Next Fashion Chicago 2011 (in association with Mandel Productions, Benjamin Cottrell and Marco Foster) opened fashion week on Monday night with the first fashion show hosted by Chicago’s very own Philanthropist and Social Scribe Candace Jordan and Marcus Riley, Multimedia Reporter of NBC5 Chicago.
Several Chicago designers showcased their latest fashion on the runway in the main ballroom at the historic Germania Place on Clark Street. The models impressed the crowd as they circled the room and finished their walk down the runway.
Elda de la Rosa’s elegant and sophisticated evening gowns flowed gracefully on the catwalk. Up and coming talented designer Gary Gonzalez donned his models in light textured dresses along with one HOT silver pantsuit. Bottega Contessa amazed the audience with outfits for the 40s-50s crowd with a too die for gorgeous beaded black Badgley Mischka Mark + James top and matching pants. (I want the top but with a price tag of $1,200….). Gorgeous colored tweed cocktail dresses by Hector-Javier Mon Arrez to be worn during the day with a sweater and at night with a shawl. Brilliant colors and flowers adorned the dresses of Fraley Le. For the male crowd, black cutout leather tops and jackets rocked the runway by Cleons Clothing Company. A stunning metallic green/gold pantsuit from Cleons wowed the younger crowd (images of Star Trek and The Matrix come to mind). Mira Couture’s models graced the room with romantic wedding gowns fit for a princess. Other designers included Sahar Dada, Sujata Gazder and Gold Coast boutique, Sofia. Furla handbags graciously donated by Chloe Ifergan adorned models during a few of the segments.
While the crowd socialized before the show, Rosemary Fanti illustrated several guests in their evening attire. Rosemary’s sketches are highly sought after by the social elite of Chicago. Photos were captured by Chicago’s favorite photographer, Steve Starr along with Amie Hana.
—Cindy Burns
Photos: Steve Starr
