Christina Yi's Premiere FW 2011 "East-West" Fashion Show

If there's one thing I've learned at Columbia, it's don't under estimate student work. Christina Yi, a current senior at Columbia for fashion design, is a name you need to know-- now. Her aesthetic is McQueen meets Vivienne Westwood with Eastern flair. 

I got the wonderful opportunity to work backstage at her first independent show, sponsored by Akira Chicago, Michael Antonio Shoes, Wolverine Shoes and presented by Lumen, a trendy club on West Fulton Market. Her Fall/Winter 2011 line was filled with versatile separates that were deceptively western in style but eastern in influence. Not only can Christina gives you yards of silk chiffon, but she also brings tailored menswear into her line along with fur and leather details.

She's quickly becoming a master of her craft and each collection is developing into eclectic American sportswear. 

Model Katy Elizabeth and Make-up Artist Celine Zeiger

Katy's hair, done by Elizabeth Ankenman

Western, cowboy inspired menswear.

I think what I love most about Christina's collection is her use of bullets, gun holsters and other oddball accessories. Obsessed with this bullet belt.

Fur. Shorts. I. Die.

Black leather, scalloped pants.

Amazing.

Structural leather bodice, even Lady GaGa would be jeal.

Katy's wearing a lace top for the collection.

The chiffon skirt was specialty dyed by Christina.

Pre-Show Line-up

(10 Looks Are Not Shown)

Ready to walk.

Because I love a good shoe.

Because I was backstage helping out, I unfortunately missed the actual show but my girl, Nicole has all of the looks caught on the catwalk at Whiskey & Reverb. So check it out to see each individual look on the runway. 

The show ran smoothly and successfully due to all the amazing help Christina received from the Akira team, Lumen, friends and family members. Make sure to check out her site, Christina Yi and start obsessing over refined student work before it's out of our price range. You can get Christina Yi scarves at ShopColumbia located at 623 S. Wabash.

"Fashion marks time." - Yohji Yamamoto

The Beat Kitchen

Last night's adventure took me and two friends, (fellow music blogger and photographer Nicole, and music producer Alex) to 2100 W. Belmont at The Beat Kitchen to see Taylor Momsen's band, The Pretty Reckless. 

If you want to see the full review of the show head to Whiskey & Reverb. But I must say, nothing brings out the inner rock and roll child than gritty grunge music. Especially when it's Little J dressed in full latex, thigh high nylons, stripper heels and dark make-up. Rock concert fashion is completely different than the daily grind, so enjoy and feel free to blast some Pretty Reckless.

Studs & Plaid 

Leather & Doc Martens

All Black (all the time) & Animal Prints

Classic Rock Tees & More Leather

Bustiers meet flannel.

The gossip girl, herself. 

I wasn't kidding about the latex.

And like any rock show, the obligatory bathroom snapshot:

"Rebel style never goes out of fashion. It's all about confidence and attitude. Sometimes all it takes is a swagger!" - Kitty Boots

Cynthia Rowley Trunk Show : Bucktown

Nothing brings out the fabulous fashionistas of Chicago better than champagne, Vosges Haut Chocolate and fabulous fashion from Cynthia Rowley. I went away with an amazing black leather crossbody bag and some serious bangles.

Blazers & Bindis 

Model Shiyonna Felder rockin' thigh high boots.

Emily Draznik & Kait Cutler

Blogger Jon Fab HauteWax

Sarah Whitman & Sabrina Wottreng

Killer Louboutins.

Bloggers Annie Schwab & Claire Schultz of StreetStyleLove 

Me and my girl Carleigh Rinefierd and our matching Cynthia Rowley bags.

Hope to see you all at the next event. 

"Enjoy your life, fashion is not that important." - Dries van Noten

Chicago Burger Bar

In Chicago we love our food and we love it artisan. Chicago Burger Bar is the best place for a grass fed burger with a handcrafted beer and of course fun with friends. Juneanne's dinner and drinks style was eclectic and inspiring. I'm loving her Forever 21 scarf wrapped like a skirt over basic black leggings. Topped off with an Express black turtleneck and a knitted scarf from Akira, Juneanne looks perfect for dinner on North Avenue. It's no surprise one of her icons is Kate Moss. 

"Fashion is transient, trends come and go. I believe in style, not fashion." - Ralph Lauren

33 East Congress

Kim, a photography major at Columbia caught my attention with her fabulous nails and Chicago/Parisian style. Dressed in Gilly Hicks denim leggings, an H&M striped sailor tee, Forever 21 blazer and Steve Madden boots she's sophisticated and effortless. But her nails scream individuality. With an American Apparel sea foam green base coat, white vertical stripes and a glitter top coat, Kim's nails are a look all their own. 

Kim enjoys lookbook for new fashion ideas along with chictopia. You can find Kim on blogspot, MilkPearls or Tumblr, Kimchu to see what else she's up to.

"I like to think that I can introduce people to the idea of simplicity and elegance." - Giorgio Armani