Evil Kitty collection at the prestigious 900 SHOPS

The opening of the LAUNCH SHOP at The 900 Shops was a success. Guests paid $25 to meet the new designers accepted by the Chicago Fashion Incubator, to support the program, as well as to shop for the latest styles from the CFI's alumni.

I arrived quite early and the place was already crowded. The new kids were exhibiting their creations in the "event room," drinks were flowing and everyone seemed to have a good time. It was nice to see so many familiar faces. After a chat with Meghan from Style Admirer, I made my way to the boutique. Of course, the dress that was put on the mannequin was the same dress I chose to wear that evening! I hope my "Lace Mini Dress" stuck in people's mind.

 CFI's Launch Shop is located on the 5th floor of The 900 Shops, at 900 North Michigan Avenue. The hours are: Thur-Sat 10am-7pm, Sunday 12-6pm. Stop by and buy some new 2010 Evil Kitty dresses. The shop will only stay open for a month, till April 18th. 

Other reviews:
"Chicago Fashion Incubator Popup Shop Preview" by Heather Kenny
My other posts involving The Incubator:
Remembering The Chicago Fashion Incubator!
Hanging out with Terry Lundgren and Tommy Hilfiger
Chicago Fashion Incubator....I will miss you!

Hanging out with Terry Lundgren and Tommy Hilfiger

Me and Tommy Hilfiger

The Chicago Fashion Focus (fashion week) was officially announced today during a press conference at Macy’s on State Street. The 2 main guests were: Terry Lundgren, the CEO of Macy’s and Tommy Hilfiger. The Chicago fashion industry is quite small and everyone knows everyone. It was good to catch up with other designers and the industry professionals.

I was invited as an alumna of the Chicago Fashion Incubator. I completed the program last year along with 5 other designers; here is more information about the program. It was good to see the Incubator space again, it looked great by the way, and to see my fellow awardees.
The most exciting moment came at the end, when we had a round table discussion with Terry Lundgren and Tommy Hilfiger. We asked them questions and they offered some interesting answers. The most depressing moment: Tommy talking about getting investors and having money to back your line. I wish…



Me and Terry Lundgren

Chicago Fashion Incubator....I will miss you!

Since my time at the Chicago Fashion Incubator is winding down, I would like to pay tribute to this exceptional program.

The Chicago Fashion Incubator is a non-profit organization supporting emerging Chicago designers. Each year they pick six promising designers to mentor. Two main sponsors of the program are Macy's on State Street and the City of Chicago.

Chicago Magazine said it best when they wrote:

"The Incubator is a collaborative effort between Macy's and the city, and Mayor Daley himself stopped by to share a very few words about his goals for the program: "to give [the designers] the help they need to succeed in fashion in Chicago—and to keep them here. If we're going to be really a global city, the fashion industry has to be part of that image."

Now that it's time to move out; I'm reflecting on the past year with the program. I'm very thankful for all the help and support I have received. I loved working at the Macy's on State Street, and will have the fondest memories of my time here. In addition to the mentoring received, Evil Kitty has also gotten a lot of press.

View some of the articles from the past year.
Chicago Magazine's Blog
Newcity Article
StyleChicago.com

We were also on ABC-7 Chicago. Click here to view the clip.