Chicago - September 20, 2006

Civic Pride

A Guide to Fashion Focus

First flowers, then Millennium Park, and now Fashion Focus.

Gotta love a mayor who knows how important appearances can be.

Our picks to help you make the most of the next twelve days.

Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion
What: Fourth annual show featuring Chicago’s up and comers.
Why: Siahou, Vatit Itthi, Elizabeth Brady, and more make it work.
When: Sept. 25, preshow reception, 7:30 p.m.; show, 8:30 p.m.
Where:  Chase Promenade North, at Millennium Park, b/t Michigan Ave. & Columbus Dr.

Outside the Loop
What: Multimedia event combines art and fashion.
Why: Katrin Schnabl, Laddhavan Sutana, and the Superficial walk the runway.
When: Sept. 20, noon-midnight. Fashion shows at 6:30 & 10:30 p.m.
Where: Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., b/t Fullerton & Armitage Aves.

Designers of Chicago Fashion Show
What: Macy’s 47 picks for the best of the city.
Why: Lara Miller, Doris Ruth, and Maria Pinto strut their stuff.
When: Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chase Promenade North at Millennium Park, b/t Michigan Ave. & Columbus Dr.

Design School Design Challenge
What: Fashion students create threads from a bag of surprise materials while under the clock.
Why: Think Project Runway meets $100,000 Pyramid.
When: Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., b/t Lake & Randolph Sts., under the marquee (312-782-9160).

Barbie Doll Auction
What: Chicago designers make outfits for Barbie.
Why: Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots.
When: Sept. 24, 1 p.m.
Where: The Indie Designer Fashion Market at The Chicago Antique Market, 1300 West Randolph St., b/t Ada & Ogden Sts. (312-951-9939 or chicagoantiquemarket.com).

Dressing Light
What: Designer Anke Loh’s exploration of light.
Why: It’s one illuminating exhibit.
When: Opening, Sept. 22, 8 p.m. (by invite only); exhibit, Sept. 26-Oct. 8.
Where: Opening, UBS Tower, 1 N. Wacker Dr., at Madison St.; exhibit, Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., at Michigan Ave., 4th flr.