Qlix Magazine | Emerging fashion designers, photographers, stylists and editors from United States and Europe.

A couple of weeks ago, I had was contacted and personally invited by the Chicago editor of Laundry Magazine, Samm Mackin to an up and coming designer amongst the fashion community in Chicago…Christina Yi, fashion show at Lumen. Lumen is a night club situated in the West Loop. Now, I’m really not a big fan of fashion shows in night clubs, as a matter of fact I actually think it’s a quite distracting environment to showcase a collection amongst a tipsey and chatty crowd of fashionistas and fashionistos. However, being that I’m a HUGE fan of Laundry Magazine and respect their viewpoint just as much on the fashion scene, I thought I would check check it out.

Though the Chicago Zine Fest has come and going, I want to take this time to thank Jared Hatch, editor of Racked Chicago, for featuring us this past Friday, as the zine to watch!

Qlix feature on Racked.com

“Simplicity says it best” is what seems to scream out as each model strolled the down the runway during the Daks A/W 2011 show during London Fashion Week last month. The somber yet polished collection consisting of knits, to quilted and leather skirts to the sleek lined designed of capes and coats would serve as a “bell of class” for the most discerning of stylish taste. The various combination of earth-tones and dark hues, with an occasional surprise of color, gave the collection a sophistication without being stuffy aura. Kudos Filippo Scuffi (Daks head designer)!

View photos below:

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011

Daks A/W 2011 finale run

Daks A/W 2011 finale run

Daks designer, Filippo Scuffi

images courtesy of Paul Blundell

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

Corrie Nielsen A/W 2011

all images courtesy of Paul Blundell

Louise Gray never seems to disappoint no matter what week of show it is (fashion week, last week, this week, etc.). This time, during London Fashion Week, her creative and imaginative way of incorporating color and crafted design was no exception. The show displayed an array of looks that were just as fun as fashionably in-tuned with what our industry needs to do more of…not taking ourselves so seriously.

Louise Gray A/W 2011 @ London Fashion Week

Louise Gray A/W 2011 @ London Fashion Week

Louise Gray A/W 2011 @ London Fashion Week

Louise Gray A/W 2011 @ London Fashion Week

Louise Gray A/W 2011 @ London Fashion Week

All images courtesy of Paul Blundell

Chandeliers & Chicago Fashion

On Thursday, March 3rd Qlix Magazine attended the Chicago Fashion Foundation’s Fourth Annual Scholarship Award Benefit. Hosted at the Chicago History Museum guests traipsed through the black and white promenade while sipping on cocktails and bidding for the silent auction. Eight aspiring designer students—from Columbia College, the Illinois Institute of Art, and the International Academy of Design and Technology—showcased their work on the runway amidst brilliant chandeliers, a quaint orchestra piece, and a dj.

Project Runway's Peach Carr

Project Runway’s Chicago contestant, Peach Carr, hosted the event and followed the student’s work with her own runway show. As the panel of judges deliberated over eight unique design aesthetics, Peach Carr launched her Spring 2011 Collection of tennis separates promoting chic sportswear. The first place prize, a scholarship for $5,000, was awarded to Ana Laura Leon from the Illinois Institute of Art. The student’s winning design was a cocktail dress illustrious in varied neutral grays, blocking construction, and a sweetheart neckline.

Ana Laura Leon's Winning Design

Qlix Magazine shared in the enthusiasm of promoting the work of aspiring designers. As a non-profit organization the Chicago Fashion Foundation seeks to provide academic scholarships and educational programs for the city’s fashion community and the Annual Scholarship Award Benefit is simply one way the organization contributes to the creativity of emerging designers. For more information on the Chicago Fashion Foundation and to find out how you can become a member please visit their website.

First Place Winner

–Laura Lazzara

–Photo credit TUTTOBENE Photography courtesy of CFF

The Odd Molly presentation featured sets of models engaged in common acts of fabulousness: lounging around a bedroom, entertaining in a living room, conversing near the bar …you get the picture. The only difference was the addition of lush trees, which added a slight element of fantasy. The models held ripe red apples and crimson roses against garments made of silk and lace. Between the cardigans, ponchos and flowing hair, one may have thought these girls came straight from the 1970s. Merino leggings, knits, flannels and fur-trimmed coats told a story set in a retro, wintry mountain climate. It was Nordic and bohemian—in a word: Nohemian (or would it be Noho?). Era influences aside, the pieces still formed a modern collection replete with dresses, skirts and tunics in grey, indigo and soft pink. Slouchy laced tops and paisley prints could also be seen throughout many looks. Overall, designers Karin Jimfelt-Ghatan and Per Holknekt executed a cohesive collection full of femininity, nostalgia and detail. With the exception of a pair of jeans adorned with rose appliqué, vaguely reminiscent of something you’d see at an arts and crafts shop, the collection was quite solid.
– Marquita Harris

Odd Molly A/W 2011

Odd Molly A/W 2011

Odd Molly A/W 2011

Odd Molly A/W 2011

all images courtesy of Marquita Harris

Frank Tell began with eerie music accompanied by a short film strewn across several monitors on high. “It’s like creepy andro-chic,” exclaimed a woman behind me. She was right. In the film a model slowly jaunted in shredded knits and a painted white face through snowy woods for a few minutes. Then, the film ended, the lights came up and revealed what was a giant sandbox-like catwalk. The show began, and one-by-one out stomped a brigade of brunettes in braids (try to so say that 3 times), in fox trims, alligator jackets and an explosion of knits.

The collection was all about skin, texture to be exact. While it was not a departure from the designer’s focused aesthetic, it was a very clear detour from the cleaner palette and refinement from his Spring ’11 collection. This season’s palette included heavier doses of black, brown and dark moss. The models looked like woodland creatures in some kind of post-apocalyptic world. The movies Willow and Waterworld came to mind a few times throughout the beautifully inspired, brief 15-piece presentation.
— Marquita Harris

Frank Tell AW2011

Frank Tell AW2011

Frank Tell AW2011 finale

images and video courtesy of Marquita Harris

There’s the show and then there’s the side show. Our lady-about-town, Jada Russell, takes us on a 48 hour journey into her whirlwind of adventures during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, New York. Enjoy!

Now in it’s 2nd season at its new home, New York Fashion Week has settled in nicely at the Lincoln Center. Along with the absence of the tented lobby (and it’s cement floor), the mix of characters and well-branded perks are more prominent than ever. Those of us that have been around for sometime have watched the show transition into something quite grand. Footage and photos are now consumed globally in real time, so in addition to show coverage this season, we want to give you a sneak peak of what goes on during, between and after the shows, or what we call The Side Show…welcome to the Big Top:

Tuesday, February 15th

9:30 A.M.
Touched down at LaGuardia airport with just enough time to taxi to Central Park South and deal with any hotel check in drama the may ensue, transform from traveler to fashion guru and grab a coffee and croissant.

12:00 P.M.
Arrive at the Tent’s (wondering if everyone will eventually stop calling it “the tents” since the new façade and lobby are no longer housed in one). Grab the requisite mags/trades: The Daily (the fashion week bible that recaps and preludes the major highlights of the week), WWD, the official show schedule, as well as indie publications (which seems to be in fewer supply than usual). There is just enough time to see a few colleagues and quickly scan the sponsors sparkling set-ups.

The Daily

Mercedes Benz display

1:30 P.M.
Meet BCBG/Max Azria colleagues backstage at Herve Leger show. Buzz is building while media waiting for designers Lubov Azria and Max Azria (and the celebs) to arrive.

Max Azria being interviewed backstage

2:00 P.M.
Exit backstage, get settled in seat and watch the front row fill. Spotted: Model Karolina Kurkova (Victoria’s Secret Angel and Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador), singer Alexa Ray Joel, blogger Bryan Boy and fashion journalist Bill Cunningham, who has a documentary debuting in March.

street style photographer icon, Bill Cunningham

waiting for Herve Leger to beginning...

2:35 P.M.
The 2:00 P.M. start time has come and gone, but the crowd and media riser continue to grow. We meet our show neighbors and are encouraged to check out a new accessories designer at The Beauty Bar, presented by The Daily. Although Herve Leger is far from new talent (Qlix’s normal beat), they have emerged from the original line of bandage dresses to something quite spectacular. From the heavy use of hardware to the introduction of a flared skirt, a slim pant and extended hemlines, the collection offered a nice reprieve from their traditionally super short and tight cocktail dresses.

Herve Leger AW2011

Herve Leger AW2011

3:40 P.M.
While others beeline for Marc by Marc Jacobs showing downtown, surely with the hopes he starts late. The show starts on time and the late arrivals watch the show from the pit. I instead take time to experience the sponsored perks…aka, the newly introduced AOL Media Lounge.

Situated in the center of the lobby, the AOL Media Lounge is encased in glass providing a physical barrier without blocking the view. For the first time, journalists have a dedicated space to report and recharge. From here you have full view of the promo stations featuring Diet Pepsi, Mercedes Benz, Starbucks, Kim Crawford Wines, Essie and Maybelleine.

AOL Media Lounge

AOL Media Lounge overflow

Essie display booth @ the AOL Media Lounge

5:00 P.M.
We head across the street to the Miami Lounge at Empire Hotel were warm lights, palm trees, massages and cocktails are designed to transport frenzied show goers to South Beach, for a few hours at least. After glasses of champagne, nosh and an amazing 30-minute chair massage we head downtown to the next show.

Miami Lounge invite

7:00 P.M.
We arrive at Emerge a collective show featuring four independent designers: Dominique Auxilly, Sheila Rashid, Dawn Joi, and Project Runway (Season 5) contestant Terri Stevens. Fortunately the start time is pushed back a bit, so we arrive in enough time to squeeze in a few photo ops and to be seated front row. Dominique Auxilly’s unconventional use of tulle and Stevens’ tailored jackets were the standouts. During the show, tribute was paid to Audrey Smaltz, founder of The Ground Crew, one of New York’s leading show production companies. Smaltz’s award was presented by Harriet Cole.

l-r: Audrey Smaltz and Harriet Cole

Dominique Auxilly design

9pm
We arrive at the Paramount Hotel for a party and presentation by UK designer Suzie Turner, sponsored by Manhattan Magazine. The show, staged on the lobby’s dramatic staircase and illuminated by the massive crystal chandelier, paraded a mix of exquisitely constructed couture and ready to wear pieces that are intricately detailed and highly textured.

Suzie Turner fashion presentation

10:30pm
At this point we have to decide to continue on to events multiple events: Boy Meets Girl at Style 360, a fashion blogger tweet up, DJ ?uestlove spinning at Good Units, and vague word of mouth invites “come over to the party at the Time Warner Building…”. You may have noticed that there has been no mention of food thus far. So the group I was with heads off to one of the cities hidden gems – Ballato’s. We called ahead and they stayed open for our party. Since we had the restaurant to ourselves things got really comfortable for our party of eight. Huge portions and bottomless glasses of wine make for interesting conversation.

Wednesday, February 16th

9:30am
No time for coffee, mad dash to the Lincoln Center to catch Michael Kors. We make it seconds before the lights go down. This season’s collection is particularly special as Michael Kors celebrates their 30th Anniversary. We are inspired by Kors’ luxurious interpretations of ethic cultures. The reinterpretation of Indian sari’s and high African collars are both forward and wearable.

Michael Kors AW2011

Michael Kors AW2011

Michael Kors AW2011

1pm
We taxi to the Beauty Bar presented by The Daily. This two-day retreat offers complimentary services for celebs, media and VIP’s. The multi-level salon was buzzing with fashion mavens indulging in facials, hair treatments, massages, mani-pedis, makeup and more. Over cocktails and snacks of course. After a quick wax and picking up Hanes hosiery swag I head upstairs to meet designer Kerri Halpern of Madstone, an edgy collection of gold, stones, spiders and skulls. The collection, which debuted this week, was recently feature at the Imitation of Christ runway show. Perfect match!

Beauty Bar

Madstone @ the Beauty Bar

Beauty Bar

2pm
In the meat packing district for the next round of events. But first we grab lunch at Pastis, were we spot Helena Christensen and Oliver Theyskens. This is what I love about New York.

3pm
From Pastis we head to the Levi Store where I selected a pair of Demi Curve Skinny Jeans in black, from the “Go Curve” promo card i received earlier in the day. The new Curve ID collection starts with a measurement session and from there you are sized for a perfect fit. We love ours!

Curve ID promo card (front)

Next stop, the Improvd store launch. I learned about the store through celebrity stylist Alexander Allen who hosted pre-events over the weekend. There was lots of Twitter buzz about the hologram installation, so when Alexander invited us to stop by for the official opening, I added it to the calendar. The airy space incorporates video art presented by Nisian Hughes as a part of his ongoing project “Life Still”. This is by far one of the best fusions of art and fashion we have experienced.

Improvd store launch

Improvd store launch

5pm
Quick coffee and then off to David Zwiner gallery for the Philip-Lorca diCorcia exhibit. The works were selected from a series of eleven editorial projects the artist created for W magazine between 1997 and 2008. This is the first time diCorcia has exclusively exhibited his fashion photography in New York. His work is best described as the exploration of the idea of the “indecisive moment” and revolve around a tension between the casual and the posed, the accidental and the fated. Inspired.

Philip-Lorca diCorcia exhibit @ David Zwiner Gallery

Philip-Lorca diCorcia exhibit @ David Zwiner Gallery

images courtesy of Jada Russell and IMG

The Oscar Dress Challenge is in full swing and 3 designers are representing Chicago with smooth sophistication and class via their dress entries. Miriam Cecilia Carlson (a Qlix featured designer and favorite..yes we are a bit biased), James De Colon, and Borris Powell are all in competition with 6 other designers from around the country. The winning gown will be decided by online voting and will be worn by the award escort on stage during the Academy Awards (February 27, 2011). The challenge runs from Feb. 16-21. So make sure you cast your vote, and yes you can vote once a day. Vote Here!

Miriam Cecilia Carlson

James De Colon

Borris Powell

TO EVERYONE: MUCH LOVE AND LUCK FROM QLIX!!!!!

images courtesy of Zimbio