Recycle me

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Recently, I was generously invited to The Re-make 2010 Chicago fashion show to take notes and pictures for this here blog. The Re- Make show held the collections of ten Chicago-based designers who all constructed their looks out of recycled materials. The clothing was very nice, but the group of the people I encountered were less then friendly. Taking the chance at this 'fashion show' to seem more important than others, and not grasp the fun aspect of this unique concept. The so-called afterparty gave off snobby attitude as well. I, however, ignored them and focused on what I was there for. The designers I think overall did a good job on constructing looks out of these given materials, although some were a little lackluster. Most of the garments were oddly fitted and plainly styled, leaving the overall look more dry then inspiring. I think when working with such a great theme, and array of materials, It's important to bring drama to your look in some way. Especially when working 'green', the environment is such an active theme all around our cities that these clothes should inspire. My favorite looks and designers did somehow incorporate dramatic elements inspired by recycled materials into their looks. Some of the best included.

1) Yungchen Palden,

a nine year older fashion designer who modeled her own look constructed out of second hand dresses, ponchos and sweaters. I met her at the after- party and she was a delight.

2) Team, Amalia Buisson and Sarah Marguier.

whom both came to Chicago from Europe. One studying at SAIC and the other designing costumes and puppets at Redmoon Theatre. There collection was my favorite and the most dramatic. Their looks were inspired by the shapes and colors found in everyday waste, the garments were made out interesting elements like organic waste, branches, tea bags, and plastic. Their overall effect was very avante-garde which is an aesthetic I respond to very well.

3) Ally Greaves,

a talented costume designer, designed a collection from thrift store finds . Her looks were very nice, wearable while still seeming innovative. My favorite looks included lacey doily dresses and skirt constucted out of vintage ties. All of her models strutted out with mellow head pieces and teetering shoes, her collection gave me a bit of vintage McQueen which I liked allot. Good Job.

Other great pieces included a poufy skirt embroidered with paisly pattern, quite beautiful. A mellow white evening number, styled with chains and white fur, totally Gucci. As well as a brown jumper embroidered with thrifted doilies, which was very whimsicle. Overall the show was fun and witty, the concept I loved, and the clothes were nice, beauty and music making up for lack of styling and fit from some designers. But sour attitudes made the show stuffy and the after party even more so, snobby bartender refused drink orders and most people involved with the show appeared when I left an hour later. The evening was overall a fun celebration of fashion, and the nice people and clothes I did see made up for the rest. Although I do still wish I took pictures from the "After Party". I hope they continue this tradition in the future, because I will always gladly support anything that remains eco- friendly and fabulous at the same time.

Adorable Yungchen Palden

Moi in the background.