Fashion Focus Chicago 2011: Designers of the Chicago Fashion Incubator Presented by Macy's

Designers if The Chicago Fashion Incubator Presented by Macy's
Chicago Fashion Week is officially under way! Last night the first show in the tents beckoned a sparkly crowd. Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) showed last night with its 7th round of talented designers presented by Macy’s. The runway show was spectacular, allowing 6 young Chicago designers to present their 2012 Spring/Summer collections. Let’s talk about the show shall we…?
Modahnik
Kahindo Mateene of Modahnik was the first down the runway. Modahnik’s signature African inspired prints and bold colors never disappoint!  This season, the gorgeous, feminine silhouettes offset the almost skeletal-like African prints.  One thing that’s definitely to love about the designer is her conscious fair trade practices for all of her pieces throughout her collections.
Crystal B. Designs
Crystal B. Simms graced us with her line Crystal B. Designs.  Her strategic use of black and white in her designs was to die for, giving the models curves in all of the right places! I loved the white floor length gown with black accents. The pieces were structured yet feminine and I can’t wait to see more from Crystal B. Designs.
Shavonne Dorsey
We need more Shavonne Dorsey‘s in the world!  Her aesthetic eye for how to dress a plus-sized woman is beyond any others I’ve seen in a long time.  I loved her beautifully draped pieces and bold use of color. No need to be afraid of prints with Shavonne! Her use of large prints was flawless and completely eye-opening.
Cettina
Concetta Cipriano, designer of Cettina definitely wowed on the runway. The flow-y, earth-toned pieces were beautiful and versatile.  I loved her use of creating accents with handmade, tie-dye printed scarves. The contrast between her structured pieces and her wonderful use of draping is perfection, and I love the way the models worked it down the runway!
Eric Kipp
The only male designer this year, Eric Kipp won us over with his impeccable tailoring. When menswear is done right, this is how it’s supposed to look! His use of classic, and traditional colors make this collection perfect for any guy wanting to make a statement. I haven’t seen that many menswear designers in the tents in my years attending Fashion Focus Chicago, and I love the fact I had the opportunity to see Eric’s talent this year.
Gidi
The final of the CFI designers of this year was Taneasha Prunty of Gidi. I adored this collection. Her use of lace was so sexy but still sophisticated. My favorite look, was the black lace top, and the floor length sheer burgundy skirt! A little risque for everyday, but still, I DIE! In addition to the new designers for this year’s CFI, we all had the pleasure of re-visiting the the designers from past years! The second half of the show was a powerhouse of looks from designers we love: c/fan, Anna Hovet, Nonie, Evil Kitty, Dottie’s Delights, agga b., Cynthia Ryba, Killian Gui, and Miriam Cecilia rounded out the show with their gorgeous collections. I can’t wait to see what the rest of Chicago’s finest has to show during 2011’s Fashion Focus Chicago. Stay tuned! — Carmen Turner Photos: Second City Style

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