Fall Fashion 2006 Chicago Macy's Strikes Again

Macy's has not exactly been popular with Chicagoans in the past year, but their involvement in and dedication to exposing Chicago fashion and the many talented local designers demonstrate their dedication to the city.  The controversy ignited by the replacement of the Marshall Field's name has quieted down, and Macy's is gaining positive press attention for its support of Chicago's fashion community. 

            

The Second Annual Chicago Indie Designer Shop will debut on September 9 at Macy's on State Street.  The shop will feature 47 designer collections from Chicago-based fashion designers.  'Just as the City of Chicago is passionate about featuring Chicago-based designers with initiatives such as Fashion Focus Chicago 2006, Macy's also recognizes the talent and believes it is a great opportunity to offer selected merchandise at our flagship store,' said Ralph Hughes, regional vice president of stores for Macy's North.

An assortment of men's, women's and children's apparel, accessories, handbags and jewelry collections will be located on the Main Floor near Randolph and Washington throughout the month of September.  The collections will be dispersed into the appropriate departments of the store and will be enhanced with 'Chicago' visuals throughout the fall season. 

            

These collections will be evaluated along with the national collections and may be added into future assortments.  Hughes said, 'The addition of these collections will enhance Macy's merchandise assortments and provide Chicagoans and visitors alike the opportunity to shop Chicago's very own designers in a national department store.'

Designers to show collections in Chicago Indie Designer Shop:

ACCESSORIES
 Elysabeth Alfano, Elyse C. Bec, Beautiful knit scarves
 Alice Berry. Alice Berry Studio, Versatile wraps, shrugs, jackets and more
 Elizabeth Brady, Elizabeth Brady Shoes, Hand-made Italian couture women's shoes
 Theresa Buffo, BocUe Bags & Design, Elegant, colorful handbags
 Karen Cooper, She Complete, Hound's-tooth scarves and caplets
 Sharon E. Dennis, Sharon Elaine Accessories, Classic to stylish handbags and everything in between
 Deb Dworman, Roostertails, Hand sewn vintage scarves, wraps and kimonos
 Susan Fitch, Susan Fitch Handbags, Cutting-edge fashionable handbags
 Paul Lewin & Ryan Wither, Tivi, Earthy, warm wooden and steel handbags and accessories
 Jason Loper, Zola Jones Designs, Handcrafted durable totes and messenger bags
 Joelle Minassian, Joelle Nadine, Unique, high-end handbags
 Jay G. Moore, Maddie Powers Inc., Sophisticated and clever accessories
 Vanessa Penna, Vanessa Penna, Japan-inspired kimono sashes and accessories
 Maria Pinto, Maria Pinto, Luxurious women's accessoriesand evening wear
 Tangee Harris Pritchett, Tangee Harris Pritchett, Modern evening clutches
 Eia Radosavljevic, Eia Millinery Design, Elegant, hand-finished women's hats
 Diego Rocha, Diego Rocha Handbags, Latin-inspired patterned leather handbags

APPAREL/MEN'S
 Lee Allison, Lee Allison Company, Whimsical neckwear and more
 Stiles Anderson, bya Denim, Denim with personality and detail
 Jason Loper, Zola Jones Designs, Handcrafted durable totes and messenger bags
 Tracey Mayer, Tracey Mayor, Exquisite men's and women's jewelry
 Jay G. Moore, Maddie Powers Inc., Sophisticated and clever apparel
 Kent Nielsen, Kent Nielsen LLC , High-end style suits from work to evening wear

APPAREL/WOMEN'S & KIDS'
 Allie Adams, Doris Ruth, Vintage-inspired, flirty women's wear
 Stiles Anderson, bya Denim, Denim with personality and detail
 Alice Berry, Alice Berry Studio, Simple, unique clothing and jackets
 Cyndi Chan, ORI'EN by Cyndi Chan, Clean, rich and colorful clothing and jackets
 Jenny Davis, Ellie's Party: Gear for Growing Gourmands, Funky clothes and accessories for infants
 Orlando Espinoza, Orlando Espinoza, Chic and sexy skirts and dresses
 Sujata Gazder, Sujata Gazder, Contemporary cocktail dresses and separates
 Lauren Lein-Santos, Lauren Lein, Funky contemporary and novelty jackets
 Lara Miller, Lara Miller LLC, Sophisticated, playful woven and knitwear
 Maria Pinto, Maria Pinto, Lavish contemporary and evening wear
 Roger Price & Tommy Walton, Roger Price & Tommy Walton, Elegant evening gowns
 Katrin Schnabl, Lineamente Inc., Contemporary women's apparel
 Ilissa Shefferman, i.s. designs, Timelessly playful women's apparel
 Erika Simmons & Monika Simmons, Double Stitch, Fun and flirty hand crochet apparel
 Michelle Tan, Michelle Tan, Fresh, high-style apparel
 Joy Teiken, Joynoelle, Fun, ready-to-wear couture and bridal fashions
 Reginald Thomas, Reginalds, Sophisticated plus-size knit women's apparel

BRIDAL
 Julie Fehler & Holly Greenhagen, 921, Refreshing, unique bridal gowns
 Beth Lambert, S.O.S. (Special Occasion Separates by Scarlet Designs), Versatile and practical bridesmaids' separates
 Tangee Harris Pritchett, Tangee Harris Pritchett, Modern bridal and evening clutches

JEWELRY
 Jill Alberts, Jill Alberts Jewelry, Unique one-of-a-kind treasures
 Kristen Amato, K. Amato Designs, Classic and stylish accessories
 Kathleen Botsford, Kathleen Marie Designs, Latest trends, featuring wood pieces
 Erin Gallagher, Erin Gallagher Inc., Exquisite necklaces, earrings and bracelets
 Alexis Garrett, Alexis Drake Jewelry, Timeless designs that accent every attire
 Staci Leatherland, Mifflin Jewelry, Hand forged bangles, and hammered locket necklaces in mixed metals and patinas
 Paul Lewin & Ryan Wither, Tivi, Stainless steel, supple leather and exotic wood accessories
 Tracey Mayer, Tracey Mayer Jewelry, Men's and women's jewelry - the 'wows'
 Kathleen Miller, Kathleen Miller Jewelry, One-of-a-kind pendants
 Kelly Moseley, K-FLEYE Designs, Cutting edge quality jewelry and accessories
 Sandy Rueve, She Beads, Hand rolled clay beaded jewelry
 Susanne Siegel, Susanne Siegel Designs, Elegant jewelry with attitude

As part of Fashion Focus Chicago 2006, a 12-day celebration spotlighting independent Chicago fashion designers, Macy's will present 'Macy's Chicago Indie Designer Show' at Millennium Park on Wednesday, September 27.  They will also provide a venue for novice and student designers to meet Macy's buyers during the sixth annual Distinction in Design event on September 26 at the State Street store.  The event is a rare opportunity for novice designers to gain insight and receive feedback from professionals in the industry.  One lucky designer will be awarded best-of-show and receive a cash prize. 

The City of Chicago and the Mayor's Fashion Advisory Council is partnering with Macy's to create a Chicago Designer Institute at Macy's on State Street, giving emerging designers access to key resources and expertise.  The initiative will focus on helping up-and-coming designers grow their business and become independently successful.  Still in its early planning stages, the program is expected to launch in the spring of 2007. 

          

Perhaps the most anticipated fashion event in Chicago, this year's Glamorama is set for September 29 at The Chicago Theatre.  Continuing with Marshall Field's tradition, Macy's is presenting the annual fundraising event that benefits the Art Institute of Chicago.  Featuring top performers including Beyonce and collections from top fashion designers, the high-energy evening draws celebrities and fashionistas to the event. 

Soon, Chicago will be the city that has it all.

For more information on Macy's events, visit www.macys.com

Find out more about fashion in Chicago at www.cityofchicago.org