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INSIDE 30 UNDER 30 14
STYLE ME. ENTERTAIN ME. INFORM ME. INDULGE ME. INSPIRE ME. EMPOWER ME.™
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67
CONTRIBUTORS A Few of the People Who Make Our Magazine Fantastic
NOVELTY Flea Market Fun
8 EDITOR’S LETTER Bee Li Shares Her Thoughts
9 EDITOR ‘A.M,’ Bee’s Fall Products
10
MOVERS + SHAKERS 18
ARTIST PROFILE Photographer Billy Rood
11 IRON BUTTERFLIES Social Transformation in Leadership
12 THE SCENE A Season of Style
13 BEHIND THE SCENES In + Out of Our Studio
14
CERATO BOUTIQUE 22
30 UNDER 30 Young + Talented Rising Stars
18
MOVERS + SHAKERS Making a Stir in Chicago
22 INNER FASHIONISTA Cerato Celebrates Chicago
72 FRAMEWORK Industrial Revolution
78 NEW GOTHAM Glam in the Dark
82 FIGURE + FORM Spotlight on Sophistication
92 START UP SAVVY Tips for the Small Business Entrepreneur
93 GO GUERRILLA Social Media with Mitch Meyerson
94 FALL FASHION FORWARD Masculine Trends, Feminine Touch
96 BOLD + BRILLIANT Fall Jewelry for Every Budget
101 STORY OF OLIVIA A Fiction Piece by Valencia Davis
102 SHOP THE LOOKS Website Directory
24 P.R. POWER prAlliance Connects the Dots
26 INFLUENCERS Natural Networkers
INFLUENCERS 26
34 SWEETNESS + STYLE Up Close + Personal with Brittney Payton
45 THE NEW GEN Wave of the Future
46 ABOUT-FACE Different Sides of Beauty
50 THE FARM Rural Style
SWEETNESS + STYLE 34
64 PUPPY LOVE Woman’s Best Friend SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 5
FOUNDER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bian ‘Bee’ Li DESIGN DIRECTOR Diana Dittmer CONTRIBUTING FASHION + BEAUTY DIRECTOR Alex Albrecht
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Iya Bakare CONTRIBUTING HEALTH + WELLNESS WRITER Kerry Sayers EDITORIAL INTERN Emily Luft
ART CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Ricardo Ford
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24 MOVERS, SHAKERS + INFLUENCERS
Brittney Payton
Iya Bakare interviews some of the women who make this city tick and who inspire the rest of us.
Fall fashion never looked so sweet. Take an inside peek at a different side of this Chicago media personality. Brittney is wearing a Couture dress by Vera Wang, $1,350, available at Neiman Marcus. PHOTO BILLY ROOD STYLING DANA HANEGRAAF | AGENCY GALATEA
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6 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
JEWELRY PHOTO BEE LI / PRALLIANCE PHOTO ROD ROBERTS
ON THE COVER
4256 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 203 Chicago, IL 60613 p) 773 935 9888 / f) 773 304 2889
CONTRIBUTORS A native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti and educated in the United States at Columbia College Chicago and Harrington College of Design, Beking Joassaint has developed a broad background in the field of professional photography. He has worked with models from various agencies including Elite and The Lily Talent Agency in portfolio development. In addition, he has produced numerous album covers and provided photography services to the acting community. Coming from three generations of an artistic family spanning three continents, Beking maintains a passion for building a collection of fine art. He seeks to meet his clients’ needs through his creative and persuasive photographic skills.
BEKING JOASSAINT
Amy Creyer is the executive editor of the Chicago-based street style website, Chicago Street Style Scene. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Marketing and research the intersection of fashion, public policy and ethics from an academic perspective. Currently, she is a graduate research assistant at the DePaul University School of Public Service where she is earning her M.S. in Public Service Management. Amy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Honors College at Michigan State University where she earned a B.A. in both History and Psychology. In addition to being a classically trained pianist, she is trained as an oral historian and is a self-taught photographer. Amy considers herself a global citizen and has spent extended periods of time in Australia, India and Jamaica. Most recently, she traveled to Kenya in 2009 to learn more about international development. Her childhood in Manhattan inspired a lifelong infatuation with street style and all things urban. AMY’S PHOTO OF SHAWN SHOT AT MACY’S GLAMORAMA 2010
AMY CREYER
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Valencia Davis has been a practicing writer since childhood and is currently a student at Columbia College Chicago. As our Resident Art and Culture Critic and Fiction writer, she makes strides to remain wellversed in current music and cinema. The ballet enthusiast resides in Bridgeport and enjoys the works of Selby, Kubrick and Lynch, just to name a few.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONTRIBUTORS
VALENCIA DAVIS
Birute Regine, Ed.D. earned her doctorate from Harvard University in Human Development. She spent 25 years as a psychotherapist in private practice and now works as an executive life coach, facilitator, speaker and author. Birute previously co-authored the critically acclaimed The Soul at Work: Embracing Complexity Science for Business Success with her husband, noted science writer Roger Lewin. In her remarkable new book, Iron Butterflies: Women Transforming Themselves and the World, Birute puts femininity and masculinity in context and explores what it truly means to be a successful woman today. BIRUTE REGINE, ED.D.
SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 7
PHOTO BILLY ROOD
EDITOR’S LETTER BEE LI SHARES HER THOUGHTS Dear Readers, Welcome to the September Issue—the issue that spotlights the amazing entrepreneurs of Chicago and the best of fall fashion. It is only apt that we release the issue during Fashion Week, when the city celebrates the start of the most anticipated season for fashion. And whether you’re looking forward to revamping your entire wardrobe, going out of your comfort zone or sticking with the classics, September is the month to do so. What I love most about fashion is that it’s not about adopting the latest trends, but about the expression of self—finding what suits you and making it your own. The same can be said about
8 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
entrepreneurship. As Hedy Ratner, founder and co-president of the Women’s Development Center told me, one should “never compromise your personal style. Entrepreneurship allows the expression of your own passion.” As an entrepreneur myself, I couldn’t think of a better place to do just that than in Chicago, a city that is truly what you make of it. We had a fabulous, unforgettable time putting this issue together and learned so much from all the myriad talent we met along the way. As most of us entrepreneurs can attest, no one can succeed in a vacuum, and this issue is also a testament to the collaborative environment, support-
ive network and entrepreneurial energy of the community of women that push this city forward —women who collaborate and challenge each other to grow, innovate and evolve. Thank you for your support and let’s grow together. Be Good,
EDITOR ‘A.M.’ BEE’S MORNING ROUTINE FOR FALL
PHOTO BEE LI
Daily products to keep you looking your best.
LEFT TO RIGHT/ Mad Gab’s Sleepy Monkey Balm, $7, madgabs.com, Clairvoyant Beauty Detoxifying Clay Cleanser with DMAE $32.99 clairvoyantbeauty.com, Kinerase Pro + Therapy Daily Defense SPF 30 Cream, Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Light Radiance Deodorant, $4.79, dove.us, Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum, $15.99, redken.com, The Body Shop Double Intensity Mascara, $18, thebodyshop.com. FRONT/ La Prairie Cellular Treatment Powder Blush in Plum, $55, shoplaprairie.com.
SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 9
BILLY ROOD
ARTIST PROFILE Photographer Billy Rood shares the inspiration behind his vision. INTERVIEWED BY IYA BAKARE
IYA: What do you love about fashion photography in particular? BILLY: I love the stories. I love creating characters, emotions and things that exist in my mind. I’m a very visual person. Photography helps me express things that I find hard to write about or draw. IYA: Who would you love to photograph? BILLY: I would love to and will work with Karlie Kloss, Jac Jagaciak, Constance Jablonski, Jessica Stam, Liu Wen, Barbara Palvin, Hilary Rhoda, Emily DiDonato and Isabeli Fontana in the near future. IYA: How would you describe your style? BILLY: I connect to things in a unique way. I am a huge fan of David Fincher and Nick Knight, both of whom achieve their own styles as their subjects evolve into certain stories and ideas. I feel that there are certain ways to shoot things, so I switch my style up constantly to fit the subject. I like to surprise myself. IYA: Who or what is your biggest inspiration for your work? How do you conceive your ideas? 10 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
BILLY: My biggest inspirations are life experience, hearing stories, watching people, reading, being social and listening to music. I also find inspiration for stories from models. Sometimes I just see them in a certain way. The technical and fashion inspiration comes from Nick Knight, Sølve Sundsbø, Tim Walker, Paolo Roversi and Steven Meisel. The ideas for my stories come from films and my life. I use my work to express myself so there is always a meaning and purpose behind it, either literally or metaphorically. I like to create rather than recreate, so I use my dreams and stories as visual cues. Chicago inspired the images for this September issue. They are visuals of the city I’ve always wanted to share for fashion and this was a prime opportunity to do so. IYA: What’s next for you in your career? BILLY: Along with running a successful and growing photography department at Fig Media, I am also the fashion film editor for Bambi Magazine. It’s a great medium for me to push my photography and films to express a new edge and style. I will also be traveling to Los Angeles and New York for work, and am very excited about being a part of New York Fashion Week. In terms of my career, there are films, stories and magazines I’ve been dying to do. There are lots of exciting things happening that you will just have to wait and see. IYA: Why did you choose Chicago as your home base? Are there any unique characteristics about the Chicago market that you like? BILLY: I love the community and people
here. Everyone is fun to work with. The photography community is close knit, and it’s easy to keep in touch with everyone. You could say word travels fast. Chicago is home for me right now, but in a year or two...who knows? I’m still developing my professional identity and style. I want to have clients and contacts all over the world. Chicago is a great place to develop as an artist. It is very hard to grow as an artist unless you have very big goals and colleagues that push you to think outside of the ‘Midwest’ point of view. I’m lucky to have surrounded myself with people that support my growth and travel. There’s just way too much I want to experience to say Chicago will be ‘home’ for the rest of my life, but you never know. IYA: Describe your creative process from conception to execution. BILLY: For me, it starts with a story. From there, the vision turns into collaboration and sometimes I let things happen in the moment. I try not to plan too much because like acting, I like the spontaneity and improvisation that can happen with an open mind. IYA: What advice would you give to models and aspiring photographers? BILLY: You have to understand the past if you want to create the future and if you want to be the best, then work with the best. You have to work extremely hard and push yourself to places that are not normal. It’s key to surround yourself with people who support and push you to accomplish the goals you strive for. But overall, have fun!
PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY ROOD
IYA: How did you get involved in photography? BILLY: It found me. I graduated with a major in cinematography at the Savannah College of Art & Design. I wanted to be a cinematographer and director. About a year ago, a co-worker introduced me to David Leslie Anthony and I was inspired. I decided to take on fashion photography as a career and have been shooting fashion for over a year.
IYA: The title of your book is Iron Butterflies: Women Transforming Themselves and the World. What is an ‘iron butterfly’? BIRUTE: An iron butterfly is a woman who is strong, yet vulnerable and possesses a masculine and feminine balance within herself. A butterfly is a symbol of transformation. Although this woman may have suffered injustice, she was never a victim. IYA: You’ve traveled all over the world interviewing women of various professions. What common thread did you discover about all of these women? BIRUTE: I interviewed 60 women in eight countries from all walks of life. All of these women were successful in their fields and created workplaces that were collaborative in their own sectors. They didn’t realize other women were doing this too. This is a hopeful view of what’s possible for our future. People can participate to make a more collaborative environment in the workplace.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL MAXIC, DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY, PROMETHEUS BOOKS
IYA: Why do you think women need to assert their leadership skills? BIRUTE: Women offer a different perspective because women are more relational and holistic than men. These traits are needed now and are difficult to attain. Such skills were described as ‘soft’ before, but soft is the new hard. A woman’s voice is important because it keeps the community together. IYA: What is the key to social transformation? BIRUTE: The key to social transformation is vulnerability and often men are not allowed to be vulnerable or embrace their feminine side because society will see them as weak, but being soft is very powerful. When you’re connected with your vulnerability, you’re connected with yourself and that changes the workplace. You can admit you’re wrong, ask for assistance and have room for mistakes. It levels the playing field. IYA: What do you think the future holds for women in leadership roles in this country? BIRUTE: The younger generation has a great start because of the feminist movement, but there’s still a lot of work to do. There’s a level playing field in the beginning, but it gets more difficult for women to move up the corporate ladder. Women need to listen to themselves about what’s right for them. Many women are entrepreneurs and I feel hopeful we’ll get the life balance thing in order.
IRON BUTTERFLIES SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN LEADERSHIP Birute Regine, Ed.D., our featured author of the month, discusses the significance of a woman’s voice in all areas of life and how women can empower themselves and the rest of the world. INTERVIEWED BY IYA BAKARE
SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 11
A SEASON OF STYLE Out, About + On the Town.
MACYS GLAMORAMA HITS CHICAGO Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010 made a stop to Chicago this summer on its four-city tour at the Chicago Theatre on Friday, August 13. Guests gathered for this fashion-filled event with performances from Grammy award-winning singer Macy Gray and singer Eric Hutchinson. Models hit the runway and showcased collections from various designers that include Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, Issey Miyake, Just Cavalli, Sportmax, Tommy Hilfiger, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Material Girl, Jezebel, Felina and 2(x)ist. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. After the fashion show, guests were invited to the post-party at Macy’s on State Street for entertainment from dancers and the sounds from DJ Rex. Designs from Chicago Fashion Incubator students also showcased their unique pieces. 12 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Contributions and accomplishments from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America are observed from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Today’s influencers such as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, author Sandra Cisneros, biologist Lydia Villa-Komaroff continue to make their mark in history as positive examples in the Hispanic and American cultures.
THIS PAGE/ GLAMORAMA PRE-EVENT PHOTOS AMY CREYER OF CHICAGO STYLE SCENE CHICAGOSTREETSTYLE.COM / EVENT PHOTOS/ DIANA DITTMER / HISPANIC HERITAGE PHOTO ANNE SMITH
THE SCENE
CHICAGO CANINE RESCUE Our furry friends from Chicago Canine Rescue joined us for our ‘Puppy Love’ shoot with photographer Billy Rood.
THIS PAGE/ CHICAGO CANINE + INFLUENCERS PHOTOS BEE LI / BRITTNEY PAYTON + FARM PHOTOS BILLY ROOD FIGPHOTO.NET / MADISON PLUS GROUP SHOT PROVIDED BY MADISON PLUS
INFLUENCERS PHOTOSHOOT Photographer Beking Joassaint captures a different side of some of Chicago’s most influential women.
BEHIND THE SCENES IN + OUT OF OUR STUDIO
Jimmy Choos, puppies and lots of memories—here are some behind the scenes footage of great moments creating our September issue.
BRITTNEY PAYTON + FARM PHOTOSHOOTS Our cover girl, Brittney Payton, smiles for our cameras. Billy Rood and his entourage pose for a group shot and take a look at what it took to create one of his shoots for this issue, ‘The Farm’, on pg. 50.
MADISON PLUS The team behind the photoshoot. Pictured /from left to right/ Aliza Williams (hair stylist), Erica Young (Madison Plus Co-Founder), Lauren Koenig (model), Aimee Cheshire (Madison Plus Co-Founder), Kari Hansbarger (Madison Plus Creative Director), /bottom/ Neema Ali (makeup artist).
PHOTO BRIAN CAREY
1
30
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30 THIRTY UNDER THIRTY
See who made our annual list of rising stars—the young, beautiful and accomplished entrepreneurs who dazzle Chicago!
INTERVIEWED BY IYA BAKARE + EMILY LUFT
1 AGGA B. (AGGA RAYA)
Designer, AGGA B. + Fashion Stylist + Curator aggab.com
Age 27
+Why did you decide to become a fashion designer? My love for creating clothing was always a big part of my life. I’ve been raised in a family who designs and manufactures. I’ve never wanted anything else; this is my life. +What do you love about the Chicago fashion scene? My studio. +Who is your favorite fashion designer? Gareth Pugh because I think he is very charming.
14 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
2 JESS AUDEY
Owner + Designer, Audey audey.com
Age 27
+What are the best things about working in the fashion industry? I always have something to wear and I make my own hours. I’m always working, but it doesn’t feel like work! +Who are your favorite designers? Anna Hovet, Horacio Nieto, Kate Boggiano and Lara Miller are amazing and talented Chicago designers. I feel so lucky I can call them my friends. +What direction would you like to take your work in the future? I would like to incorporate more custom aspects in my line. For example, for spring 2011, we are working on custom prints. The classic fit and silhouettes will not change; these will always be a staple. 3 LINDSAY AVNER Founder + Executive Director, Bright Pink bebrightpink.org
Age 27
+What was your inspiration for establishing your national non-profit organization? My mother battled both breast and ovarian cancer when I was only 12. She lost both her grandmother and great-grandmother to breast cancer before I was born. In June 2005, I tested positive for a mutation on the BRCA1 gene, indicating I had an 87 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and 54 percent of developing ovarian cancer. I realized that there was a lack of resources for high risk women like myself at high risk. +Why did you leave your previous job to run Bright Pink full-time? A year and a half after starting the organization, it was clear Bright Pink was filling a critical gap and it would require me to leave and devote my efforts to the cause full-time. I love my staff and when I wake up, my job is to make sure young women nationwide don’t develop breast/ovarian cancer, or if they do, that it is caught at a treatable, non life-threatening stage. It doesn’t get much better than that! +In what capacity does your organization serve to increase awareness among young women?
I founded Bright Pink in January 2007 to create the community I wish I had during my experience—one that provided education, support and a sense of community. The idea behind ‘Being Bright Pink’ is all about being bright, being smart, being positive and being in control of your breast and ovarian health. Bright Pink arms young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude and offers companionship and empathy during their journey.
4 ELISE BERGMAN Clothing Designer elisebergman.com
Age 26
+Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself breaking away from my desk job and becoming established in a position that will utilize these new passions I have formed. If I’m not hosting something, which would be the ultimate goal, I hope that I will at least be involved in some sort with broadcasting, public speaking, or the like.
6 ANASTASIA CHATZKA Owner + Creative Director anastasiachatzka.com
Age 27
+What skills have helped you keep
design? I love being creative and have sewn since I was young. Fashion is such a part of our daily lives and making my own clothing and accessories has always been a way for me to do something that is simultaneously practical and artistic. Pursuing a job in fashion seemed like a natural career choice for me. +Which celebrity would you love to dress? Cate Blanchett. She is such a beauty and has a unique style and confidence. +How would you describe the Chicago fashion industry? There is such a great community of designers. I have met so many talented people in the field that are inspiring and extremely supportive.
afloat in the fashion industry? Learning that I must mesh couture with everyday garments and fantasy with reality. I have to be in tune with what a woman wants and what her fantasy is without her losing the ability to identify with a piece to be able to work it into her wardrobe and make it her own. +Where do you draw your inspiration? From the current cultural environment and the past cultural impact of music and art. A woman confident in herself is also very inspiring. +What is it like working as a fashionista in Chicago? Few other cities would allow me the ability to have such a large design studio and my own boutique just around the corner. One of my favorite things is being able to work oneon-one with customers in the richlycultured Wicker Park neighborhood.
5 ASHLEY BRADARICH Art Director
7 CONCETTA CIPRIANO Fashion Designer
+What inspired you to go into fashion
missillinoisusa2010.blogspot.com ashleybradarich.com
Age 24
+How do you balance your professional life as an art director with your responsibilities as Miss Illinois USA? As busy as I’ve been this year, it has been fun attending events as Miss Illinois USA because most of them are rare opportunities I may not have had the chance to be a part of otherwise. +What charities are the dearest to you? One of my favorites is Save Abandoned Babies. I was lucky to get involved with them when they were looking to revamp their website and needed a designer.
cettinadesigns.com
Age 25
+What’s the best advice you’ve received in your profession? Stand strong for what it is you believe in. This advice is especially important when you have your own business. Sometimes it’s easy to let others’ opinions, suggestions, praise or criticism get in the way of where you really see your business heading. +Why did you decide to pursue fashion designing as a career? I’ve always loved to sew and draw. Fashion design is an exciting career because it’s always changing and
8 15
FM SUPREME PHOTO COLLEEN CATANIA
never boring. Each season brings a new experience. +What future plans do you have for Cettina? I would like to continue to sell directly to my clients online and expand into the Chicago market by opening boutiques throughout the Chicago area. Ultimately, I would love to see my clothing on runways and being sold all over the world.
8 KATE COXWORTH President, Kate Boggiano kateboggiano.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIVIDUALS UNLESS SPECIFIED
Age 29
+What do you love about Chicago and the fashion scene here? I love that it is not yet really defined. You can be anyone here and have a chance to make it and have many successes right away. The cost of living is great and there are so many brilliant people to learn from here that are willing to help you both in and out of the fashion industry. +What are your future plans for your company (near future and down the line)? Currently, we are expanding into wholesale as well as new product categories such as women’s jackets and outerwear. +What’s your advice for aspiring fashion designers? Get a well balanced four-year college education if possible. You’d be surprised how many employers and customers value literate, well- spoken individuals. The technical aspects of a business and design can be taught on the job if need be, but the foundation that comes with a general education can not be taught on the job.
9 AMY CREYER Executive Editor, Chicago Street Style Scene chicagostreetstyle.com
Age 24
+What brought you to Chicago? During my senior year of college, I pressured my then-boyfriend and now-fiancé, to apply to Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Now I consider Chicago my home and plan to live here well into the foreseeable future. +What do you love about Chicago?
I’ve always loved the energy and accessibility of Chicago. I couldn’t afford to live the lifestyle I have here in Chicago in New York. Chicago has incredible restaurants and everyone here is so down-to-earth. I also love the neighborhood feel of the different parts of Chicago - it’s like having hundreds of little cities quilted together! +What do you love about being a style blogger? I thrive on the energy and thrill I feel when style hunting for people to feature on my website. I never leave my house without my camera and walk around Chicago everyday, constantly looking for the next shot. I love that everyday is different - I am always walking new routes, meeting new people and creating new content.
10 SUSAN ELIZABETH EICHSTAEDT Owner, Susan Elizabeth Designs sedesigns.net
Age 27
When did you realize you wanted to pursue jewelry design? I started working at a local boutique part time while looking at metalsmith graduate programs. I would wear jewelry I created for fun to work, and the owners liked it so much they asked if I could make some pieces to sell at the store. I decided against grad school and started my own jewelry business instead. +What characteristics set you apart from other jewelry designers? I graduated with a BFA in metalsmithing and studied hollowware, an ancient, rarely practiced art form. I make every single piece of jewelry by hand, down to soldering every small link. +What’s your advice for young women aspiring to be jewelry designers? Stay true to yourself and never doubt yourself and your aesthetic.
11 JULIA FAILEY Owner + Designer, Julia Failey LLC
Tree House Art integrated pop art elements and found objects in clothing and accessories. +Who or what inspires your jewelry line? My grandmother, a fashion influence and model environmental philanthropist, opened my eyes to the beauty in small details. From a young age, I was exploring the outdoors, collecting rocks, feathers and fossils. Natural elements continue to inspire my jewelry, and my concern for the preservation of these resources is reflected in my designs, choice of materials and sustainable business practices. +What are your future plans for your company? I am currently working on a handbag collaboration with a friend in New York City. I enjoy the collective process, and I hope to further expand in fashion and accessories design in the next five to 10 years.
I knew I wanted to be a hip hop artist when I was 10 years old. I still didn’t believe in myself enough for this to be true until the female emcee, Eve, released ‘Love is Blind’. Through that, I realized that I could use my words and music to tell my stories. +Why is it important for you to give back to the community? It’s important to spend time with the youth in communities all around the world because they just want to be heard. I believe there is a genocide going on with the youth that none of the people in power are addressing. +Why do you feel it’s important to spend time with the youth? It’s important because that one moment they see that someone cares, it could save their lives literally and figuratively. My goal is not to save the world. However, I can save the youth who are willing to trust me enough to change their perspective on life and how to deal with the issues and problems of the mundane.
12 TARA FLOCCO Vice President, Chicago Cultural Mile Association
14 RACHEL HANEL Photographer
chicagoculturalmile.com
rhanelphotography.com
Age 24
Age 28
+Why is it important for you to give back? My parents instilled values of volunteerism and community service in me at a young age, and I have really made it a priority to carry these values with me through life. +What inspired you to choose a career in the non-profit sector? Having been involved in various nonprofits over the years, I witnessed first-hand the tremendous power these organizations have to affect change in the communities they serve. +What do you like most about your work at the Chicago Cultural Mile Association? It’s incredibly gratifying to be able to share my passion for the arts in the city I grew up in and love so dearly.
+Describe the moment you realized you wanted to pursue photography as a career. Picking up fashion magazines and noticing the lines and composition started me on my way. I noticed some images were so beautiful, ugly, complicated and free all at the same time. I admired the models —confident women who feel beautiful in their own skin. +What advice would you give women who are aspiring photographers? Nothing truly good is easy to come by. Find what you love and never give it up. Understand why you want to make photographs and find what sets you apart. Your personal style takes years to develop, so stay humble and never stop learning. +What do you enjoy most about your work? The creativity of art and fashion photography. I love the journey that one takes to make a great photograph. How everyone is joined together in a great effort to make everything perfect and beautiful, to tell the story of the clothing or the model.
Age 30
13 FM SUPREME (JESSICA DISU) Hip Hop Artist
+Why did you decide to pursue entre-
Age 21
juliafailey.com
preneurship for your career? My first fashion business founded in the late 80s spawned my pursuits.
twitter.com/FMSUPREME
+When did you know you wanted to be a hip hop artist?
SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 15
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15 KRISTIN HASSAN Owner + Designer, Kristin Hassan LLC
annahovet.com
Age 25
+What inspires your designs? When I’m in design mode, I spend time at the Art Institute, MCA and the SAIC Fashion Resource Center. I also keep an eye on what young art kids are wearing because they always develop the trends way before they become mainstream. +What is it like working as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry? Amazing. I love being my own boss. There’s nothing I love more than seeing people wear my art. I do everything: designing, sampling, marketing, finances, selling, etc. +How have you used fashion to address social issues in the community? Every year, Anna Hovet Designs organizes a clothing drive for Chicago homeless shelters called Reduce Reuse Restyle. We also are involved in Make-A-Wish Foundation and The American Red Cross. We will be involved in PAVE’s annual Fear No Fashion show at the Cubby Bear Sunday October 10.
kristinhassan.com
+Do you come from an artistic family? Yes! My mom and grandma made everything from our window curtains to my prom dress. My father was always in the kitchen and he’s even colored my hair. +If you could design for any celebrity, who would it be? I’d love to redo Lady Gaga’s wardrobe - I’d keep her edge, but give her some class. Shock value is cool in the moment, but class is timeless. +You’ve spent some time in New York. How has Chicago influenced your work? Chicago’s smaller industry strengthens relationships. I’ve had a lot of support from organizations, such as the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street that gave me guidance and help I wouldn’t have received if I were an independent designer in NYC.
Age 25
16 LEANNE MAI-LY HILGART Founder + Creative Director, Vaute Couture
18 KATHRYN KERRIGAN CEO, Kathryn Kerrigan Footwear
vautecouture.com
kathrynkerrigan.com
Age 28
Age 30
+Were you artistic as a child?
+What inspired you to go into footwear design? With my newly-minted MBA that armed me with a full-fledged business plan for a footwear company specializing in larger sizes, and a plethora of shoe sketches, I made my dream into a reality! +What are some elements of your designs that are different from other designers? My collection stays true to its original design philosophy, by incorporating a vintage feel through classic and ladylike details. I always make it a point to offer women’s shoes in US sizes 6-14 – a range that is typically truncated at 11 or 14. +Who would you love to see in your footwear? Nicole Kidman.
I was always an artist and advocate. When I was eight, I used to sell my art door-to-door to raise money for the local animal shelter. +What led you to green design? I was sick of being cold and unfabulous for the six months in Chicago we call ‘winter’. At the same time, I was looking for a way to serve the movement with who I am and to make the world a more compassionate place. I saw that the winter dress coat had not been reinvented in decades, if ever, and it was an opportunity to push the industry forward with new sustainable vegan fabrics that created super chic and warm dress coats. +If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why? Improv Everywhere and plan an attack of love and life on the city!
17 ANNA HOVET Owner + Head Fashion Designer, Anna Hovet Designs
16 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
19 DANA LEVY Founder + Designer, Dana Rebecca Designs danarebeccadesigns.com
Age 26
+Where do you find inspiration?
Beginning with my grandmother, my admiration for strong and beautiful women extends to my mother and sister, and beyond. In tribute to their style and sophistication, I name all of my designs after my family and friend’s first and middle names. +What is it like managing both the artistic and business side of your work simultaneously? It has always been a challenge, but I knew from day one that no good business owner can ever truly succeed if they haven’t learned the ins and outs of every part of their business. +On a typical day, what kind of jewelry do you prefer to wear? Button earrings—simple and classic. I NEVER take off my Carly Michelle bracelet, it has an evil eye that serves as my good luck charm. I am always adding to it with some Lauren Joys or Sophia Ryans. It’s all about stacking.
20 SARAH LEVY Owner, Sarah’s Pastries & Candies sarahscandies.com
Age 29
+What inspired you to open your own business in the catering industry? I love working with food because it makes people happy (myself included). +What’s your favorite baked goodie you make for customers? The black and white cupcake - half vanilla, half chocolate cake with cocoa and vanilla fudge frosting. The chocolate chip cookie and chocolateraspberry brioche are close seconds. +What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about owning your own company? I think some people have this notion they are going to own their own company so they can work less and set their own schedule, but it’s hard work keeping these doors open!
21 BEVIN LYNCH President + Business/Life Coach, Bevin Lynch, Inc. bevinlynch.com
Age 30
+What led you to a career in personal coaching? While teaching yoga, I had a student who was a life coach. I was fascinated by what she did and wanted to learn more. I worked with her as a coach as
I began my training and started building my practice. +What is the best part about your job? Every single client is different and working towards unique goals. I found something that could incorporate everything that I love: working with people, writing, setting my own schedule, traveling, owning my own business, creating programs and products. +Your job essentially is to inspire and help people achieve their career goals. Who inspires you? I work with some of the best coaches from around the world who constantly challenge me to raise the bar. I’m lucky to have an incredible support system in my family and friends, who inspire me in their own way.
22 STEPHANIE MANSOUR CEO, Step it Up with Steph, Health + Fitness Expert/ Body Image & Confidence Coach of Step Up Network stepitupwithsteph.com
Age 25
+You have a philosophy behind your work. What makes your program different from others? My private training programs are very unique because I deal with the mental aspects of your body in additon to the physical. By taking a more holistic approach to health and fitness, I know that working out and eating healthy is more of a mental game than a physical one. +What is your favorite part of being a personal coach? It is so rewarding to witness the continual breakthroughs that my clients undergo. The insight my clients gain into their underlying emotions is the reason they are able to make such positive changes in their daily habits. +What advice do you have for others who might want to step up and make an impact? I motivate people everywhere to be conscious of these moments and to just step it up and just DO whatever it is that they think they should do BEFORE their minds start tricking them into doing the less healthy or less positive thing.
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BELLA VENTRESCA PHOTO JOSHUA ALBANESE JEWELRY ONE ORIGIN
23 TAMIKA MARIA MARTELL Wardrobe Stylist + Personal Shopper alinestyleservices.com
Age 27
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIVIDUALS UNLESS SPECIFIED
+Describe the concept behind the event Dangerous Curves Ahead. I started the annual charity fashion show and women’s expo to highlight local designers while giving back to Chicago’s homeless mothers. Women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities are represented on the runway, showing that all women have style and beauty. This event was A-Line Style Services’ coming out party, where I host the show and perform a makeover for one of the mothers in a local homeless shelter. It’s been a huge success both years and it will be held annually each April. +What’s your biggest piece of fashion advice for women this fall season? Do not overspend on trends. Instead, invest in classic, high quality pieces that can be worn with at least three other items in your wardrobe. Musts: a great pair of boots, ankle or over the knee, as well as a great fitting blazer. +What’s your advice to women looking to pursue this career field? If you are not ready to work for free for at least one year, do not pursue the fashion industry. It is all about proving yourself, which means working TFP (time for prints of your work). Compile a great portfolio and get a great website. To potential clientele, you are only as good as your website and your portfolio.
24 KARA OLSEN Board Chair for Receptions for Research – The Greg Olsen Foundation + Luxury Real Estate Specialist for the Campins Company receptionsforresearch.org
Age 24
+Describe your role with Greg Olsen’s Foundation. I assist in raising awareness about the foundation, the cause and the outreach, while also assisting in event coordination and production. +Are there other charities you work with that are important to you? Through a relationship with the McDonald’s Corporation and The Lovie and Marianne Smith Foundation, I
have developed a sincere appreciation for The Ronald McDonald House and hope to become more closely involved with the charity’s efforts. +Why is it important for individuals to get involved in local charities? Whether it’s a voice of reason, a monetary donation or a helping hand, each person can participate in improving the well being of those suffering or less fortunate in Chicago and its neighboring areas.
25 REBECCA RASMUSSEN Writer + Teacher thebirdsisters.com thebirdsisters.blogspot.com Age 30 + When did you know you wanted to
be a writer? I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was a freshman in college and read the short story “Fires” by Rick Bass in my beginning creative writing course. + What inspired you to write The Bird Sisters? The story of the Bird Sisters was inspired by my grandmother’s story. The Bird Sisters is my love letter to my family and to the rolling hills and winding rivers of Wisconsin. + What’s your advice for aspiring writers? Read as many books as you can and make sure to marvel at how the authors convey fear, hope, longing, faith and love often in a single wondrous sentence.
26 BRIANNE RATTO Compliance Program Manager, JMM Management Group jmmmgt.com
Age 27
+What do you love about your career at your firm? I love that everyday is a challenge and I’m faced with new opportunities to test my strengths and work on my weaknesses. +What inspired to pursue a career in environmental consulting? My desire to make a positive impact in the world and leave a better one for future generations. +What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned thus far in the workforce? A woman can make it in a maledominated industry with a little perseverance, a lot of initiative, a good
attitude and a great sense of humor! Women are out there in the oil and gas industry breaking down barriers everyday!
down. They’ll tell you that something can’t be done. Only you decide what can and can’t be accomplished in your world. In order to succeed, you must create your own opportunities.
27 ASHLEY SCOTT Designer, DRAPES Accessories ashleydrapes.com Age 24
29 CAROLINE YACU President, Reflect My Life
+What is your inspiration behind your accessory lines? It was what I was meant to do. I studied art education before I started designing Drapes. I always had a passion for it. My mother is a designer, so I grew up being creative. It’s been a part of me since birth. +What’s your perception of the Chicago fashion industry? I think it’s definitely growing. There is a lot of talent here, but not enough resources. You have to make your mark here as a designer and work really hard because Chicago isn’t going to do it for you. +What advice would you offer to aspiring designers here in Chicago? My biggest piece of advice is to build relationships. It’s very important to build your brand and following, to build relationships with stylists, editors, and most importantly the people who are your target market. Show interest in your brand.
28 BELLA VENTRESCA Owner + Model, Zed Talent and Marketing, LLC bellaventresca.com Age 29 +What inspired you to pursue modeling as a career? I saw an opportunity in modeling that, coming from a small town, I’d not have otherwise received. I saw an opportunity to travel, learn about other cultures and see things I never imagined I would see. +Describe your most recent career venture. Zed Talent and Marketing is a full service agency providing talent with the guidance and know-how in the modeling industry, while providing clients with informed, dependable, well-mannered talent. +What’s the best advice you’ve received as a businesswoman? People will always try and bring you
reflectmylife.com
Age 29
+How did you get the idea for your Reflect blog? What I strive for most is to lead by example and share my experiences and lessons with others so that they can learn with me. +What keeps you motivated and optimistic? I use affirmations and recite positive messages to myself ALL day long. I read other personal development authors. Being active in nature keeps me motivated and full of life. +What is it like working in a tag-team with your brother? When we focus on our vision of helping a million people live a better life, we get so excited and it’s a blessing to be able to do it as a team!
30 ASHLEY ZYGMUNT President, Zamrie zamrie.com
Age 24
+When did you know you wanted to pursue fashion as a career? I wouldn’t say I had an ‘a-ha’ moment at a particular age, but looking back I guess I’ve noticed it’s always been, subconsciously, about the clothes. While at Purdue, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy and Hong Kong, and also gained an internship in NYC with high-end designer Zac Posen. +Who inspires you and your work? I am inspired by feeling beautiful in what I wear. Women inspire me. I am attracted to texture, color and the cut of clothes. +How has running your own label differed from the freelance and corporate work in your past? I am my own boss, from the books to design and everything relies on me. Also, I get to create and execute my ideas, not someone else’s. I am given the opportunity to supplement a woman’s wardrobe and I hope to do just that.
SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 17
1 CRAVE
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1 CRAVE thecravecompany.com
CRAVE Chicago is a celebration of local women entrepreneurs that showcases some of the most creative, interesting and gutsy proprietors throughout the greater Chicago area. Under the direction of Michele Kravetz, CRAVE Chicago City Leader, CRAVE Chicago’s sole focus is to develop and maintain a source of networking and marketing opportunities for local womenowned businesses via various methods such as marketing, event planning, network facilitating and conceptualizing the next big thing. The CRAVE Company is an international company, dedicated to women business owners in over 15 cities.
18 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
TESTIMONIAL
“In 1956, my mother Leona Davis paved the way for her daughter and other female entrepreneurs trying to function successfully in a man’s world. CRAVE Chicago is a tribute to all those before us and those women who will follow. Women supporting women. No one understands our frustrations, passion and drive to succeed better than another woman. I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious group. Thank you CRAVE Chicago for bringing us together and recognizing our achievements.” - Lynda Wood, owner of Davis Imperial Cleaners ADVICE
“Being a businesswoman isn’t something you can do on your own, no matter how strong you are. It’s important to have a network of other brilliant, thoughtful and stylish ladies!” - Michele Kravetz, CRAVE Chicago City Leader
3 COLEEN KRAMER/ PRESIDENT + ACCOUNT MANAGER, EVERGREEN SUPPLY COMPANY
2 EVERGREEN SUPPLY COMPANY
3 EVERLIGHTS
Evergreen Supply is a $17 million a year company that provides electrical supplies to the area’s largest construction projects and customized inventory management plans for building owners, engineers and managers. Colleen Kramer and her mom, Patt Gallagher, founded the company in 1986 in their basement with only two product lines. Today, they own a 20,000 square-foot warehouse where they keep an average of $2 million in stock, offering more than 400 different product lines. The company still has its very first client, the Museum of Science & Industry. Evergreen has added 800 more clients, including Millennium Park, O’Hare International Airport and the Illinois Department of Transportation. Colleen was inducted into the UIC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 2009. She is a member of the Women Presidents Organization.
Countless environmental hazards, including fluorescent bulbs, HID lamps, PCB and non-PCB ballasts, hazardous waste, computers and batteries led Kelly Aaron to establish EverLights, a 15 year-old business with an impressive client roster, which aims to help organizations of all sizes safely dispose of universal waste. A pioneer in bulb and ballast recycling, Kelly played a key role in making Illinois one of the first states to pass a law in 1997 mandating lamp recycling. She is involved in community organizations that are devoted to green causes.
evergreensupplyco.com
TESTIMONIAL
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RESPECTIVE COMPANIES
KELLY AARON/ VICE PRESIDENT, EVERLIGHTS
“I am an electrical engineer and have worked in the Chicago area for Continental Electric, providing benchmark services that many only wish they could emulate. With a keen understanding of customer service, the competitive need for intrinsic diversity inclusion while maintaining a competitive and equitable work environment, Colleen Kramer sets the bar. Colleen is a well-respected member of the electrical construction industry, of which, many others would also support. Truly, Colleen is an ambassador of the electrical construction industry.” - Wesley M. Jost, project manager of Continental Electrical Construction Company
everlights.com
TESTIMONIAL
“As the procurement manager for RetroTech Lighting, a nationally-recognized lighting contractor, I began our relationship with Kelly and Everlights over 12 years ago. Kelly’s knowledge of the industry regulations, focus on customer service and building a strong support team has made Everlights our premier recycler. We are committed to protecting our environment and Kelly shares the drive and motivation to do the same. She’s an asset to our operation and well-respected in our industry. I commend her for all that she has accomplished and look forward to strengthening our business relationship in the years to come.” - Bob VerHaar, procurement manager of Retro-Tech Systems, Inc. ADVICE (2+3)
“To succeed, find the right niche, capitalize on your strengths, think big and constantly look for new solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help along the way. One
of the best organizations that assists prospective and established women business owners is the Women’s Business Development Center.” - Colleen Kramer (President and Account Manager of Evergreen Supply Company) and Kelly Aaron (Vice President of Everlights) 4 FLIRTY GIRL FITNESS flirtygirlfitness.com
Flirty Girl Fitness™ will move you, literally. This women’s gym is not like any other. More of a high-end social club for women, they strive to create the perfect atmosphere to inspire their clients, because the more time you spend at Flirty Girl, the more fit and fabulous you’re going to look and feel. The West Loop facility offers up to 100 classes per week in three studio rooms and caters to your workout schedule with morning, afternoon and evening classes. Their instructors strike the perfect balance in delivering highly effective, yet fun and entertaining classes like Abs & Booty, Hottie Body Boxing, Video Vixen, Booty Beat and dozens more. TESTIMONIAL
“I have to admit Flirty Girl Fitness has the appeal of something out of a Barbie Doll’s manufacturing warehouse; however it is definitely one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. I’ve had the pleasure to visit several times on some drop-in classes and my experience has been one that has left an impression like none other. Not only was the work-out rigorous, but you’re comfortable and empowered at the same time. I’m not what you would call a ‘work out guru’, but the atmosphere and team of people make SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 19
PHOTO KERRY KNEE
4 FLIRTY GIRL FITNESS
you hunger for more. The best thing in it is after you’ve completed your workout you get to enjoy their fabulous spa services, and that’s like having the best of both worlds! I definitely recommend Flirty and feel all but privileged to have them make their mark in Chicago.” -Arlyne C., Chicago ADVICE
“Hard work pays off!” - Nikki Lee, manager of Flirty Girl Fitness Chicago 5 RAYMI PRODUCTIONS (CECE GONZALES + MELINDA JOSEPH) raymiproductions.com
Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions create and host upscale, dynamic events around the city of Chicago, from The Taste of the Gold Coast to Shop IN Chicago, Nautical Networking events and seminars for women. TESTIMONIAL
“Cece Gonzales and Melinda Joseph host fabulous events. The events are upscale and are all very professionally executed. They pay attention to every detail and work behind the scenes to ensure that all events run smoothly. It has been a pleasure working with Cece and Melinda, and I look forward to participate in their 2010 events.” -Stacey Werner, Account Executive of Christian Dior, L.L.C. ADVICE
“Be prepared to work hard and stay true to your word. It’s important to have signed contracts for your business agreements. 20 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
CECE GONZALEZ (RIGHT) + MELINDA JOSEPH/ RAYMI PRODUCTIONS
Lastly, for every closed door, there’s an open window.” -Cece Gonzales and Melinda Joseph
with my membership and involvement.” -Erin Carpenter, Step Up Luminary Circle Member, personal stylist
6 STEP UP WOMEN’S NETWORK*
ADVICE
suwn.org
Step Up Women’s Network is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to connecting and advancing women and girls. By bridging communities of professional women and underserved teen girls through mentorship, networking and advancement, they ensure women and girls have the opportunities they need to create a better future. Step Up connects you to the professional women you need and the underserved teen girls who need you. TESTIMONIAL
“Since joining the organization in 2008, Step Up Women’s Network has become one of the most important and meaningful parts of my life. Between its social activities, professional networking, emphasis on women’s advancement and philanthropic and volunteer opportunities, Step Up offers me what I once had to go to several different organizations to find. I’ve found clients, business partners, mentors (via the Professional Mentorship program) and true friends through Step Up. I am continually impressed by the caliber of women it attracts and retains. My work with its Teen Programs has enriched my life in more ways than I thought possible. The network I’ve built through Step Up is invaluable to me as a business owner, and its philanthropic mission makes me feel like I’m making a real contribution to the lives of young girls
“Do what you love and ask yourself, ‘How will I make the world a little bit brighter today?’” -Kristen Field, Program Manager *EDITOR BEE LI IS A MEMBER OF STEP UP’S LUMINARY CIRCLE
7 TIARA tiaracoaching.com
Do you ever ask yourself ‘What’s next?’ or ‘How do I make the best choices for me?’ Tiara is the place to pause, rediscover and refresh your sense of purpose and direction in the company of bright, successful and interesting women. Tiara provides teleclasses, workshops and individual coaching, as well as our innovative group coaching program for women. Their services are designed to help you make the powerful choices that inspire you. TESTIMONIAL
“On our first visioning day, the Tiara coaches told us to dream big and write a decree detailing what we wanted to have happen in our lives, without effort, for the year. I was astounded when I read through my decree 10 months later and realized that everything I had written came true. When I signed up for Tiara, my hope was that it would help me clarify what I wanted to do in my next job. It helped me understand who I really am, what I really want to be and that anything is possible. I know I could never have reached this understanding so quickly without the guidance and
STEP UP WOMEN’S NETWORK
TIARA
support I found in Tiara.” -Theresa Sullivan, Chicago ADVICE
“A woman leads authentically and powerfully from her head and her heart. This is a strength, not a weakness. Pause to ensure your business and career decisions make sense in terms of what you want to do while igniting the spark in your heart about who you want to be.” -Betsy Sobiech, Tiara Program Coach 8 WOMEN EMPLOYED (WE)
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RESPECTIVE COMPANIES UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
womenemployed.org
Women Employed (WE) believes that all women deserve full and fair economic opportunities. That means better career options and higher pay, more opportunities for training and education and strict enforcement of fair employment laws. Since 1973, WE has fought to outlaw pay discrimination, pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment and to strengthen federal equal opportunity policies and work/family benefits. The changes WE has won in government and business policies have improved the working lives of millions of women. Today, Women Employed works with Illinois community colleges to ensure that adult students- often the first in their families to go to college- have the financial aid and support they need to complete their degrees and move into jobs that pay family-supporting wages. Career Coach, their innovative online career development program, helps workers figure out paths to better careers, was recently recognized by the Department of Labor as one of the top
8 WOMEN EMPLOYED (WE)
ten career exploration tools in the nation. Women Employed is also working to pass a bill that would guarantee paid sick days for all Illinois workers. TESTIMONIAL
“For the last 12 years, I was working at a warehouse, making low wages, just barely surviving. I made a decision to go to college because I knew that was my only chance to get out of poverty. I am truly grateful to Women Employed for fighting so hard for MAP funding over the years, because without it, I never would have been able to go to college and realize the potential I
have today. Last semester, I graduated with my associate’s degree and I’m now getting ready to go after my bachelor’s degree at UIC. The woman I am today is filled with hope because with the skills I’ve gained, the sky is the limit.” -Elena Herrera, UIC student ADVICE
“It’s important for women to speak up for equality in the workplace. Contact your elected officials in support of legislation that will put women on equal footing.” -Judy Wemhoff, Communications Associate, Women Employed SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 21
INNER FASHIONISTA CERATO CELEBRATES CHICAGO Tracey Glibowski gives the inside scoop on boutique ownership and why she celebrates the Chicago fashion industry. ceratoboutique.com
SOME OF THE DESIGNERS FEATURED IN CERATO BOUTIQUE: LEFT TO RIGHT/ KATE COXWORTH (KATE BOGGIANO), ANNA FONG (EPONYMOUS LINE), JULIE SCHWANBECK (JULES.), TRACEY GLIBOWSKI (OWNER, CERATO BOUTIQUE), BRYNN CAPELLA (EPONYMOUS LINE), KRISTIN HASSAN (EPONYMOUS LINE)
rodrobertsphotos.com
STYLING TRACEY GLIBOWSKI Cerato Boutique MAKEUP + HAIR LILIAN MURPHY gildedbylil.com + VERONICA SAUCEDO veronicasaucedo.com
PHOTOGRAPHY ROD ROBERTS
Left to Right: Kate Coxworth wears Kate Boggiano Scarlet Dress, $365, jules. Smoky Topaz Square Bangle, $175, jules. Topaz Gem Weave Hoop Earrings, $200, Bettye Muller Atelier-Sabbia Shoes, $395, from Perchance Boutique. Anna Fong wears Anna Fong Blake Leather Jacket, $477, (Cerato Exclusive). Anna Fong Lucia Skirt, $267, jules. Bijoux Square Bangle, $175, jules. Large Pegasus Figaro Necklace, $120, jules. Bijoux Paddle Necklace, $220. Julie Schwanbeck wears Elise Bergman Simone Wrap, $355, jules. Short Bijoux Layers Necklace, $320, jules. Pegasus Oxidized Earrings, $100, jules. Bijoux Square Bangle, $175, jules. Wrist Wring in Gold, $132, Bettye Muller Curator Shoes, $355, from Perchance Boutique. Tracey Glibowski wears C/FAN Draped Velvet Dress (Cerato Exclusive), $380, jules. Lunatic Fringe Necklace, $400, jules. Long Bijoux Necklace, $400, jules. Bijoux Paddle Earrings, $100, Brynn Capella Clutch, Bettye Muller Curator Shoes, $355, at Perchance Boutique. Brynn Capella wears C/FAN Silk Oversized Pocket Tee, $205, jules. Lumbar Spinal Fusion Necklace, $250, jules. Spinal Fusion Earrings, $88, Brynn Capella Edie Carry-all Tote, $339. Kristin Hassan wears Kristin Hassan Dorothy Wrap Skirt (Cerato Exclusive), $110, jules. Pegasus Fringe Oxidized Necklace, $220.
IYA: Describe the concept behind Cerato Boutique. TRACEY: I envisioned three things for Cerato Boutique. Chicago is filled with amazing artists, including our fashion designers, who have not had much retail exposure in our community. I wanted to create the first real brick-and-mortar store that showcased this talent and introduced them to our neighborhoods. It’s about opening a Chicago boutique, not just another boutique in Chicago. About 90 percent of the merchandise we carry is from these local designers. I wanted to create a boutique that was comfortable, welcoming and where you could celebrate your own unique look and style, and our tagline is ‘Bring the You Out in You’. I really wanted to bring in designers that offer a wide range of styles where women can find something for any occasion and any personality. I also wanted to develop relationships that will grow. This has always been a personal and business philosophy for me. It relates to our customers and our designers. We love chatting with our customers and sharing the new lines we get in, and we truly are thankful to everyone who supports us. It’s about growing relationships with our Chicago designers—it’s not just a transaction, it’s a partnership. IYA: What makes the fashion scene here unique? TRACEY: It’s such a tight community and everyone is so nice! I love how I can personally meet and develop relationships with the designers I carry. Not many people get the opportunity to wear something by a great designer and have the designer standing right next to you at your grand opening party. Pretty cool! IYA: What was the most useful advice you received about starting your own business? TRACEY: Be true to who you are. The fashion world and business world can be so consuming that it can be easy to lose sight of who you are – we’ve all seen it happen. I’ve always had clear personal and business philosophies, and that will never change. IYA: What major tips would you give to others who aspire to venture into entrepreneurship and own a boutique? TRACEY: Be true to who you are and go for it! I’m not the biggest risk taker, but the support I got from my family and friends to go do what I love helped me achieve my dream. Be ready to learn something new everyday! That’s part of the fun (and headaches) of entrepreneurship and why I ventured into this world.
SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 23
started her company in 2006. The former Los Angeles and New York public relations representative says she decided to start her own agency because she wanted to give more attention to her clients. The national organization, who has focused lately in Chicago and Los Angeles, partners with various marketing freelancers, media outlets and other organizations to share databases and event calendars. Some of the public relation representatives involved with prAlliance are Rebecca Kussmann of Bettie Bomb PR, Megan Richards of Megan Richards PR and Lauren Bishop of Paramount Public Relations.
P.R. POWER prALLIANCE CONNECTS THE DOTS Public relations executive Daphne Ortiz discusses how prAlliance’s focus to make connections and collaborate work for her organization.
STYLING TRACEY GLIBOWSKI Cerato Boutique MAKEUP + HAIR LILIAN MURPHY gildedbylil.com + VERONICA SAUCEDO veronicasaucedo.com
DAPHNE ORTIZ, FOUNDER OF PRALLIANCE,
Left to Right: Rebecca Kussmann wears Lara Miller Eva Flip Dress, $268, jules. Back in Black Long Necklace (worn as bracelet), $400, jules. Wrist Wring in Gold, $132, jules. Donut Dome Earrings, $110, Bettye Muller Crockett Boots, $595, at Perchance Boutique. Daphne Ortiz wears Horacio Nieto Lia Dress, $155, jules. Wrist Wring in Silver, $110, jules. Pegasus Smoke Layers Necklace, $175, jules. Pegasus Smoke Earrings, $80. Megan Richards wears Ali Ro Twilight Dress w/Belt, $275, jules. 2 Finger Oxidized Dome Ring, $220, jules. Double Dome Oxidized Earrings, $154. Lauren Bishop wears Lush dress, $40, at Pitaya Boutique, jules. Cervical Spinal Fusion Necklace, $165.
PHOTOGRAPHY ROD ROBERTS rodrobertsphotos.com
LEFT TO RIGHT/ REBECCA KUSSMANN (BETTIE BOMB, INC. PUBLIC RELATIONS), DAPHNE ORTIZ (PRALLIANCE), MEGAN RICHARDS (MEGAN RICHARDS PUBLIC RELATIONS), LAUREN BISHOP (PARAMOUNT PR)
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MARTI GOYAL OWNER, ANIKO SALON AND SPA anikosalonspa.com
“The success of a new business venture depends on the founders having true understanding of every single aspect of their business. I would never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself, so the only way to learn is by rolling up those sleeves and getting your hands dirty!”
Having transformed her spa into a go-to destination in the South Loop, Marti is an active mentor to her employees, in addition to devoting time to extracurricular endeavors and charity activities within the community. HER STORY
After a number of years as an owner of an advertising & graphic design firm, Marti and her business partner founded Aniko Salon and Spa in November 2007. Aniko has grown from three employees to over 35. With her leadership, Aniko is now the premier salon and spa in downtown Chicago’s South Loop. Aniko has been recognized by many media outlets and was recently acknowledged in Chicago Magazine as a ‘Top 32 Salons in the City’ in their August 2010 issue. A graduate of the Art Institute of California-San Diego and the KRS Summit Salon Business College, Marti has learned the best in class principles to help make her salon and spa successful. She takes pride in her team and works with them to offer unique amenities and exceptional guest services. Marti demonstrates a passion for giving back to the community by being involved in several local women groups and associations, including the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She has lived true to her philanthropic philosophy by supporting local charities and participating in events for various causes throughout Chicago. As a soon-to-be mom (due this month), she looks forward to continuing her entrepreneurial growth and taking her company to new heights. 26 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
INFLUENCERS WOMEN WHO IMPACT OUR LIVES Though their backgrounds are diverse, the stories of the influencers we chose for this issue share common themes. They are determined individuals who, through the course of their careers, have led by example and have brought women together through their leadership and dynamic personalities.
PHOTOGRAPHY BEKING JOASSAINT * bekingjoassaint.com
*PHOTO OF MARTI GOYAL / ROBYN RACHEL PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT DEREK SORBY dynamicentertainment.chicago.net HAIR + MAKEUP VERONICA SAUCEDO veronicasaucedo.com
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
DONNA GUTMAN, FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOMEN OF THE WORLD womenwotw.org
“Bring yourself to whatever you do and stay in the moment. Advice to a mentor – “Inspire, empower, elevate.”
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
A natural born networker, Donna Gutman is a great role model for women in Chicago. The former executive works to positively influence young women through fulfilling connections and opportunities, and champions empowerment for all women’s issues. She works passionately for causes she believes in, such as domestic violence prevention. HER STORY
Donna Gutman is the founder and executive director of Women of the World, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization committed to connecting, empowering and assisting women through strategic relationships and opportunities, while generating world-
wide awareness for prevention of violence against women. Prior to establishing Women of the World, Donna held an executive position at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and worked at the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce. She also worked in sales, marketing and events for an upscale catering company. Donna began her career running a successful wholesale and retail gift business with her mother, where she mastered all aspects of running a small business and creating relationships women dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations. Currently, Donna is a National Board Member of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and chairs the Women-to-
Women Empowerment Initiative in Israel. She was chosen as an honoree at the BizOver, which recognizes a select group of unique, successful and style-savvy professional women with an equally firm commitment to their respective communities. In 2009, Donna received the Annual Entrepreneurial Achievement Award from the Network of Women Entrepreneurs at the East Bank Club in Chicago. Donna is a contributing writer for City Women Chicago and Red in Chicago. She is a supporter of the OpEd Project. Donna is currently writing a book entitled, From Bras to Spas: How Women Support and Inspire Each Other.
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CANDACE JORDAN PHILANTHROPIST + BLOGGER, CANDID CANDACE candidcandace.com
“Trust your instincts. They are more valid than you know. Don’t get discouraged when you fail because when one door closes, another door opens wider and this path will always prove to be better for you than the one you ‘lost’. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.”
It’s an understatement to say Candace Jordan wears many hats. As a former model, she adds flair to the Chicago social scene and is well known for her philanthropic contributions to various organizations. Candace is a stylish trendsetter who brings a fabulous sense of style everywhere she goes and to everything she does. HER STORY
Candace Jordan began modeling at age 13 28 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
in St. Louis, Missouri. During the course of her long career, she appeared on over 20 national magazine covers, had a billboard in Times Square, was a Playboy centerfold and appeared in “Risky Business” with Tom Cruise. Today, she’s involved with numerous charitable organizations including the Joffrey Ballet, where she serves as VicePresident of the Women’s Board, Common Threads on the Board of Directors, PAWS Development Board and The Service Club of Chicago’s Board of Managers. She and
her successful blog, CandidCandace.com, were recently featured in Chicago Magazine’s “Belle of the Blog” cover story article. She also writes for ChicagoNow at ChicagoNow.com/CandidCandace, and her blog can also be found on the LA Splash website.
CANDACE DID HER OWN MAKEUP FOR THE SHOOT
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
LARA MILLER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHICAGO FASHION INCUBATOR laramiller.net chicagofashionincubator.org
“Stay true to yourself and your business, but be willing to be creative and flexible when solving problems. As Burnham said, ‘Make no little plans… remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die.”
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
As the executive director of the Chicago Fashion Incubator, long-standing Chicago designer Lara Miller is a mentor to the new wave of young and aspiring designers and brings up and coming designers to the forefront of the fashion industry. Lara continues to lead by example in her own life as she lives green and in her clothing line as a pioneer in the eco-conscious design industry. HER STORY
Born and raised in Chicago, Lara Miller’s
work is strongly influenced by the city’s architectural and cultural landscape. Ecological sensitivity and fascination with both the built and moving form flow through each piece. Her modular designs are created with a playful geometry that connects to the personalities of the women who wear them. Both joyous and sophisticated, Lara’s work has attracted international acclaim. In addition to designing her eponymous label, Lara serves as the executive director of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy’s on State Street. CFI provides six
emerging local designers with the resources, including workspace, business training and mentoring, to launch their careers. Lara sits on The Mayor’s Fashion Council where as the resources committee chair she has helped support and promotes fashion designers living and working in Chicago through events, seminars and city programs.
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BARBARA PHILLIPS ATTORNEY + FASHION ENTREPRENEUR b-chicago.com
“Don’t wait for the moment when you are not afraid. Make friends with your fear, and hold its hand as you follow your dreams.”
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
If Barbara Phillips’s career were a book, it would consist of several distinct chapters. From her time as a former Civil Rights attorney and through her grant work with the Ford Foundation, Barbara has served as a women’s rights advocate in every stage of her life. Throughout her career, Barbara has passed along her belief in the power of sisterhood to the many women she’s mentored. The most recent chapter in this dynamo’s life includes her reinvention as a fashion entrepreneur as the owner of B Boutique, a boutique that sells designer pieces online exclusively. HER STORY
Barbara Phillips is a former Civil Rights lawyer, partner in a San Francisco law firm, law professor and Ford Foundation program officer responsible for its grantmaking in the field of women’s rights globally and in the U.S., which is taught at the law schools of the University of Mississippi and Stanford University. The former Chicago boutique owner also worked as a community organizer for the Emergency Land Fund in Mississippi. She chairs the Board of The African Women’s Development Fund-USA, a sister foundation to 30 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
The African Women’s Development Fund based in Accra, Ghana, which is a feminist foundation supporting the African women’s movement. This fund is responsible for over $10 million in grants supporting social justice advocacy in over 40 African countries. Barbara also serves on the Advisory Board of The Program for Women’s Social, Economic & Cultural Rights based in New Delhi, India. She earned a B.A. degree from Macalester College, a J.D. degree from Northwestern University School of Law and J.S.M. degree from Stanford University Law School.
HEDY M. RATNER FOUNDER/ CO-PRESIDENT, CAROL DOUGAL CO-PRESIDENT, WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
“Know yourself. Do you want to have responsibility to create your own job? Can you make quick, smart decisions? Are you a risk taker and a dreamer, a visionary and a wise planner? If you want to start your own business, do it, but research, learn and don’t quit your day job.” “The common characteristic of those who succeeded is that they all kept showing up.”
wbdc.org
WHY THEY’RE INFLUENCERS
Hedy and Carol are the true pioneers for women professionals and entrepreneurs. Through their hard work and determination, they developed the Women’s Business Development Center, an excellent resource that mentors aspiring and maturing women in both the professional and entrepreneurial sectors. Hedy and Carol’s advocacy work for over 20 years allowed for policy changes in the workforce for women. They live abundant lives and we tip our hats to them
for their groundbreaking contributions. We consider them to be the matriarchs of our community of businesswomen. THEIR STORIES HEDY M. RATNER is founder and co-president
of the Women’s Business Development Center, the largest, oldest and most comprehensive women’s business assistance center in the U.S. It was established in Chicago in 1986. Hedy has more than 30 years of leadership in the women’s community
and is unequaled in her advocacy on behalf of women business owners. She was a presidential appointee to the National Women’s Business Council, and a gubernatorial appointee to the Illinois Women’s Business Ownership Council and the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women. She is a board member of many affirmative action advisory councils and serves in an advisory capacity for the Federation of Women Contractors and the National Association of Women Business Owners, Chicago-area chapters. She has won numerous national and local awards for her visionary approach to women’s economic development. In 2009, she was honored by the University of Chicago as the first recipient of the Diversity Leadership Award for her leadership in advancing social justice and equality. CAROL DOUGAL brings over 30 years of leadership in the women’s business development, employment and training community. She is a creative leader whose present work includes executive committee membership of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, developing the first national Women’s Business Enterprise certification program. Carol brings experience in employment and training issues to the Women’s Business Development Center, especially relevant in launching a program to educate women business owners on issues regarding hiring women who are moving from welfare to work.
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AMY ZAGROBA, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR CONNECTWORK CHICAGO amyzagroba.com
“Network and make friends with as many people as possible, help people whenever you can and don’t ever think being a woman in the business world is a negative– being a woman is the greatest gift God could have given you.”
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
Her contagious laugh and charming personality are just a few of the many reasons Amy Zagroba is one of our influencers. With her years of corporate experience and through her passion for making connections, she works to build networks and aids to transition people into fulfilling careers. HER STORY
Amy Zagroba grew up in Rockford, Ill. Her father owned two companies in town, Rogers Brothers Galvanizing and Kenwood Electrical Systems. It only seemed natural Amy would start her career by working for these companies. After a couple of years in the office at Rogers Brothers, Amy moved over to Kenwood Electrical Systems as the office manager. Sales seemed to be where she excelled because she sold everything from windows to recruiting services. Through a networking group, Amy found a job with a world-renowned sales trainer and author, Chris Lytle. She was hired on as the regional sales director to sell sales training, seminars and speaking engagements. One part of her job she absolutely loved was helping someone improve in his or her job, as well as the opportunity to network in Chicago. As networking seemed to come naturally to Amy, she also volunteered as the leader of the After Hours Networking Group for Business Network Chicago. Through networking, she also met and was approached by the founder of the Suzuki32 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
Orff School of Music to sit on their board of directors. Amy accepted a board position and currently sits on the fundraising and marketing committees in efforts to get more involved in the community. During the shift in the economy, Amy accepted a position as an independent representative for Sparque, Inc. While she worked at Sparque, Inc., Amy was approached by a fairly new group, Out of Work Chicago. After several discussions with them she joined the company as the operations director. This position took everything she had learned throughout the
years, along with her passions and strengths and combined them all together. In this role, she helps those in transition, works with people to advance their careers, uses her skills in sales, marketing, and customer service and gives back to the community. Out of Work Chicago rebranded itself in 2010 and is now known as ConnectWork Chicago. You can find Amy blogging on her website amyzagroba.com and planning events at ConnectWork Chicago. Follow her on Twitter, link up with her on Linkedin or befriend her on Facebook.
GINGER ZEE METEOROLOGIST, NBC5 CHICAGO nbcchicago.com
“Find confidence within yourself, take deep breaths and smile. Find balance because your job won’t love you five days or 50 years from now, but your family and friends will.”
WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER
Despite her hectic schedule, meteorologist Ginger Zee always makes time for her viewers, as she personally responds to all of her emails from them. From emceeing a charity event to serving as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Ginger’s generous and sunny personality shines through while giving back to the community. HER STORY
Weather has always been a huge part of Ginger Zee’s life. She was born in Los Angeles, but was raised in western Michigan.
Ginger attributes her passion for meteorology to a summer of extreme weather at a cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan. She was always fascinated with math and science as a child, and went on to study Meteorology at Valparaiso University. Ginger’s B.S. in Meteorology (along with minors in Math and Spanish) and internships and experience in storm chasing), helped her move from WLAV (Grand Rapids, MI) to WEYI (Flint, MI) to WOOD TV (Grand Rapids, MI) and now NBC5. Since September 2006, Ginger has worked double shifts on weekends (Saturday and
Sundays 6-10 a.m., 5 and 10 p.m.), and also takes on a second role as NBC5’s Green Is Universal environmental reporter. Her Green is Universal reports air every Thursday on the NBC5 News at 5:00 p.m. Ginger is an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Valparaiso University. She also spends time at schools in and around Chicago and northwest Indiana, bringing her passion for weather to the classroom. Ginger was the proud recipient of a Regional Emmy award for Best Weathercast in 2007 and 2008.
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PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net STYLING DANA HANEGRAAF Agency Galatea HAIR + MAKEUP MANASE LATU Agency Galatea
Dress, Zac Posen, $1,250, at Neiman Marcus. Brittney’s own earrings.
Sweetness + STYLE
As the daughter of Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton (#34), known as ‘Sweetness’, Brittney Payton is truly a combination of brains, style and sincerity. A Chicago girl born and raised, she currently showcases her knowledge of the city as host of WGN-TV’s ‘Chicago’s Best’, and also serves as a sports reporter for the Big Ten Network. Through her work serving on the board of the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Brittney certainly carries forward the family tradition of giving back. We sat down with Brittney for an intimate one-on-one interview where she discusses her family, her work and her passions. payton34.com brittneypayton.com
INTERVIEWED BY BEE LI + EMILY LUFT
PHOTOGRAPHY BILLY ROOD figphoto.net
Leather-fringe cardigan, $325, woven top, $275, woven pants, $275, Catherine Malandrino, buckle belt, Gucci, $640, at Neiman Marcus. Silver ring, ABS, $95, at Bloomingdale’s. Suede pumps, Yves Saint Laurent, $895, at Nordstrom. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 37
Couture dress, J. Mendel, $2,750, at Neiman Marcus. Earrings, Alexis Bittar, $175, at Bloomingdale’s.
Trench coat, Burberry, $1,295, necklace, Oscar de la Renta, $790, at Neiman Marcus. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 39
BEE: You have a degree in Communications. What inspired you to take that direction? BRITTNEY: Well actually, I initially intended to go to med school because I wanted to be a nurse. I was interested in medicine because I had seen my dad when he was sick and when he passed away. I went to the University of Arizona but I decided it really wasn’t for me. I moved back to Chicago and took some time off to think about things. Then a good friend and I decided to apply to DePaul University. Things were going really great, but before we started there, she committed suicide. It was really life-altering. It brought a lot of issues up about my father, and it was harder. I mean with my dad, we knew he was sick, but with my friend, it was very sudden. I ended up going to therapy and eventually that helped me through it. BEE: What do you love most about your work as host of ‘Chicago’s Best’ on WGNTV? BRITTNEY: It has always been my goal to have a job in television doing sports or entertainment and I have finally achieved that goal. Since I grew up in Chicago, the city is not only my home, but also a part of the Payton family, so to work here is a dream come true. So many people feel like they already know me since they loved my father and watched me grow up. So, I feel a special connection with the people of Chicago. BEE: What is your all time favorite store? BRITTNEY: Oh, that’s a hard question! Haha. I LOVE to shop. It really depends on what I’m looking for. I really enjoy exploring vintage stores. BEE: What are some of your favorite restaurants? BRITTNEY: I really like The Blackbird. The atmosphere was really nice and the food was so good! It had a really great menu. But you know, I’m a Portillo’s girl. When a friend comes into town, that’s the first place I take them. It’s a classic. BEE: What is your advice to women? BRITTNEY: Enter it to ‘go for it’. It is only through your passion and drive that will determine your commitment. If it’s in you, you’ll need to continue to pursue your goal and work hard to achieve it. Take everything you learned along the way and use it to the best of your advantage. Every move can be a stepping stone in the direction you want to go.
Sweater, Alice + Olivia, $220, at Neiman Marcus. Necklace, Citrine by the Stones, $225, pants, Vince, $245, at Bloomingdale’s.
PHOTO CREDIT
ABOUT HER FATHER “...to this day, I see the number ‘34’ in the little things here and there, such as a restaurant bill, and I find strength from that. I feel it’s my dad’s way of saying that he’s watching over me.”
BEE: What was it like being the daughter of a legend? BRITTNEY: Growing up, he was just dad. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized the impact he’d had on those around him not just because of football, but because of his commitment to the community. BEE: Why are you an avid champion of public health awareness and education? BRITTNEY: I am such a firm believer and champion of public health awareness and education. Everyone needs to be educated on how to live a healthy and productive life. If there was one thing I wish my father would have done for himself, it would have been to question when his body did not feel like he knew it should. We don’t know if things would have worked out any differently had he gone sooner for more extensive testing, but you never know. This is why to this day, I see the number ‘34’ in the little things here and there, such as a restaurant bill, and I find strength from that. I feel it’s my dad’s way of saying that he’s watching over me.
Couture dress, Vera Wang, $1,350, at Neiman Marcus. 42 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
INTERSECTION FALL FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA
With this series of beautifully photographed stories, we bring together high fashion with the local side of Chicago—the places that define the unique and complex identity of the city, its surroundings and the people who make up its fabric.
PHOTOGRAPHY BILLLY ROOD figphoto.net
44 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
THE NEXT GEN PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION + SET ASSISTANTS JAKE KULAGIN + LONNIE DAVIS figphoto.net MODELS GRACE, KATRINA + ROSE MCBRIDE Factor Women STYLING MARY-ALICE WILSON HAIR + MAKEUP KRYSTYN JOHNSON + MANASE LATU Agency Galatea SET DESIGNER DANIEL KRAUSE FORD Artists
Rose, Katrina and Grace (clockwise from top) all wear Button Up Shirt, Vince, $235, at Bloomingdale’s.
46 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
ABOUT-FACE PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS EVAN DUGGAR + LAUREN STALLER figphoto.net MODEL CAMILLE Factor Women STYLING RODERICK REVES Agency Galatea HAIR + MAKEUP CHELO using Koh Gen Do Cosmetics, Agency Galatea LOCATION ANIKO SALON + SPA anikosalonspa.com
Black Tunic, Yigal Azrouel, $540. Black leggings, John Paul Gaultier, $360. Bib Necklace, Greenbeads, $209. All at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Bib Necklace, Oscar de la Renta, $490. Black Corset, Dolce & Gabbana, $1,295. All at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Black leather biker jacket, Alexander McQueen, $5,120. Silver Necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane, $400. All at Saks Fifth Avenue.
THE F ARM
50 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS ANNE E. JOHNSON + WILLIAM M. FERGUSON figphoto.net MODEL GRACE, KATRINA + ROSE MCBRIDE Factor Women STYLING DANA HANEGRAAF Agency Galatea HAIR KRISTA GOBELI MAKEUP LAUREN FRENDEN Artists by Timothy Priano SHOT ON LOCATION KNOTTY PINE FARM 6011 Miller Road, Wonder Lake, IL 60097 knottypinefarms.webs.com
On Rose (left): sweater, Yigal, $795, leggings, Helmut Lang, $275, lace-up boots, Chloé, $1,295, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Katrina (center): plaid dress, Zac Posen, $1,650, at Neiman Marcus, suede pumps, Christian Louboutin, $895, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Grace (right): belted coat, Martin Grant, $2,025, over-the-knee boots, Jimmy Choo, $1,395, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
On Grace (left): belted coat, Martin Grant, $2,025, over-the-knee boots, Jimmy Choo, $1,395, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Katrina (center): plaid dress, Zac Posen, $1,650, at Neiman Marcus, suede pumps, Christian Louboutin, $895, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Rose (right): sweater, Yigal, $795, leggings, Helmut Lang, $275, lace-up boots, ChloĂŠ, $1,295, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Suede jacket, Vince, $775, sweater dress, Brochu Walker, $365, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Peplum shirt, Jason Wu, $590, printed skirt, Jason Wu, $995, at Neiman Marcus. Suede booties, KORS Michael Kors, $195, at shopbop.com.
Sweater, Donna Karan, $1,795, printed top, Helmut Lang, $295, leggings, Rag & Bone, $475, boots, Chanel, $1,500, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
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Leather jacket, Theory, $795, boots, Hunter, $125, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
On Katrina (left): leather jacket, Theory, $795, dress, Alice + Olivia, $264, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Rose (right): military coat, Burberry Prorsum, $1,995, leather belt, Burberry Prorsum, $375, at net-a-porter.com.
On Rose (left): military coat, Burberry Prorsum, $1,995, leather belt, Burberry Prorsum, $375, at net-a-porter.com. On Grace (center): camel coat, Chloé, $1,995, blouse, Chloé, $865, plaid shorts, Chloé, $985, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Katrina (right): leather jacket, Theory, $795, dress, Alice + Olivia, $264, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
PUPPY LOVE
64 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS EVAN DUGGAR + WILLIAM M. FERGUSON figphoto.net MODEL GRACE Factor Women STYLING DANA HANEGRAAF Agency Galatea HAIR + MAKEUP KRYSTYN JOHNSON Agency Galatea HAIR + MAKEUP ASSISTANT ADRIENNE STONER PUPPIES COURTESY OF CHICAGO CANINE RESCUE chicagocaninerescue.com
Dress, Rebecca Taylor, $295, at Bloomingdale’s.
CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO MOVE CHICAGO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 JOIN US AT
ROCKIT BAR & GRILL RIVER NORTH (UPSTAIRS LOUNGE) 22 WEST HUBBARD CHICAGO, IL 312 645 6000 rockitbarandgrill.com TIME
6-8pm IN CELEBRATION OF OUR FALL FASHION + CHICAGO AND ENTREPRENEUR ISSUE WITH SPECIAL GUEST BRITTNEY PAYTON Silent Auction and Raffle. Benefiting the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation Suggested Donation $20 FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO RSVP, VISIT ME-INFOCUS.COM
NOVELTY PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION ASSISTANT NICOLE HUMPHREY figphoto.net MODEL KATRINA Factor Women STYLING MARY-ALICE WILSON HAIR CAROL WOOD MAKEUP RACHAEL KRAAZ PERRIN Artists by Timothy Priano LOCATION HIGHWOOD STREET MARKET Produced by Sally Schwartz, Founder of the Randolph Street Market
Purple Dress, Akris Punto, $995, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Bracelet, Aqua, $35, at Bloomingdale’s.
68 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
Coat, Burberry, $1,195, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Pant, M by MJ, $248, at Bloomingdale’s.
Grey Jacket, Burberry, $995, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Pant, Vince, $245, Bloomingdale’s. Necklace, Citrine by the Stones, $225 at Bloomingdale’s. Shoes, Diane von Furstenberg, $295, at Bloomingdale’s.
72 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
FRAME WORK
PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS EVAN DUGGAR, JOANNA WILLIAMS + WILLIAM M. FERGUSON figphoto.net MODELS GRACE, KATRINA + ROSE MCBRIDE Factor Women STYLING DANA HANEGRAAF Agency Galatea HAIR + MAKEUP ANGIE SPRATT + MANASE LATU Agency Galatea
Printed dress, Helmut Lang, $470, leather jacket, Vince, $1,085, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Tights by Hue. Suede booties, Stuart Weitzman, $450, at shopbop.com.
74 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PHOTO CREDIT
On Rose (left): tweed coat, Burberry, $1,295, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Katrina (center): printed dress, Helmut Lang, $470, leather jacket, Vince, $1,085, at Saks Fifth Avenue. On Grace (right): draped jacket, Alexander Wang, $650, at net-a-porter.com. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 75
76 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PHOTO CREDIT
Draped jacket, Alexander Wang, $650, at net-a-porter.com. Leggings, Helmut Lang, $275, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Open toe booties, Alexander Wang, $525, at shopbop.com.
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78 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PRODUCED figphoto.net PRODUCTION MANAGER THOMAS KUBIK figphoto.net PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS EVAN DUGGAR, JOANNA WILLIAMS + WILLIAM M. FERGUSON figphoto.net MODELS GRACE, KATRINA + ROSE MCBRIDE Factor Wome STYLING DANA HANEGRAAF Agency Galatea HAIR + MAKEUP ANGIE SPRATT + MANASE LATU Agency Galatea
NEW GOTHAM
PHOTO CREDIT
Peplum-belted dress, Michael Kors, $1,895, at Saks Fifth Avenue. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 79
Blazer, Alexander Wang, $775, at shopbop. com. Silk tank (worn under blazer), C/FAN, $90, at Sofia Vintage. Leggings, Rag & Bone, $475, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Model’s own bra. 80 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PHOTO CREDIT
Houndstooth dress, Yigal, $960, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Tights by Hue. Suede booties, Alexander Wang, $525, at shopbop.com. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 81
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Silk Go w Amber n, Alexander R M YSL, $7 ing, John Hard cQueen, $2,9 95. All a 9 t Saks F y, $995. Pump 5. , ifth Ave nue.
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One Shoulder Dress, Lanvin, $3,521.99. Earrings, Orsini, $100. Both at Saks Fifth Avenue. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 85
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Black and White Fu Alexander McQu r Trim Sweater, ee Miu Miu, $560. Bo n, $4,195. Black Pump, Tights, Donna Ka th at Saks Fifth Avenue. ran, $18.
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(From Left to Right) Rose: One Shoulder Dress, Lanvin, $3,521.99. Earrings, Orsini, $100. Both at Saks Fifth Avenue. Grace: Silk Gown, Alexander McQueen, $2,995. Amber Ring, John Hardy, $995. Both at Saks Fifth Avenue. Katrina: Black and White Fur Trim Sweater, Alexander McQueen, $4,195, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Tights, Donna Karan, $18. SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 89
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SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 91
LAWYER KRISTEN PRINZ, THE PRINZ LAW FIRM, P.C.
prinz-lawfirm.com
EMILY: When starting a small business, what legal aspects are important to be aware of ? KRISTEN: Know your business and the liabilities that go with it. It differs for every type of small business. You may have to register with the state because sometimes there are specific licenses with the city. Even if you don’t want to incorporate, there are local filing requirements. Do your research. EMILY: How can someone like you assist entrepreneurs? KRISTEN: We can help them find the proper legal entity, or whether or not they
EMILY: What are your dos and don’ts for entrepreneurs? KRISTEN: Do use your resources. There are tons out there, especially for women. There is the Women’s Business Development Center, SCORE and the Small Business Administration Group. If you are unsure about anything, go ahead and schedule a consultation, get a business coach because they are great for offering advice. Do write out a plan. In that plan, include a budget and a marketing scheme. Map out who your clients are. Make sure you have both a long-term and a short-term plan. There’s no such thing as an accidental entrepreneur. Do talk to as many folks as you can such as lawyers, accountants, etc. Ask questions and be an informed consumer.
START-UP SAVVY TIPS FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR Starting your own business can be exciting, time-consuming and complicated. It requires juggling multiple tasks whether it’s physically setting up your business, hiring, managing, promoting or running the place. Organization and learning from other people in the biz are keys to getting started. Here are some tips and tidbits from the experts. INTERVIEWED BY EMILY LUFT
should even have a legal entity. We can help you plan for the future, and help you set up your business now so you have room for growth in your company down the line. EMILY: What is the cost of legal services? KRISTEN: The typical cost for attorneys varies. Often, for a new business owner we offer discounts, but it all comes down to what you’re doing with your business. For instance, if you want to be an LLC, there are different fees within those structures. EMILY: When should an entrepreneur work with a lawyer? KRISTEN: You should work with us when hiring employees and putting policies and processes into play. You always want to make sure your employee relationships are legal. You may need legal advice when it comes to distribution and vendor agreements. If you have intellectual property, or if you have a brand to protect, it’s good to see someone and the sooner the better. Be proactive. 92 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
Do know how you are going to make money. Know that your business will be your life. Make sure you have the support of your family and friends, both financially and emotionally. Don’t operate without a parachute. Make sure you have liability protection and know the potential risks. Don’t try to do it alone. Talk to as many professionals and experts as you can. People are willing to help you out. ACCOUNTANT CARA C. HOFFMAN, BLACKMAN KALLICK
blackmankallick.com
EMILY: From a financial standpoint, what are the first steps a person should take before opening their own business? CARA: + Develop a business plan. + Review the applicable Secretary of State requirements for new businesses in your state and any state that you will be operating in. + Put together a business team to help
you including an accountant, attorney and banker. + Prepare a budget and expect overages. Often, the initial budget underestimates the costs of running a business and misses some expenses that you will incur. EMILY: What are some of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make when managing their money? CARA: They don’t create a budget and reconcile between a budget and actual expenses. You need to keep track of your expenses and not inter-mingle personal funds with business funds. We’ve had some clients run all their business expenses through on a separate business credit card to help with record keeping at the beginning. Also, you need to keep accurate and up-to-date financial records for the business so you can project your tax liabilities and manage cash flow accordingly. There are a variety of accounting software packages that can be used to maintain the business books. EMILY: What do new entrepreneurs need to know about taxes? CARA: We would recommend that you meet with an accountant before setting up the new business. Your choice of entity structure will dictate how taxes are paid and if the income and tax liability will flowthrough to your personal tax return. Your current needs may grow and change, so you will also want to discuss how your entity could be altered or changed in the future as you grow your business. You should discuss how to properly setup your books and record keeping with your accountant. Payroll and employment taxes are also hot issues with the IRS. Developing a good working relationship with your accountant is a vital part of your successful business team. SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT DIANE RAYFIELD, HARP SOCIAL
harpsocial.com
EMILY: When starting your own business, where is the best place to start with social media? DIANE: If you already have a website, then I’d suggest a Facebook Fan Page if it seems appropriate for your business. If you don’t have a website, then I’d suggest starting with a WordPress blog to use as your website. WordPress provides pages or navigation tabs just like a website, plus has the added functionality of a built-in blog. Search engines love blogs, which will help your business be found online. The ‘Big Five’ social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and a blog. There are also thousands of other social sites along with niche sites that may be great for your business. Do some research to locate which site(s) are best for your field. + Tip: Google your competition and see where they all in the search rankings.
Top Five Benefits of Social Media for Small Business: 1. Social media allows small businesses to compete with big businesses and it evens out the playing field. 2. It’s free. Social media is as cost-effective as it gets for creating online exposure. The investment is in time. If it’s done correctly, social media will require real time spent on it daily. 3. SEM. Search engine marketing is a huge benefit of social media. Once you become active in social media, search engines will pick up on the content, providing added exposure and results in getting found by your potential customers. 4. It provides trust. Social media marketing is about relationship building. In our worldwide economy, social media marketing also allows you to build relationships with individuals who can then become brand advocates. Word-of-mouth marketing has an enormous impact on influencing buying decisions. 5. Innovation. Social media provides the opportunity to listen to your customers
and gain invaluable insight, resulting in the potential innovation of your product or service to meet their needs. Social Medial Dos and Don’ts: Do + Maintain your social media sites daily. + Use a ‘human’ voice when publishing content. + Use a consistent avatar and name across the social media platform. + Provide helpful information. + Respond to all comments or questions on your Facebook page. + Locate and read a few good blogs on the subject to stay up-to-date on trends, tools and how-to information. + Attend a social media workshop, either live or virtually. These provide a wealth of information and save time from researching it on your own and help avoid costly mistakes. Don’t + Open up more social media platforms than you can easily maintain. + Publish overly promotional content. The
rule is 80/20. That is, 80 percent helpful/ informational and 20 percent promotional. + Be critical of your critics. If someone leaves you a negative comment about your business, and if it isn’t spam, you can turn the situation around by thanking them for their comment and seeing how you can help to resolve the issue. Sometimes, you can turn ‘complainers’ into brand advocates. + Be selfish. Remember to retweet others and leave insightful comments on other people’s blogs. + Think you are going to see overnight success. Social media marketing does provide short-term and long-term results, but your brand awareness and SEO results will get better and stronger over time. + Publish anything you don’t want the world to see. Even if you remove it, the Internet has a long memory.
GO GUERRILLA WITH MITCH MEYERSON Mitch Meyerson, social media expert, author and founder of Guerrilla Marketing Coaching, lists his tips on how young entrepreneurs can successfully brand themselves through websites and social networking. masteringonlinemarketing.com INTERVIEWED BY IYA BAKARE + BEE LI
BOOK IMAGE COURTESY OF MITCH MEYERSON
MITCH’S ADVICE
+ You have 10 seconds or less to make a strong impression, so be sure you have a well-designed website with a professional graphic. + Show clear benefits of why people should visit your website. + Articulate clearly what you’re selling and why people should buy it, which are the most pressing needs of the consumer. Make the language on the website simple. + Make it user-friendly for readers to sign up on your website.
+ Blogs are a great way to spread the word quickly. If you choose to blog, choose a theme and decide how it fits your website and overall strategy. + When you blog, choose topics carefully and keep the blog focused. +Integrate social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and others. + When using social networking sites, use good common sense when adding information, pictures, etc. Be conservative because the Internet is very transparent.
+ Use social networking, but don’t make it your entire marketing plan. Study professionals who are in your field. + Stay consistent with online marketing. Niche marketing is also important. For more information on online marketing, visit Mitch’s website at masteringonlinemarketing.com. Look for his new book, Success Secrets of the Social Media Marketing Superstars.
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AIMEE, ERICA AND KARI OF MADISON PLUS,
FALL FASHION FORWARD MASCULINE TRENDS + FEMININE TOUCH Aimee, Erica and Kari of Madison Plus are back, sharing their tips on what’s in for fall. New York City model Lauren A. Koenig shows off two of the season’s hottest looks. madisonplus.com
the web destination for the fashionable plus woman, are thrilled to present fall 2010 fashion trends. They styled the looks on plus model Lauren A. Koenig, a Chicago native who also appeared on the cover of the January 2010 issue of ME: IN FOCUS.
IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
They say it’s a man’s world, but women sure look good in it! One of the major color trends this season is gray! We are seeing people going from incorporating an item in gray into their wardrobe to head-to-toe monochromatic-gray style. This color trend has run the gamut from feminine ruffled tops all the way to the trend of menswear. Menswear is fun because who secretly doesn’t want to be a part of the boys’ club? The biggest menswear piece this season is the trouser. We are seeing trousers sitting higher on the waist with a creased wide leg paired with a heel. To style this look, we chose a Marina Rinaldi suit as it hit the trouser trend perfectly and had a double lapel, which gave a feminine edge to the suit. The trouser leg of the suit skims over your thighs and the two-button jacket highlights your waist to create an hourglass shape. Dressing in monochromatic colors also gives a streamlined silhouette that gives a little sportswear pop by pairing it with an acid bright tank. The look is then polished off with a glamorous Kate Spade necklace and Carmakoma belt. AMAZING LACE
LEFT TO RIGHT/ ERICA YOUNG (CO-FOUNDER), KARI HANSBARGER (CREATIVE DIRECTOR), AIMEE CHESHIRE (CO-FOUNDER)
94 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
PHOTO THIS PAGE MYUNGHO CHOI BARTOKWEB.COM
Lace can be sweet and sexy all at the same time. We are seeing lace all over the runways this season with Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Christopher Kane and Valentino. The key this season for lace is to toughen it up. This is not your grandmother’s lace. We reinforced our lace look by giving it a stronger shoulder with lace details on the puff sleeve and pairing two statement necklaces, combined with chain hardware elements and jewels. We wrapped a leather belt around Lauren’s lace skirt to create a look that conveys a dark romance while defining her shape. This lace skirt is perfect because it has elastic waist insets, which aid in giving a little comfort without sacrificing style. Designers are showing this look headto-toe. To pull this off without looking like a fashion victim, combine a solid lace piece with an item that has simple lace details that will pull the look together, but will not be over the top. The finishing touch with the nude heels is an easy makeover to any look because it elongates the legs and gives a glossy sophistication to your style.
MODEL LAUREN A. KOENIG lakoenig.com MAKEUP NEEMA ALI Kreating New Faces LLC HAIR ALIZA WILLIAMS dripbook.com/AlizaB STUDIO DREAM STUDIOS dreamstudiosnyc.com
PHOTOGRAPHY TONY ARMSTRONG tonyarmstrongphotos.com
Gray Pants by Marina Rinaldi at Saks Fifth Avenue. Acid Tank Top by Forever 21’s line Faith 21. Kate Spade Necklace at Lord & Taylor. Bracelet from Erica’s jewelry drawer. Shoes by Jerome C. Rousseau from TheOutNet.com.
Lauren is wearing a Knit Lace Dress (turned into a top for the shoot) by H&M. Skirt by Lafayette 148 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Necklace by J.Crew. Belt by Carmakoma. Heels by Aldo.
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BOLD + BRILLIANT Add a glamorous accent to your wardrobe with a vibrant piece of jewelry. From Masha Archer’s one-of-a-kind masterpieces (as seen in Sex and the City 2) to Pretty Afrika’s ethnic-inspired creations, here are a few custom jewelry designs to fit every budget.
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ALL DESIGNS BY MASHA ARCHER Opposite page: Turquoise gold Chieng Mai, $4875, Available at Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago and masha.org. This page: 1 Human wreath, $2650. 2 Miranda bicones earrings, $225. 3 New York spectator–five strands, $2650. 4 Miranda puffy disc earrings, $225. All available at Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago and masha.org Masha Archer Trunk Shows: Friday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Oct. 30; Thanksgiving Weekend Show: Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27 SEPTEMBER ME: IN FOCUS 97
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1-4 Cre8shuns by Lilian Cartwright 1 Gray double-stranded necklace made with jasper, sterling silver and faceted mother of pearl; center is a natural drusy and opal set in sterling silver, $425. 2 Green and brown bio-chrysoprase with sterling silver; clasp is mother of pearl, $350. 3 Long necklace with faceted onyx, carnelian and amber; millefiori long bead from Italy, $145. 4 End of Day – sterling silver, Pumtek bead, turquoise, antique crystal (surrounded in sterling silver) from Tibet, artist-made glass, blue Peruvian opal, antique Tibetan bead embedded with white, turquoise and coral; antler horn, turquoise and crystal quartz from Brazil. All available at cre8shuns.com.
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5-10 SBS Accessories by Sara Siward 5 19” red-dyed coral necklace with metal beads and floral pendant, $40. 6 Purple metal wire wrapped pendant, $22. 7 Black metal wire wrapped pendant, $22. 8-10 Silver metal chain ovals with stones: 8 Synthetic turquoise, 9 Aquamarine/sesame jasper, 10 Coral. All available at sbsaccessories.com. 11-13 DRAPES by Ashley Scott 11 Lion Tassel Pin: Large mustard tassel with handmade black embroidery, specialty item from the Lioness collection, $78. 12 Shield Tassels: Black tassel earrings with handmade shield beaded embroidery from the MJ Collection, $115. 13 Milk and Honey: White pearl dangled earrings from the Bee collection, $108. All available at ashleydrapes.com. 14-16 Pretty Afrika by Sandra Aya 14 Pow-wow bracelet – bone long bead with black and white Kenya beads and dark turquoise recycled glass beads on stretch cord, $20, 15 Red coral spiked necklace, $55, 16 Kenya bead, coral and turquoise earrings, $22. All available at prettyafrika.com.
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PHOTOGRAPHER BEKING JOASSAINT MODEL LIZ BETZEN Agency Galatea MAKEUP/HAIR KRYSTYN JOHNSON Agency Galatea STYLING ERIN OLDENBURG
fashion | runway | hair | makeup | wardrobe 312 587 1155 | agencygalatea.com
| a division of grossman & jack talent |
STORY of OLIVIA A FICTION PIECE Valencia Davis, our resident art and culture critic shares another prose piece. violettarantula.blogspot.com
BY VALENCIA DAVIS
as the man exited and left his memories behind. The vintage shop was full of those. Memories, stories that will never be told, little inanimate lives that were held within the carvings of a wooden shelf, the weavings of a golden thread on the seat cushion of a chair, the dull glow of a lantern that dozens of fingers had curled around to carry. Sometimes I would try to imagine where the pieces had been, the tales they’d undoubtedly held. I was content with the knowledge that no one knew of the fuzzy thoughts swirling about my head. Evidently the day had floated away atop these episodes of daydreams, and I had about an hour before the doors were to be locked for the night. The sun was low in the sky and near disappearing into a sea of melon and grapefruit hues, a few blue or violet cotton clouds adorning. Dusk was my favorite time of day, and an exact replica of what all of my dreams looked like. The lighting inside the store was fading away as the night pressed towards me. Stephanie, a friend whom I’d met in college had invited me to an event that night she’d been talking about for weeks. She was a clothing designer, nearing the release of her first line of dresses and begged me to come along with her to a networking event. The event didn’t start until a bit later, so I agreed. Getting out of my routine of work and solitude couldn’t hurt. The last of the hour slipped by as I cleaned the windows and swept the floors. Stale dollar bills slipped through my fingers as I closed the register, the coins gently slapping together, producing a familiar jingle. I twisted the lock on the front door, flipping the sign so that it read ‘Sorry We’re Closed’ and trotted
THE BELL ON THE DOOR SANG
anxiously down the stairs to the basement where my craft awaited me. I could almost smell the clay as my feet plummeted down the stairs, the skin on my fingers anxious for the moist, moldable substance. I sat down slowly behind the wheel and exhaled as I felt truly at home for the first time that day. I slowly began to spin the wheel and lay my hands gently across the clay as it slid cold and slippery across my skin, familiar and inviting in a way that nothing else quite felt. I closed my eyes and let the clay begin to shape itself under me, a warmth seeping out of me, giving the clay a life of its own. The spinning of the wheel fell into a rhythm with my hands, as the creation process began. The whirring of the wheel was nearly hypnotizing, and I was startled as the ringing of my phone brought me back to reality. It was Stephanie. I picked up my phone with a dainty two-fingered grasp to avoid covering the device in the slimy grey substance. “What’s up girl?” I answered awaiting her voice at the other end. “Olivia, you at home girly?” she replied. “Nope, I just closed up shop, moldin’ some stuff now. Where are you?” “I just got off of work, and I’m on my way to get you now. I’ll be there in like 10 if you’re ready.” I looked down at my soiled hands and reluctantly agreed. I washed my hands in the metal sink next to the wheel and ascended the cement steps back up to the main floor of the store where I would meet Stephanie. I walked back to the register and grabbed my purse from underneath it and slung it over my shoulder just as I heard a startling banging on the window. She’d arrived quicker than I’d expected her, and I found myself whisking my way into the evening.
+++ The ballroom where the event was being held was packed with designer-clothingclad bodies and humming with voices, and I immediately felt underdressed. Deciding not to worry myself, I watched the various interactions between people, countless forms of body language lacing through one another. Bits and pieces of conversations jumped out amongst the constant buzz. There was gossip of up-and-coming recording studios, lingerie boutiques and everything in-between made its way to my ears. Young glossy-eyed professionals were raving of their new tickets to success. The debate of who would be more prosperous was hidden between the lines of conversation and thoroughly entertaining. In the midst of all the conversing and spreading of peacock feathers, a pair of black eyes caught my attention. The weight of them was striking, and after a moment or two I looked away as I began to feel a little anxious in my skin. I looked to my side to see that Stephanie had managed to wedge her way into the multitude of buzzing bodies, and I tried my best not to feel naked as I looked back at her. Curiosity tugged at me hard as I held the peculiar gaze. I felt paralyzed in the most pleasant, fearless way possible as she began to walk towards me. I had no idea what to expect, but stayed put to soon find out. If she felt this powerful without words, I was dying to hear what she had to say.
SHOP THE LOOKS WEBSITE DIRECTORY Where to find the fashion + accessories in this issue.
A ABS americasbeautyshow.com AKRIS PUNTO akris.ch/html/english/ ALDO aldoshoes.com ALEXANDER MCQUEEN alexandermcqueen.com ALEXANDER WANG alexanderwang.com ALEXIS BITTAR alexisbittar.com ALI RO ali-ro.com ALICE + OLIVIA aliceandolivia.com ANNA FONG anna-fong.com AQUA Available at Bloomingdale’s B BETTYE MULLER bettyemuller.com BLOOMINGDALE’S bloomingdales.com BROCHU WALKER brochuwalker.com BRYNN CAPELLA brynncapella.com BURBERRY BURBERRY PRORSUM us.burberry.com C C/FAN cfan-designs.com CARMAKOMA carmakoma.com
CRE8SHUNS BY LILIAN CARTWRIGHT cre8shuns.com D DIANE VON FURSTENBERG dvf.com DKNY dkny.com DOLCE & GABBANA dolcegabanna.com DONNA KARAN donnakaran.com DRAPES BY ASHELY SCOTT ashleydrapes.com E ELISE BERGMAN elisebergman.com F FOREVER 21 forever21.com
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JULES Available at Cerato Boutique K KATE BOGGIANO kateboggiano.com KATE SPADE katespade.com KENNETH JAY LANE Available at Neiman Marcus KORS MICHAEL KORS michaelkors.com L LAFAYETTE 148 lafayette148.com LANVIN lanvin.com
LORD & TAYLOR lordandtaylor.com
H H&M hm.com/us HELMUT LANG helmutlang.com HORACIO NIETO horacionieto.com HUE hue.com HUNTER hunter-boot.com
J J. MENDEL jmendel.com
CITRINE BY THE STONES bythestones.com
P PERCHANCE BOUTIQUE perchanceboutique.com
GUCCI gucci.com
CERATO BOUTIQUE ceratoboutique.com
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN christianlouboutin.com
JOHN PAUL GAULTIER johnpaul-gaultier.com
LARA MILLER laramiller.net
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CHLOÉ chloe.com
OSCAR DE LA RENTA oscardelarenta.com
G GREENBEADS greenbeads.com
CATHERINE MALANDRINO catharinemalandrino.com
CHANEL chanel.com
JOHN HARDY johnhardy.com
JASON WU jasonwustudio.com JIMMY CHOO jimmychoo.com JEROME C. ROUSSEAU jeromecrousseau.com JOAN & DAVID joananddavidshoes.net
LUSH Available at Pitaya Boutique M M BY MJ Available at Bloomingdale’s
PITAYA BOUTIQUE pitaya.com PRETTY AFRIKA BY SANDRA AYA prettyafrika.com Q R RAG & BONE rag-bone.com REBECCA TAYLOR rebeccataylor.com S SAKS FIFTH AVENUE saksfifthavenue.com SBS ACCESSORIES BY SARA SIWARD sbsaccessories.com shopbop.com SOFIA VINTAGE sofiavintage.com STUART WEITZMAN stuartweitzman.com T theoutnet.com
MASHA ARCHER DESIGN STUDIO masha.org
THEORY theory.com
MARIA RINALDI mariarinaldi.com
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V VERA WANG verawang.com
MICHAEL KORS michaelkors.com
VINCE vince.com
MIU MIU miumiu.com
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NORDSTROM nordstrom.com
YVES SAINT LAURENT ysl.com
O ORSINI orsini.co.nz
Z ZAC POSEN zacposen.com
RAC VISUAL IMAGING International Award Winning Production 312 404 4470 | racvisual.com