Chicago designer wins Oscar Challenge

Designer Borris Powell laughs as he fixes a dress designed by him that got stuck on the model's shoe during the 83rd Academy Awards Oscars Designer Challenge fashion show at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. ((AP Photo/Matt Sayles) )
February 28, 2011 9:49:49 AM PST
Borris Powell may not have won an Academy Award, but the Chicago designer got a big boost Sunday when one of the escorts won his gown.

Powell, borrispowell.com, beat nine up-and-coming fashion designers in the "Oscar Designer Challenge 2011." His gorgeous gown was selected by public votes on Oscars.org.

Designs by two other Chicagoans -- Miriam Cecilia Carlson and James De Colon -- also made it into the finals in the Oscar Challenge.