Tuesday, March 27, 2012

New Format.......

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for reading my blog, don't worry, I am going to continue blogging but in a different site. I am now part of the Chicago Now blogger family-Don't worry, Estrella Modas is still continuing but at a different URL. You can now read my postings at http://www.chicagonow.com/estrella-modas.

 Same writer, still all about our upcoming stars in the fashion industry, it won't change except for the site address!! So come on, click on my new site and continue reading Estrella Modas*, where we keep an eye out for the stars of fashion of tomorrow!!!!!!

Our mascot is a little bit older now......


Stella*

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Borris Powell's "Without a Shadow of Doubt"

This past Sunday I had the privilege to attend Borris Powell's Fall/Winter 2012 "Without a Shadow of Doubt" fashion show at the River East Art center!!! I know I took so long to write this post, but honestly I am still bedazzled by the garments that were shown here!!!! First, the River East Art center is breathtaking. This place is honestly beautiful and just refreshing for a show. There even was a shop located inside the facility where they were selling clothing from Borris, and Strut Boutique (which was also featured in the show). 

Before the Show......Yes it is my fab photography

Picture by Mitchell Canoff for ChicagoNow (you can tell it is not my picture)
    
The amazing LaTonya Williams (Chicago's next It girl) and Designer Katherine Walker
Chicago fashionistas all came out to celebrate Borris's newest collection. Designers such as GOCA's Omar Villalobos and Katherine Walker were in attendance. Also our Chicago Fashion Incubator resident designer LaTonya Williams came out to celebrate her mentor Borris. The hosts of the show included the fab Candid Candace and NBC's Marcus Riley. Even Chicago Bear Rashied Davis was in attendance for this MUST show. 
Strut Boutique

 
Strut Boutique

Strut Boutique

Strut Boutique
The show started with Strut Boutique, which I may add has FANTASTIC garments. I was in awe with many of their clothes and wished I could fit in them. Borris made his entrance in a red Ferrari! Then the show continue with his timeless, sophisticated by fun garments. Overall, a great experience and an amazing show. But from Borris, that is always expected. I am looking forward towards his next show!!! Remember if it is Borris Powell, you know that it will be a show to remember.
Picture from Mitchell Canoff from ChicagoNow

Picture from Mitchell Canoff from ChicagoNow

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Chicago's Couturier, Thierry Roger


One of Thierry Roger's custom dresses
I just got the opportunity to interview Chicago's own couture designer, Thierry Roger. Couture fashion and Chicago are two that are not always directly linked; but Thierry is here to change that. He creates one-a-kind looks for his clients, therefore you will never be in a "who wore it better" contest!! Everyone make way for Chicago's couturier....

Me: Tell me a little about yourself? Why did you enter fashion design? 

Thierry: I was always interested in Fashion even as a child. My mother was a painter and she put me through Art School and later I got an apprentice position with the house of Guy Laroche where I learned a lot. 

Me: Wow, that is extremely prestigious. Why did you start your line in Chicago of all places? 

T: It was a question of chance and I was lucky but it took me a few years to learn about Chicago "style" (insert LOL). 

One of Thierry Roger's signature gowns
Me: What about your work differentiates you from other designers? 

T: I do not follow trends, for me trends do not last and do not make someone look "special." I love classic and timeless looks and I am good at it so I stick to it. 

Me: Why did you decide to go into couture design in oppose to mass-merchandise designing?

T:  I did sell ready to wear years ago for Henri Bendel and Barneys and also boutiques around Chicago; but I never really cared to see my garments on a rack in different sizes. I discovered later the Custom Made business and fell in love with the relationship that I have between the client and the garment.
More Thierry Roger's one-of-a-kind designs
Me:  Which pieces that you have created do  you feel are your best work and why? 

T: I love to design cocktail dresses and suits, those are 2 strong looks I really like to do.

Me: What about Chicago makes you want to stay and continue designing here in oppose to other states or countries?

Love this jacket from Thierry Roger
T:  After learning what fashion was about in Chicago I really felt a connection with the city and its style, 22 years later I am still here!!

Me: Any advice for students who want to design couture clothing? 

T: Find your niche and once you found it stick to it, there is a lot of competition out there and you need to stand out. Use every mistake you made as a learning experience.

Classic and timeless looks
 

Thank you Thierry and again I love your timeless, one-of-a-kind, beautiful creations. You are sincerely a gem of our great city!!!

Monday, March 12, 2012

This Sunday.......Borris Powell showcases his 2012 Fall/Winter Collection

Sunday March 18th from 5:30pm (for VIP) and General Admission from 6:30pm, is the Borris Powell's Fall/Winter 2012 Collection!!!! Come and see why this designer won the 2011 Oscar Designer Challenge!!! This event is takes place at the River East Art Center (435 E. Illinois) and tickets start at $110 for VIP (10% goes to a local charity; other VIP highlights include complimentary drinks before & after show, and a gift bag), General admission tickets are $40 (standing room only)!!! The show will also feature his brand new men's collection!! Come and be in awe with this fashion star!!!! Get tickets at http://www.uvidy.com/borrispowell

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Queen of the Curve......Shavonne Dorsey

Being a curvaceous lady myself, I got extremely giddy when I got the chance to interview Chicago's Fashion Incubator alumni Shavonne Dorsey. I proclaimed Shavonne as the Queen of the Curve due to her devotion to designing for the everyday lady; one with curves. So enjoy the interview and become a member of her growing group of fans!!!

Me: Can I have a little information on your background? Growing up, what were your dreams? 

Shavonne: Originially I'm from Indiana and obtained my Bachelors from Indiana University in Bloomington,  Indiana. My background was in corporate healthcare and laboratory sales, but Fashion design was always a dream of mine. Grouping up my dreams were to become a successful, productive and prosperous person regardless of my career choice.

Me: What inspired you to go into fashion design? Especially designing for curvy women? 

S: As a size 14 woman myself, I always had challenges in finding garments that were flattering, womanly but yet still youthful enough without looking matronly. The frustration of NEVER finding what I wanted or needed in fashion from national retailers was the stimulus that started my career in fashion design. As a curvy woman, I experienced the struggle to dress myself without always wearing black or looking older than my age. Instead of continuing to accept what retailers offered and going to boutiques who didn't carry garments past a size 10/12, I decided to design garments that were complimentary to my curves and celebrated the beautiful shape that I have. 

My Fave Shavonne Dorsey Dress!! Love it!!
Me: Thank you for that (designing to celebrate our curves). Why did you decide to start designing and showcased your collections here in Chicago? 

S: Chicago has always been known as the "2nd City." It's definitely a great city to start your career in fashion. Chicago's fashion scene is usually known to be somewhat conservative and was often labeled as safe. I wanted to introduce something new, exciting and bold to curvaceous women in a conservative city. In spite of the difference of what was considered the "norm" in Chicago, my designs were quickly embraced, adored and purchased by plus-size women everywhere in the city and surrounding suburbs!

Elegant and sophisticated!!! Not to mention slimming
Me: What are your thoughts on the current fashion industry not concentrating on the majority of the population (curvy women)? 

S: Interesting, you say the majority which is absolutely true. Over 70% of American women are a size 14, but less than 20% of retailers cater to this woman, which is me and thousands of women everywhere in the USA. The human female body expands very differently after a size 8, so most designers and retailers would rather not learn how to dress it. I think the fashion industry is truly starting to open their eyes and see the mas number of women who are in need of beautiful, fashion-forward, plus-sized clothing that don't make them look larger or older AND are willing to patronize businesses who offer it! It's a new day and designers (like myself) gladly accept the challenge to dress curvaceous, plus-size women to make them look more beautiful than ever before. 
  
Cute and fun, for a night out with the girls!!!

Me: Any upcoming events, shows that you will be participating in? 

S: Yes there are!!! 

On March 24, I will be at the Red Pump Project at the Society Art Gallery -2140 W. Fulton Street here in Chicago. It is from 6-9 pm. Can buy tickets at link: http://www.theredpumpproject.org/2012/02/get-tickets-for-the-rock-the-red-fashion-show-hosted-by-kim-coles/

 April 21, The Shavonne Dorsey Trunk show will be taking place at Boutique Larrieux at 315 N. Milwaukee in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

May 19, at the Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show at the Zhou B Art Center at 1029 W. 35th Street in Chicago.Can buy tickets at link: http://www.dangerouscurvesahead.org/

June 13-16,  I will be at the New York Full Figured Fashion Week!!!!!  http://www.fffweek.com/2012/home

Me: Wow you are busy!!! What are your plans for the future? 

S:  My plans for the future are to continue to design beautiful garments for curvaceous women in the USA and across the globe. There are plans in the works now for further business expansion in the south as well as in other national and international areas.
The Queen of the Curve knowing how to showcase our curves with this dress!

Me: Where can curvy women such as myself purchase your fab designs? 

To view or purchase any looks on the new spring collection (or any past designs) please call 312-636-6137 or send us an email at shavonne@shavonnedorsey.com. The designs retail from $235-$350. Each client receives free shipping and a gift with their order. For curvaceous women that are searching for a bit of exclusivity, Shavonne Dorsey Inc. also provides custom, one-of-a-kind dresses. Clients can get their own unique dresses designed exclusively for their shape. My clients are able to select from several fabric selections to create a look just for them. It is definitely one of my favorite ways to dress clients.

Me: Wow, making us feel royal too!!!! Thank you Shavonne and women everywhere are thanking you for helping put curvy on the fashion map!!!!

Stella*

Monday, March 5, 2012

HALF STACK MAGAZINE IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Want a fresh new magazine that focuses on Chicago and Chicago artists, events and style? Visit Half Stack!!! A funny, inspiration magazine that brings all the local news to your screen!! Half Stack covers everything our city offers including the arts, music, drama, fashion and food (my fave)!! Visit Half Stack @ http://issuu.com/halfstackmag/docs/hsm_master_spring2012-march5/77

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

End of Winter Looks....Buy Local

Winter started a little late this year, the best part about that is we can continue wearing our winter clothing!! Bad part is that it means Summer will also start later. Let's not let the gloominess and cold get to us, let continue looking fab this winter. That is why I am listing my local designer Winter finds!!! You love to shop at the local farmers market, why not shop for your clothing locally? Here is a list of my fave Winter local designer finds.

Lara Miller
I am a HUGE fan of this Eco-friendly and versatile designer. One accessory that I cannot stop drooling over is her Sally Turban Headband. This headpiece is Eco-friendly and being 90% bamboo, Eco-friendly dry cleaning is recommended. It was hand-loomed here in Chicago!!! A must buy!! Look fashionable and stay warm with this gem! http://www.laramiller.net/product-details.asp?id=117&catid=22


Anna Hovet
The next find is called the Julie Sweatshirt by local street wear comfort designer Anna Hovet. Any time I see comfort associated with a designer, I am running towards their online or physical store. This sweater looks extremely warm and cozy, but also very sexy and chic at the same time. I am definitely going to be looking posh with this sweater!! It also has front pockets a must for any mama!!! http://www.annahovet.com/buy-julie-sweatshirt.html





















Sophia Reyes
I am absolutely in awe with sophisticated silk dress by designer Sophia Reyes. It has a Grecian look to it which is very flattering on all body shapes. This dress can be worn with a cardigan for a work-look or by itself with a pair of nice stilettos for a night out on the town. A dress that can help me look slimmer and can be worn for work or out is a great find!!! http://www.sophiareyes.com/boutique/DRESSES/Underarmsilkdress.html

 
 More looks to come....keep an eye out :-)