This edition of THE Ñ BEAT will spotlight a premiere event that has the fashion industry taking note of Latino designers here in Chicago, "Latino Fashion Week." THE Ñ BEAT talks to event producers Cesar Rolon and Arabel Rosales about their efforts to push the talents and clothing lines of local designers into the collective consciousness of national retailers.
Famed actress/dancer Rita Moreno, on hand for the "Latino Fashion Week" last year, sat down with Theresa Gutierrez to discuss how her challenges as a Latina actress trying to break into Hollywood mirror some of the challenges faced by Latino designers trying to attain recognition in the glamorous world of fashion.
Far away from the fashion industry buzz in New York City, local Latino designers in Chicago work to keep their ideas fresh and fashionable for today's consumers. ABC 7's Stacey Baca introduces James De Colon, a couture designer who has made his home in Chicago. De Colon gives viewers an exclusive preview of his spring and summer collections.
Gutierrez shares the story of Elda De La Rosa, another couture designer who is building her Gold Coast boutique one client at a time.
Horacio Nieto, winner of the "AOL Fashionista Award," an internet design competition, talks to ABC 7's John Garcia and also previews his spring and summer collections.
Finally, Michelle Gomez discusses hair and makeup as a fashion accessory. The owner of two successful salons in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, she is on the cutting edge of style for young Latina women.
"The Ñ Beat" is available on-demand at www.abc7chicago.com.
"The Ñ Beat" is produced by Edgar Vargas.
Contact information for "Ñ Beat: Success by Design"
1) Horacio Nieto Designs 773.209.6543 horacio@horacionieto.com arlo@arlomenswear.com www.horacionieto.com www.arlomenswear.com
2) Elda De La Rosa Couture 5555 North Sheridan Road Suite 0015 Chicago, Illinois 60640 773-769-3128 eldadelarosa@sbcglobal.net www.eldadelarosa.com
3) Michelle & Melissa Gomez Dynamic Studio (Lincoln Park) 2543 N. Clybourn Chicago, Il 773-472-1400
4) Michelle & Melissa Gomez MGO Salon (Wicker Park) 1754 W. Division Chicago, Il 773-772-2772 dynamicsalon@aol.com www.dynamic-hair-studio.com www.mgofashion.com mgofashionsalon@aol.com
5) James De Colòn, designer 312-846-6345 eye4fashion@decolonboutique.com
6) Cesar Rolòn Jr. 773-251-3329 crolon@imagenconsultants.com
7) Arabel Alva Rosales 773-346-0101 arabel@alvarosales.com
