Thursday, January 26, 2012

People Focus: Raven the Founder (genius) Behind Chicago Fashion Connect

I just got the opportunity to interview Raven, the founder behind Chicago Fashion Connect. I was very excited, since I am a HUGE fan of this organization that helps people in the Chicago Fashion Industry network with one another and to become noticed for their talent.

Me: What made you decide to create Chicago Fashion Connect? Tell us a little more about Chicago Fashion Connect (CFC)? 
Raven: There is so much talent in Chicago, it's a big city with a lot of artists and designers who work hard and create great work, beautiful clothing and jewelry. It's unfortunate that not all of them are known or getting the recognition that they deserve. CFC was created to address some of the hurdles that aspiring talent face when it comes to getting their name known and breaking into the industry. 

Pictures from CFC Networking Event, provided by Aaron Kissman
The mission of Chicago Fashion Connect is to place the fashion industry in the cultural spotlight by promoting emerging talent and create opportunities for fashion entrepreneurs to network, collaborate and grow. In the light of that mission CFC has been hosting networking events, as well as doing coverages of fashion events around the city, doing interviews with designers and photographers. 

Me: Why did you decide to stay in Chicago for your fashion career? 
Raven: There is a lot of potential here. 

Me: What are some upcoming events you will be hosting? 
 Raven: One of the upcoming events is the February Industry mixer on Feb 7th. The event is meant to create an encouraging and friendly setting for industry people to meet other fashion-minded professionals, network, find opportunities for future work or collaboration. To help guests to find the right contacts that they are looking for, we have color coded all the name tags. Designers are a light blue, models are yellow, photographers are green and etc. This way, if you're looking for someone in particular, for example a photographer for an upcoming photoshoot, all you have to do is scan the room for green colored tags.

Photo from CFC Event, by Aaron Kissman
Me: What are your future goals for Chicago Fashion Connect? 
Raven: Future plans right now is to grow bigger and better; create more opportunities in the industry, showcase designers, organize and host more events and expand the blog. CFC is also open for partnerships and collaborations, anyone wanting to work with us, reach out and let us know who you are. 

Me: What inspires you about Chicago Fashion? 
Raven: As I mentioned before there is a lot of potential in Chicago. There is a lot that has not been done here yet and a lot of room to grow; and that is inspiring. 

Thank you Raven!!!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Chicago Fashion Connect does it again......February Industry Mixer

The astonishing Chicago Fashion Connect is hosting another Fashion Industry Mixer this February!! The event takes place on Tuesday February 7th from 7-9pm at the BLT American Brasserie. The cost to partake in this event starts at $15 for students, $15 early bird special just till Jan 31st (so get tickets now), $25 after Jan 31st and $30 at the door. 

The Industry mixers that Chicago Fashion Connect hosts allows individuals in our Chicago Fashion Industry to network with one another. This networking event also features creative designer Thierry Roger, you can even meet him here!!!The mixers are a lot of fun, you meet a lot of fashion-orientated individuals and don't worry, there is even a wine open bar and appetizers!! Come and see what this popular event is all about. Just go to this site and get your tickets today!! http://fashionmixer-feb2012-esearch.eventbrite.com/?srnk=1 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Cool New Styling Website!! A Must Visit!!!!!!!!!

Attention Fashion Guru's, there is a new website, Stylitics, that basically keeps track of your entire wardrobe for you! You add all the different stores you go to, all your favorite outfits and you can even plan what you do for the day!! It is sooo fun and let me tell you addicting!! Also, the more items you add and outfits you check-in, the points you accumulate-so you can possibly win prizes!! (What can be better??? having fun and winning fashionable goods?)

Here are directions on how to get on!!! Go to Stylitics.com and enter your code (modas) and create your account. Then enjoy and have fun!!!! Let me know how it goes for you!!! 


Sunday, January 22, 2012

Help Half Stack Achieve their dreams......

The fab editors of the upcoming Half Stack magazine need your help!!! In order to finish the website and to print the magazine by it's launch date in March, Half Stack needs to raise money to complete those objectives. Visit this site and see how the magazine came about and donate what you can to make these ladies dreams come true...plus you will get a whole NEW magazine unlike any other Chicago-based publications. 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/halfstackmag/halfstack-magazine-launch?ref=video

The inspirational editors @ Half Stack