Chicago is Focusing on Fashion

This article was contributed by Elinor Brown and Margit Scott, and is the first in a series on Chicago fashion, boutiques and nearby dining options.

 

From Couture Designs to Classic and
Eclectic Boutiques, Chicago Style is Here!
The Windy City may be taking one of the most innovative and comprehensive approaches of any urban area to showcasing its local fashion scene. From runway shows to shopping tours, Chicago is heavily promoting its fashion design talent, boutiques and overall shopping experience to residents and tourists alike.

The city just wrapped up Fashion Focus Chicago, a six-day celebration of its fashion industry featuring more than 100 local designers. And, with such powerhouses behind the initiative as the Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Office of Tourism and Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as Macy's, fashion organizations and local designers, the momentum is sure to continue.

Orlando Espinoza, one of Chicago's hottest designers, creates classic designs with a modern twist in his loft studio/showroom in the artists' haven of Pilsen. A Los Angeles native, Espinoza sells to boutiques, as well as individual clients and celebrities. His neutral colors and form-fitting shapes create a modern, sleek look of distinction for women.

"Women realize the importance of dressing up," Espinoza said, which is why his and many other designers' collections these days particularly emphasize dresses.

Macy's recently chose to carry Espinoza's collection in its stores, along with just a handful of other designers, and his Fall 2007 line graced the stage in a runway show that Macy's sponsored last week. Espinoza has been featured in Lucky, Time Out Chicago and other magazines, and he invites the public to visit his and other designers' showrooms. Click here to make an appointment and see more of Espinoza's designs.

The photos above capture some of the creations by Chicago “It” designer, Orlando Espinoza. The images to the left feature the wares at Casa de Soul and Pump Shoes, as well a SeeMore Shopping tour group.

Many of Chicago's unique fashion designs can be found inside its plethora of boutiques in such neighborhoods as Wicker Park, Bucktown, Old Town, West Loop and Lakeview.

For conversation pieces, rock and reggae-style t-shirts, leather wristlets and more, visit Casa de Soul in Wicker Park. Owner Kennedy Ashinze's "lifestyle store" features an array of hand-selected pieces made from beautiful fabrics, which reflect the shop's tastes versus the trend of the moment. The boutique recently began carrying Choye Toi, a classy and popular French line of women's wear. Location: 1919 W. Division St. Click here for more details.

Pump Shoes, also located in Wicker Park along rapidly growing Division Street, carries an assortment of trendy boots, shoes, hats, tights, scarves and gloves. Owner Maureen Longua recently featured a trunk show of Tynan Design handbags out of St. Louis at the shop. Location: 1659 W. Division St. Click here for more details.

Don’t know where to start shopping or where to find what you’re looking for? Why not explore the above boutiques and many more via an intimate and expert shopping tour! Liz Engquist, the founder, president and owner of SeeMore Shopping, will show you the ropes on her tours to boutiques in dozens of Chicago and suburban neighborhoods. SeeMore also publishes the incredibly thorough Chicago Shopping Guide, Downtown Chicago Store Map and Neighborhood Shopping Guides. Click here for more details and to make a reservation.