Meet Brian Atwood at Intermix!

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Islands of the World Fashion Tour at Loft on Lake in Chicago!

On August 10th, another successful Islands of the World Fashion Tour took place in Chicago with other successful stops in Palm Springs, California and Miami. Since 2008, fashion designers from islands all over the map have been coming to Nassau for Islands of the World Fashion Week, and with the success of that show, a tour was born for 2010.

The Chicago event took place at the hip, West Loop space Loft on Lake, a creative venue with much character. With the venue’s high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and gorgeous skylight, runway production by Studio 808 and event production by our very own Factio Magazine, the show turned out beautifully. The décor was tropical with sand, tiki candles, plants, and white drapes framing the walls and gorgeous hues of ocean blue lighting thanks to Art of Imagination. With a cocktail hour starting at six, the 200+ guests were able to mingle before the show began, while sipping islandy cocktails from Pama and Hpnotiq.

The show started out by presenting Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas), with female models dressed in black or white leotards, simple hairstyles, and cateye makeup while the male models made a statement wearing loincloths while showing off accessories. One of Factio’s personal favorites was a lipstick red woven clutch with intricate shell detailing at the center to give the gorgeous accessory an island-themed look. Following was Nadya (Bali) who used stunning fabrics and a mixture of earthy tones and metalics, making each piece memorable. K-Bobby (Jamaica) took a more beachy approach with one of his most jaw-dropping pieces being an itty-bitty teeny-weeny brown monokini with a stunning teal overcoat. The brightest and most feminine looks however came from Eric Raisina (Madagascar). His unique creations ranged from a turquoise mod-like dress with a matching cap, to a hot one-shoulder red dress with feather-like fringe from head-to-toe.

DJ Megan Taylor from Fig Deejay played a mixture of reggae, electronic and upbeat tracks to match the models’ strut on the catwalk. As the sun set the venue got darker and the colored lights filling the room made for an even more sophisticated show.

Find out more about Islands of the World Fashion Week in Nassau this November 11-13th and be sure to visit www.islandsfashionweek.com. We'll see you at the shows!
-Leigh Loosbrock

Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas)

Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas)

Nadya (Bali)
Nadya (Bali)
K-Bobby (Jamaica)
K-Bobby (Jamaica)
Eric Raisina (Madagascar)
Eric Raisina (Madagascar)

*All photos by James Gustin, Figphoto.net

Factio Magazine's Fall Issue Launch Party and Dismero Presentation

Robin Balbo, Dismero's Andy D'Auria and JaDon Mendenhall

Dismero fell hard for Factio Magazine this Fall. The Factio Magazine fall Issue launch party at gallery space 4 Art in the Chicago Art District brought real fashion ads to life in hosting Dismero’s latest fashion shoot with designer and founder Andy D'Auria, Italian photographer Marco Pedde and Alessandro Cantoni, Dismero's art director from Italy. Guests enjoyed the first unedited views of the exclusive spread. The party was dotted with beautiful models in the latest Dismero clothing and makeup by the new head of Ulta on State Street, David Barnett – formerly of the John Barret Salon at Bergdorf Goodman. Andy D’Auria couldn’t help himself around all the beautiful guests as he pulled women one by one into the dressing room so that they too could model his new line. Fig Media DJ Megan Taylor shook up the space with cool euro tunes as guests enjoyed an assortment of designer sushi catered by Kohan Restaurant and deliciously sweet drinks accented with rock candies by Hpnotiq. Guests brimmed with goodies on their way home, receiving gift bags with Dismero t-shirts, Factio Magazine’s fall issue, and gift certificates. If you missed out, don’t worry; just make sure to pick up the latest issue of Factio Magazine for yourself!
-Jackie Medler

photos by Alyssa Blanchard

A Video Fashion Story: Designer Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy fall 2008, Sioux dress, $1,095
Buy: NET-A-PORTER.COM

Zac Posen is Coming to Town!

Zac Posen is coming to town! The designer will be in Chicago for a cocktail party tonight co-hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue that will benefit Steppenwolf's Auxiliary Council. Only a few get to go to the invite only soirée, which we will catch you up on soon, but in the meantime, check out our interview with Zac on his inspirations, his Chicago plans and his secret to beautiful dresses. If you do want to meet him, he will be on the floor at Saks Fifth Avenue at 700 N. Michigan Ave., on Thursday, April 10th from 1:00 pm. to 3:00 p.m.

RUNWAYTORETAIL: I know you've been creating designs for ages, even as a child, I heard that you were a cheeky lad, stealing yarmulkes from the synagogue to create ball gowns for dolls. Where does the drive to design come from for you?
ZAC POSEN: I’m influenced by the strength of the creative forces around me, the women in my life, art, my travels, horsebackriding, the women in my studio and visions that I see on the street.

RTR: Who influences your design? How do you keep the creativity flowing?
ZP: I think it’s important to make sure your life is filled with exploration, art, books, friends, family and good food.

RTR: I know that you're a friend of the Schnabel family. Have you seen Julian Schnabel's outlandishly stunning film The Diving Bell and Butterfly? What did you think? Does it inspire you in any way?
ZP: The film was fantastic. Any story that encourages dreams, fantasy, consideration of family, devotion, struggle and determination is important. It’s the essence of creativity.

RTR: Let's talk about fit. Your dresses are renowned for their ability to shape and flatter female bodies and still retain a cutting edge accessibility. How do you do it?
ZP: I prefer to drape on a form, which allows me to really use the body and shape to create my designs.

RTR: For the fall collection, what was the inspiration and the mood that you're after?
ZP: For fall I wanted to experiment with textures, primaries, organza and alternative perspectives for feminine suiting.

RTR: Any big plans while you're here in Chicago?
ZP: I am not in Chicago for long, my big plan is the show!
-Kari Skaflen