The city will celebrate their contributions during Latino Fashion Week from November 8 through November 15. Chicago's celebration is the only week-long event in the United States that is completely dedicated to Latino fashion.
Designers from Chicago and around the globe will be showcasing their creations during the 4th annual event. The first Latino Fashion Week, LatinoFashionWk.com took place in 2007, organized by Arabel Alva Rosales and Cesar Rolon. Latino Fashion week will include fashion shows by some of the industry's rising and established designers on a local, national and international level. There will also be educational seminars, trunk shows, VIP parties and celebrity appearances.
"We're extremely proud of how far we've come in such a short period of time," says Rosales. "Since our first event a few years ago, we've gained tremendous recognition that has helped to catapult Latino designers to receive numerous awards and secure contracts with major retailers."
Among the highlights of Latino Fashion week:
A documentary tribute to the Queen of Salsa herself, Celia Cruz. The film, shown on Tuesday, celebrates the life of a performer who brought the sounds of salsa to the whole world at AMC Pipers Alley. Teen Day on Thursday features performances by two-time Grammy Award winning singer, actor, songwriter Colby O'Donis and Cesar Corales, who plays the starring role in Billy Elliot, The Musical.. Also a special run-way appearance by America's Next Top Model winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, and youth oriented motivational speakers. Catch a glimpse of local and international designers' spring lines on Friday night at Circuit Night Club. Saturday night's "A Passport to Design" Fashion Ball showcases designs of internationally acclaimed designers. Enjoy a pre-holiday shopping extravaganza at Sunday's Fashion Sense sale featuring clothing, accessories, makeup and makeover specials for all price ranges in Trattoria Roma.For schedule, tickets and more information visit LatinoFashionWk.com
Hector-Javier MonArrez, TheMonaFashion.com: Black fitted suit, jacket and pants, with a sequined top. The jacket and pants are made of wool fabric; the jacket has dramatic shoulders, and the slightly see-through top shows blue silk lining.
Claudia Urrutia, ClaudioUrrutia.net: Imitation Chinchilla, faux-fur lined coat, with tailor cuts and hand finishes.
Julius LaCour, Jr., MaisondeLaCour.com:
Woman's Design: holographic black and gold sequin bustier and black rooster-feather gown. Men's Design: black crocodile and faux fur hooded jacket with matching scarf; shredded stripe leather skinny jeans.Angelica Santoyo, AngelEyesDesigns.com: From the Angel Eyes "Romance Collection 2010", red dress has a detailed skirt with hand-made roses; skirt starts at the knee in front then drapes in the back. Attached is a red gathered chiffon halter which attaches to the back of neck.
MGo Fashion Salon, MGoFashion.com: Mauve-colored gown with embellishments designed by Michelle Gomez
CHICAGO LATINO FASHION WEEK EVENTS
Monday, November 8: Moda in the City, Media Red Carpet Reception
Venue: Hotel SAX- Crimson Lounge, 333 N. Dearborn St., Chicago 6 to 9 pm
This year's theme of "IMPACTO" represents the impact Latinos have made in fashion and will continue to make in the generations to come. Latino Fashion Week (LFW) launches its media opening night by featuring a Celebrity Walk and the outstanding designs of Chicago's top Latino designers. This event is by invitation only.
Tuesday, November 9: Fashion! Music! Cinema!
Venue: AMC Pipers Alley, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago. 6pm, Film starts at 7pm.
Post Movie Reception at Suite Lounge, 1446 N. Wells St., Chicago.
Get red carpet ready for the Chicago Premiere of Celia the Queen, a documentary about the life and legacy of the stellar performer who brought the sound of salsa to the world.
Thursday, November 11: Latino Teens Day
Venue: Ford City Mall, 7601 S. Cicero Ave., Burbank.. Workshop at 3:30pm,
Show at 4:30pm
Back by popular demand, this event will promote a healthy lifestyle and improved self-esteem featuring an AWSUM
(Amazing-Wonderful-Super-Unique-Me) Workshop with some youth-oriented motivational speakers. There will be a special performance by Two-time Grammy Award winning singer, actor, songwriter Colby O'Donis. Cesar Corales, as seen in Billy Elliot, the musical, will be performing, and a special run-way appearance by America's Next Top Model winner, Jaslene Gonzalez.
Friday, November 12: STRUCTURE
Venue: Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Doors open at 6pm, Show at 8pm
Fashion for Men and Women, local and international designers give you a glimpse of their Spring line. A portion of the proceeds shall be donated to The Center on Halsted.
Saturday, November 13: A Passport to Design, Fashion Ball
Venue: Mercedes-Benz, 1520 W. North Ave., Chicago. Awards Reception at 6 pm, Show at 8 pm
The biggest night of the week takes place at Mercedes-Benz Chicago. Get your "Passport to Design" at the Fashion Ball, your destination includes:
Saturday & Sunday, November 13 & 14: Fashion Sense, Pop-up Store & Fashion Crawl
Venue: Trattoria Roma Restaurant, 1535 N. Wells St. Chicago /Various boutiques & retailers
This lavishly fun pre-holiday shopping extravaganza will feature an array of premier clothing, accessories, make-up and salon boutiques. Booths will host mini makeover specials, product demonstrations and workshops at the Fashion Sense, Pop-up Stores. Special discounts and treats at selected Old Town boutiques and retailers during an Old Town "fashion crawl." The Twisted Baker will supply pastries on Saturday from 10 to 11 am.
Monday, November 15: Boutique Trade Show
Venue: Trattoria Roma Restaurant, 1535 N. Wells St., Chicago. 10am to 12 Noon.
Similar to "speed-dating", this event is the perfect opportunity for designers to meet local boutique owners for a one-to-one, 8 to 10 minute meet and greet in an intimate and casual setting.
