I should've posted this a long time ago, but Inland Fashion is no more. We've become Style Expose. Same idea with the weekly stories, but much better ones, PLUS daily updates on anything and everything a fashion entrepreneur (or interesed fashion consumer) would want to know. 
Tonight (October 11, 2007) the Stitches Fashion Program is holding an event at the Underground. Get there between 9 - 10 pm for your chance to win gift certificates from the participating boutiques; Veruca Salt, Clandestine Industries, and SHE Boutique. Plus complimentary cocktails (each inspired by a boutique) are available from 9 - 10. Come and take a peek at some of Chicago's best boutiques.
Rooted in Japanese aesthetics, literally meaning a subtle beauty with a hint of complexity, Shibuy Hada puts a unique spin on ordinary clothing. Focusing on knits, owner and designer Kate Jacobsen hand makes her apparel from her Chicago studio. Based off Andy Warhol’s love of imagery, Kate sometimes puts her own drawings and photos into the cloth she makes. She’ll even do the same for you and custom-create your look with your own design or photo. Shibuy Hada’s pieces are elegant, creative, and might make you feel a little mysterious like the name suggests.
Kate comes from a family of craftsmanship, with her mom as a seamstress, and her aunt who dyed, spun, and wove wool. With a true passion for art, Kate grew up continuously creating beautiful pieces. She’s seen her fair share of the world, and was once a costume designer. All of this combines to create the look that is Shibuy Hada today. As a member of the Apparel Industry Board of Chicago and also of the Fashion Group International, Kate likes to stay involved in Chicago’s fashion scene.
Shibuy Hada Boutique and Studio
56 W. Maple
Chicago, IL 60610
312-274-9620
www.shibuyhada.com
Come view Kate’s newest collection at the Stitches Fashion Program/Chicago Professionals for Youth runway show on August 9th at The Underground in Chicago. Open at 8:30 pm, the runway show begins at 10, so make sure you get there in advance. RSVP to events@theundergroundchicago.com.
Catching the eye of every Chicago tourist this summer, Jake boutique really knows how to portray Chicago in the right light. Carrying known labels such as Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and Missoni, Jim and Lance also highlight emerging designers such as NYC’s 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rag & Bone, and Chicago designer (and CEC client) Jill Alberts. Carrying both menswear and womenswear, the boutique sells casual clothing with an upscale twist. Young professionals flock to Jake boutiques to find those original pieces that show they know fashion.
Equip with the right know-how, Jim and Lance together make the business the success it is. Jim’s background is in retailing and merchandising, and Lance is an attorney. Lance handles the business side, while Jim handles the retailing aspects. The two participate in many fashion-related events in Chicago, closely involved with the Mayor’s Fashion Council and often representing the Chicago boutique perspective.
Jake sells its products online at www.shopjake.com as well as in its three retail locations. They are the Gold Coast, Lakeview on Southport Ave, and on the north shore in Winnetka.
Jake in the Gold Coast:
939 Rush Street
Chicago, Il 60611
312-664-5553
www.shopjake.com
When the big day finally arrives (wedding day that is), the ladies of Dame Couture can hand-make any woman’s dream dress. If the already-made Dame designs don’t exactly fit, don’t fret, Holly and Julie custom-create gowns for each individual bride. Each creation is classically and artistically crafted, and still manages to exude a modern touch. Leaving the bride comfortable and completely satisfied with her perfect dress, these high-quality gowns are truly one-of-a-kind.
With a love of sewing and of vintage clothes, Holly and Julie combined their talents to create Dame Couture. As a team with over 40 years of sewing experience, they really know how to tailor a piece to fit perfectly. Besides couture creators, Holly and Julie are both instructors at Columbia College. These women have had their hands in Chicago’s fashion community for a while. They are good friends of the Stitches Fashion Program and were featured on Metromix as part of it.
By appointment only:
Dame Couture LLC
4316 N. Elston
Chicago, IL 60614
773-463-2162
www.damecouture.com
Custom-made, high-end clothes are on every woman’s wish list. When she finally gets the means to acquire some of her own, she’ll know where to find them. For a customized, classic look with a European flair, Basia Frossard is the woman to turn to. Basia knows what it takes to create a sophisticated look sensitive to individual style. Whether headed to Europe, an evening gala, or just a day out, Basia’s clients are wrapped in luxury. Her pieces are modern, but still retain the classiness that creates a timeless look. Basia uses only the best materials and fabrics from all over the world including Italy, Egypt, and Spain.
Basia has been designing for over twenty years. She grew up in a small textile town in Poland and has studied fine tailoring in Poland and Vienna. Having spent her childhood in a communist town, Basia craved individualism. The art of tailoring sent her from Europe to America, and Basia eventually planted roots in Chicago. Basia is also involved in home interiors, and uses her talents and skills in both areas of design. Basia has been involved in Chicago’s design community for some time now and was part of the World Fashion Chicago runway show during Fashion Focus 2006.
Basia’s designs can be found at West Loop Boutique Koros, and she will be opening her own showroom in the West Loop shortly.
Basia Frossard Design
1715 W. Ohio St. Suite 1S
Chicago, IL 60622
312-226-5321
www.basiafrossard.com
As we at the Stitches Fashion Program always say, get online and get selling. Kate Boggiano is one designer/business owner who uses that advice as best as she can. Kate designs, manufacturers, and sells her products through her website, www.kateboggiano.com. The collections she creates follow the motto “a great fit creates a great look.” Pairing high quality materials with local manufacturing, Kate’s blouses and tops for women will outlast the average clothing line. Kate Boggiano also offers a custom-creation center, where customers can pick and choose to create a one-of-a-kind dress shirt. Fast delivery and quality customer care make this feature a winner. Look for it online in August 2007.
Kate is the sole owner of Kate Boggiano, LLC, which was officially founded November 2006. Originally from Chicago, Kate went to school at Indiana University and moved to NYC upon graduation. After catching on that Chicago’s fashion scene was about to boom, Kate returned to Chicago to start her own fashion company. Currently a member of many local Chicago design organizations including Gen Art, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Apparel Industry Board, and Fashion Group International, Kate does her best to immerse herself and her company into Chicago’s fashion community.
Kate Boggiano currently can be found at The Denim Loft in Geneva, Il. We suggest checking the online store, where you can buy directly from the site.
www.kateboggiano.com
BONUS!!
For all you blog readers, Kate Boggiano is offering Free Shipping using the coupon code: SUMMERFUN. The offer is valid July 1st – 31st, and is not valid with any other offer.
