 1898, and it still has elevator operators! We think this building is perfect for Kate’s bridal showroom and hope other fashion designers move in as well.
What beautiful pieces! I have 3 friends who have daughters getting married this year. Two of the 3 are in need of MOB dresses…this could be a great source for them. Plus, it’s right up the street from my Museum Park location! Congratulations Kate Pankoke!!