After making headlines last year, Next Fashion came back in 2012 during Fashion Focus Week Chicago. The show was once again a grand success featuring 12 designers with a special presentation from PAWS.
On Oct 16, 2012 a historical building in the Gold Coast neighborhood had opened its doors to the guests attending one of the most anticipated event in Chicago. Build in late 19th century, Grand Ballroom at Germania Place was a perfect backdrop for this theatrical Fashion Focus runway show.
Fashion Focus Chicago is one week long celebration of the thriving fashion industry being held in October. In its 8th year the week will feature headlining runway shows held at the Millennium Park and other fashion events at various locations around the city.
Months prior Rose Mandel of Mandel Productions had told us she had started planning for the show. It was summer yet and although it seemed there was still plenty of time to prepare, Rose knew to pull of a show like that she needed to start early. With the success of Next Fashion 2011, the bar was raised and no time could be wasted.
“It was a lot of hard work, a lot of sleep deprivation” shared Marco Foster, the associate producer and red carpet host for Next Fashion 2012.
The day came, the evening was spectacular and the show unforgettable. It was a pleasure to see that Marcus Riley, NBC 5 Chicago, and Candace Jordan, Candid Candace were once again hosts of the event.
Runway show presentation featured collections from twelve fashion designers and boutiques – Mark Roscoe, Studio Alade, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzalez, Just Human, Akira, Cleons, Sahar Dada, Meekis, Contessa Bottega, Mira Couture and Cory Couture.
Special runway segment was presented by PAWS and included adoptable rescue dogs walking the runway along with the models.
PAWS Chicago were the beneficiaries of the show and will be receiving a portion of the proceeds. The city’s largest ‘no kill’ humane organization was founded 1997 and has been focusing on building communities that respect and value the life of every cat and dog.
Media crew:
Video Reporter – Raven Mai
Event Video – Matt Mantyla, CrowdAround Media
Event Photography – Eric Michael Clarke
