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WITH
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FASHION FOCUS
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SPECIAL ISSUE
BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS WHERE
RUNWAY MEETS REALITY
STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE +
HAUTE MEETS HEART™
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INSIDE
STYLE ME.
ENTERTAIN ME.
INFORM ME.
INDULGE ME.
INSPIRE ME.
EMPOWER ME.™
CORRECTION
In the September issue, we referenced
Kelly Aaron as Vice President of Ever-
lights as part of our Movers + Shakers
BLAST OFF! ALLISON MASLAN 20 feature. She is the President of the
company. We regret this error.
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Iya Bakare
24
Valencia Davis
EDITORIAL INTERN
Becky Lerner
FASHION FOCUS CHICAGO
ART
The city comes together to celebrate the
best in established and aspiring designers CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR
with week-long shows, shopping events Ricardo Ford
and parties. This look by Miriam Cecilia
was definitely a ‘wow’ moment of the ADMINISTRATIVE
show, according to Amy Creyer of Chicago
StreetStyle Scene. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Ashley Brodarick
chicagofashionresource.com
chicagostreetstyle.com CONTACTS
PHOTO AMY CREYER ADVERTISING
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ON THE COVER BLAST OFF!
FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION PUBLISHER
The LB Group LLC
Katie Sniadach Reproduction without permission is prohibited
Serial entrepreneur and life coach Allison Maslan
Nineteen year Katie is our fresh face for the takes you step by step through her comprehensive
month as she graces our special beauty coaching program designed to help you discover what SUBSCRIPTIONS
spread in recognition of breast cancer your true calling is, whether in life, love or work. US One year for $48
awareness. CANADA One year for $58
myblastoff.com INTERNATIONAL One year for $80
agencygalatea.com
Payments in US funds must accompany all Canadian
PHOTO ROD ROBERTS and international orders. Checks payable to The LB
STYLING/MAKEUP + HAIR KRISTA GOBELI Group LLC.
Copyright© 2010 ME: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. All text, images, graphics and other materials in this publication and the website are subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of ME:
IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC and other respective contributors, affiliates and/or submitters. These materials may not be reproduced, distributed, modified or reposted to other publications or websites without the ex-
press written permission of ME: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC or other respective copyright holders. The photos on the following pages of this issue, unless otherwise credited, are copyrighted property of The LB Group LLC and
express written permission must be granted for any usage. Any photos not noted above, and not specifically credited, are obtained from publicly shared/open license sources and/or databases. The marks appearing in this publi-
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serve the right, however, to make changes at any time, without notice, in the editing of the publication therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some links and/or contact information provided in this publication may lead
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have no control or responsibility for the content of independent sites and/or nature of third party establishments/businesses and we provide these links and/or contact information to our readers solely for their convenience.
LINDSAY AVNER
Lindsay Avner’s passion for breast and ovarian cancer awareness stems from personal
experience. Her mother fought both diseases when Lindsay was only 12 and she lost both
her grandmother and great-grandmother to breast cancer before she was born. In June
2005, right after graduating from the University of Michigan, Lindsay tested positive for
a mutation on the BRCA1 gene, indicating she had a lifetime risk of up to 87 percent of
developing breast cancer and 54 percent of developing ovarian cancer. Vowing not to let
the disease strike her, as it had three generations of women before her, she opted to have a
bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. At the time, Lindsay was the youngest patient nationally
to opt for the procedure.
It was during her experience that Lindsay realized the lack of resources for women in her
specific situation—young women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. After honing
her marketing skills while working in brand management at Unilever, Lindsay founded
Bright Pink in January 2007 to share her experience and resources with other young wom-
en across the country.
Lindsay was named ‘A Woman to Watch’ by the Chicago Sun Times (2008), an ‘Action
Hero’ by Women’s Health magazine (2008) and is the youngest recipient of the Anti-
Defamation League’s ‘Rising Star’ award (2009). Lindsay serves as co-chair of the Young
Women’s National Advisory Council for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Lindsay’s story
and work has been profiled in such media outlets as the Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan,
Shape, Glamour, Chicago Magazine, New York Times, New York Post, The Today Show
and CNN.
ALLISON MASLAN
Allison Jill Maslan, HHP, CCH is president of Blast Off! Life and Business Coaching,
an international motivational speaker and best-selling author. She is an avid entrepreneur,
building nine of her own businesses in many different industries. Allison has coached
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONTRIBUTORS
thousands of clients in developing and achieving their own successful life and business
ventures. She has been an expert guest on several FOX, NBC and ABC news shows across
the country.
In her new No. 1 book, Blast Off! The Surefire Success Plan To Launch Your Dreams
Into Reality, Allison gives tips for tapping into your passions and finding a fulfilling career
or hobby. Blast Off! (Morgan James Publishing, January 2010) is her first book. For more
information, visit MyBlastOff.com.
Allison lives in Cardiff, Calif. with her husband, Mike, and their three dogs. Her daughter,
whom she raised primarily as a single mom after her own life changes, is currently attend-
ing college.
EDITOR’S LETTER
BEE LI SHARES HER THOUGHTS
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the October issue. By shar- to come together in the name of tolerance,
ing the personal struggles and triumphs inclusiveness and diversity. And it’s because
of the brave women in this special breast of love for ourselves that we take charge of
cancer issue, we hope to put a human face our own health, find our inner strength, ac-
on one of the most important health top- cept our imperfections and, as Nigel Barker
ics for women today—a disease that will told me, embrace beauty as “being authen-
affect one in eight women in her lifetime. tically individual.”
While we tend to think of February as the
month for love, I personally think that Oc- Be Good.
tober best reflects its true meaning. It’s be-
cause of love for the women in our lives
that we come together as a nation to raise
funds and awareness for breast cancer re-
search and screening, while supporting them
every step of the way. It’s because of love
that we support our LGBT friends, family
and colleagues during October’s observance
of LGBT History Month. With several cases
of bullying making the headlines in recent
weeks, it has never been more pressing for us
= Photographer, humanitarian and America’s Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker explains how he
sees beauty through his eyes and lens as a photographer. In his new book, Nigel Barker’s Beauty
Equation, Nigel outlines the importance of self-confidence and how it relates to the
g essence of beauty.
beautyequation.com
INTERVIEWED BY BEE LI
BEE: How do you define beauty? NIGEL: My favorite photographs are tak- NIGEL: As a photographer, you have to
NIGEL: Being beautiful means being an in- en in the most unusual circumstances, such find the essence and natural element of the
dividual, being unique and being you. This as the natural disaster in Haiti. These are person you’re photographing to take a fan-
is true authenticity. All too often young moments that move people, which moti- tastic picture. The model should be able to
women see models retouched on magazine vated me to write my book. With my life talk with his or her eyes. Some of the best
covers and aspire to be like them. Our im- as a husband and father and my career, I photographers I’ve worked with are able to
perfections are some of the very things that still felt there was a hole in my life. As a squeeze your heart and caress it.
make us perfect because they tell a story. philanthropist, I found what was missing.
As a person, you want to be more than a My four-year-old son told me he was going BEE: What’s your biggest piece of advice
fad. Be iconic. None of us want to be last to wear his ‘Save the Seals’ t-shirt today, and for young women?
season. I think that’s what counts. NIGEL: Buy my book (he says with a smile).
BEE: Tell us how your work as a humanitar- BEE: You were a model before you were a
ian shaped you into the person you are today. photographer. How do you perceive people
from a different set of ‘eyes’?
PHOTO ROGIE CRUZ
ME: IN FOCUS Magazine, in collaboration with the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, gathered for our fall
fashion and entrepreneur party on Tuesday, October 5, in the upstairs lounge at Rockit Bar & Grill to celebrate the
magazine’s September 2010 issue. Black tablecloths draped over high pub tables were accented with pink ribbons
and candle votives, contrasting the wood-clad décor in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. September’s cover
girl and media personality Brittney Payton spoke about the importance of breast cancer awareness and taking re-
sponsibility for one’s health. She took a moment to honor strong women in society and those who are fighting breast
cancer. A veritable list of fashionistas, readers, contributors and spotlighted entrepreneurs attended the event. ME:
IN FOCUS editor-in-chief Bee Li spoke briefly to acknowledge the featured female entrepreneurs highlighted in the
magazine’s September issue. Appetizers, champagne cocktails, as well as tunes from the resident DJ, kept the night
flowing seamlessly as guests perused magazines, mingled and networked. The event benefited Walter & Connie
Payton Foundation. Many thanks to our sponsors: Rockit Bar & Grill and Eli’s Cheescake.
THE SCENE
CHICAGO STYLE
Out, About + On the Town.
NIGEL BARKER
VISITS MACY’S ON STATE STREET IN CHICAGO
Chicago took an exotic trip to the Garden of Eden at AKIRA’s 7th Annual Garden
of Eden Fashion Show Benefit, Folklorique, on Sunday, September 26 at the
courtyards of Galleria Marchetti. The pre-fashion show entertainment of music
and dance performances were provided by the Chicago Cultural Alliance.
Dina Blair, WGN news anchor and cancer survivor, along with B96’s Julian,
emceed the event. AKIRA presented its fall fashion trends from various design-
ers. They included Hudson denim, Dorsia, Wolverine, Sam Edelman, Dumond,
Michael Antonio and PF-Flyers Footwear. The show benefits Imerman Angels.
SUE OLSEN
A TRUE SPORT
Sue Olsen, mother of Chicago Bear tight end
Greg Olsen (#82), tells us how she tackled breast
cancer and how, through her own story and her
son’s organization Receptions for Research, she
champions breast cancer research and other
breast cancer survivors.
receptionsforresearch.org
FAR LEFT + RIGHT/ ANDREA GORDON + DAVID SACK OF THE LYNN SAGE CENTER RESEARCH FOUNDATION; CENTER/ SUE + GREG OLSEN
Anita Care, a division of Anita Inter- The Zebra Pen Corporation created Amplivox Sound Systems is using its
national, partnered with the Susan a clip-on pink ribbon retractable pen product to ‘speak up’ about breast cancer
G. Komen Breast Cancer Founda- in efforts to support breast cancer awareness. The Chicago-area company
tion to design and develop a limited awareness and will donate a percent- manufactures and sells portable sound
edition Pink Bra for post mastectomy age of the sales to the National systems, lecterns and podiums. Amplivox
patients. Anita International is a Breast Cancer Foundation. The easily developed a campaign specifically for
family-owned body wear and medical refillable pen is made from 70 percent this cause. The company’s ‘Pink Podium
product company for care after breast post-consumer waste materials. Promise’ includes a donated pink podium
PHOTOS OBTAINED FROM COMPANY WEBSITES
surgery based out of Germany and is With both black and pink ink, the pen by request for those who speak out about
represented in 19 countries world- clips on and can serve as a pin when breast cancer education.
wide. Anita Care Manager Andrea placed in your shirt pocket. Visit the
Barbera says proceeds for this global Zebra Pen Corporation’s website Free donations for all breast cancer events!
initiative go to women in Africa who or find a pen at major office supply Contact:
can’t afford or aren’t exposed to retailers.
mammograms. On Oct. 16, Anita Nancy Gernstein
Care presented a $35,000 check at $5.50 Creative Marketing Associates
the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Susan G. Zebra Pen Corporation 847 401 0384
Komen Race for the Cure for funds zebrapen.com nancy@creativemarketingassociatesinc.com
raised from Pink Bra purchases. komen.org
nationalbreastcancer.org Podium manufactured by:
$45 Amplivox Sound Systems
Anita International ampli.com
anita.com
MY STORY
I was diagnosed three months before my cally exhausting, well I’d be lying. I would say to really listen and actually
30th birthday and three months after I be- My husband, family and friends have been abide by the phrase you so often hear when
came engaged, so there were quite a few unbelievably solid from the beginning. I be- leaving many doctors’ offices, ‘Take care of
PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY KELLOGG WOJCIK
ups and downs over a short period of came a member of Gilda’s Club after read- yourself.’ As women, I believe, we naturally
time. When I found the lump, the breast ing that their organization promotes atten- nurture those around us and somehow find
cancer was quite advanced and aggressive, dance from not only the person diagnosed, ourselves at the back of the line. My hus-
so you can imagine the immediate shock I but anyone affected by the diagnosis. I find band, family and friends have been the forc-
was feeling. Everything was happening so comfort in knowing that my family and es that propel me to the front of the line.
incredibly fast. A mastectomy was in order, friends have a place to go when they too are Making sure to ask for help when I need
as well as the usual suspects—chemo, radi- feeling overwhelmed. I also found Stepha- it, and most importantly, taking charge of
ation and in my case, hormone treatment. I nie Davies of SD Rehab through a friend my healthcare by becoming proactive have
was tested for the genetic mutation shortly and she has been an amazing resource and been crucial in my fight. Of course there
after my surgery and the outcome was posi- friend to me. I originally contacted Stepha- are lonely times, but know that there is
tive for BRCA1. I’ve been fighting breast nie after my first surgery for rehabilitation absolutely no reason to take this on alone.
cancer now for two and a half years and if purposes and still use SD Rehab as a facility Reach out. Stay informed. Take charge.
I said it hasn’t been emotionally and physi- for healing.
YASEMIN ZEYTINOGLU I find myself becoming more and more a for me to monitor my own health. The or-
BRIGHT PINK reflection of my mother. My older sister ganization has helped me remain proactive
National Account Coordinator and Yoga
Instructor will often comment that I am just like my about my own breast and ovarian health
Age 26 mother. Those sentiments definitely ease and helped me realize the importance of
the pain knowing that I am her continua- living a healthy and active lifestyle.
MY STORY tion. My mother delighted in entertaining Find friends who share similar experienc-
and hosting dinner parties for her friends es. Only someone who has gone through
I was 14 years old when my mom was di- and family. It has also become one of my a similar experience can truly understand
agnosed with breast cancer. I distinctly re- favorite things to do. Making friends who you. Remember your loved ones. Share
member taking the day off school (I was a share similar stories has also helped me your stories, share the laughter and share
sophomore in high school at the time) and cope. Realizing that my story is anything the tears, especially as the number of years
PHOTO COURTESY OF YASEMIN ZEYTINOGLU
going to the doctor with my mom and dad. but unique has helped me accept the loss your loved one has been gone continues to
I really didn’t understand the severity and of my mother. grow, so remember them often. Be proac-
was confused when both the doctor and A very dear friend who is high risk intro- tive about your own breast health. Know
my parents came out to the waiting room duced me to an organization called Bright your own risk for breast cancer.
to tell me that my mother had breast can- Pink several years ago. Bright Pink’s sole
cer. It wasn’t until several years later that I mission is to provide strength and support
realized my mother had an aggressive form to young women at high risk for breast and
of breast cancer in a late stage. ovarian cancers. Being part of Bright Pink
Coping is an ongoing process. The loss of was the first time I met so many young
my mother has never gotten easier. I think women who shared similar experiences.
about her every single day. As years pass, Bright Pink has been an incredible resource
LORRAINE GIBSON always keeping a smile on her face so that ened, and over the course of a year, she had
BRIGHT PINK her girls (her three daughters and grand- a hospice nurse come to our apartment and
Research Project Coordinator
Age 28 daughter) wouldn’t be worried, even though give her treatment. The cancer was taking
I’m sure she felt some pain and probably a hold of her body. It eventually led to her
had some fears about her diagnosis. being on permanent bed rest. The hospital
MY STORY After her treatment, she went into remis- recommended she have a hospital bed set
sion. The doctors told her that there was up at home.
When my mother, Linda King, was origi- still a chance that the cancer would return Every morning, before I went to school, I
nally diagnosed with breast cancer, I was and if so, it would most likely be more ag- would see my mother lying in her hospital
about 10 years old and she was about 41 gressive and the chances of beating the bed in our living room and it was such a dif-
years old. Even though I was very young, breast cancer, should it return, would be ficult experience for me. It was as though
there are a few things that I remember from slim to none. Four years later, the cancer I could feel her slowly moving on and it
that experience. I remember finding out came back and it was indeed very aggres- hurt me so much because I felt as though
that one of her breasts had been removed. sive. the woman who meant so much to me was
I later learned that procedure was called a Once again, she went through chemother- leaving me and there was nothing I could
mastectomy. From that day on, she wore apy and it lead to hair loss. But this time, it do to stop it. She fought for as long as she
padding in her bra when she went out in was different and she was really sick. Even- could, and I vividly remember the moment
public. I also remember her going through tually, things that were once easy for her be- she passed away. I remember thinking that
chemotherapy and I remember that lead to came increasingly difficult. Sometimes she my world came to an end and I was shat-
her losing her hair. But even in the midst would be really tired and experience short- tered. I didn’t want to get out of bed the
of all that, I remember her strength. I still ness of breath. She would lose her balance next morning. I didn’t want to face anyone.
remember her going to work every day and at times and get dizzy. Her condition wors- I just didn’t want to deal with my mother’s
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROD ROBERTS
rodrobertsphotos.com
myblastoff.com
BECKY: Your book is designed to motivate I’ve been an entrepreneur for a long time. It BECKY: Did you find much overlap? How
individuals to reassess their lives so they can was a tough time when my daughter was lit- did you find a way to leave work at work?
pursue their passion(s) and find fulfillment. tle and it was really stressful. When I started ALLISON: Funny as it seems, overlapping
What is the overall message you have for our my advertising and PR business, I really ran wasn’t an issue because I really enjoyed it,
readers? myself into the ground. That was the turn- it was part of my personal life. I did learn
ALLISON: I talk to women all the time ing point where I really stopped and said, after that first relationship that sometimes
who feel it’s never the right time or they ‘What am I doing with my life?’ I decided at you have to put it down and close the door.
don’t deserve to embrace their most pas- that point I was only going to involve my- I do trapeze flying and I did modern dance
sionate and creative life because of their self in things I’m really passionate about. for years. I know creatively, physically and
responsibilities. Take it from me, a single When you’re passionate about things, it fills emotionally how important it is to fill our-
mom for a long, long time. Everyone has you up. It shouldn’t drain you. I would in- selves up with people, activities and pas-
the power to create a life that she feels volve my daughter in those things that I got sions that we love.
completely fulfilled with and excited about. involved in. She’s grown up to see a strong
One that is in line with her dreams and pas- woman who creates life and takes on that BECKY: I know a good portion of your
sions with what she would love to do for perspective. professional life has been dedicated to ho-
her life. We are the ones who really stop meopathy and living healthy. How would
ourselves, and when we open up the doors BECKY: How did you include your husband? you describe homeopathy as it pertains to
to the possibilities, it’s a magical world out ALLISON: We are actually celebrating our you? Do you eat only organic food? How
there. We just have to give ourselves per- anniversary this weekend! About five years do you handle that in public at restaurants,
mission to step into it. ago, I realized I’m manifesting and creat- bars, etc.?
ing these things in my career, and I should ALLISON: I discovered homeopathy dur-
BECKY: Nine businesses! With such an be able to manifest things in my romantic ing a really stressful time. Part of it was my
ambitious career, how did you balance a life. So I did, and I met my soul mate. He own personal growth. It helps me keep my
family life and your work life? also runs businesses. I realized from my mind clear and help keep me balanced. I
ALLISON: It’s been a journey. I don’t run first relationship that my partner needed tell people who are thinking about living
nine businesses right now, but I currently to be entrepreneurial-minded like me or it a restricted life or dieting to pay attention
run three or four. I started out in college. wouldn’t work. to what it is that you’re giving you body. I
TERRY SAVAGE, BRENDA LOUBE, SHEILA C. JOHNSON, JANICE M. CHRISTIANSEN, S. CAROL DOUGAL & HEDY M. RATNER
chicagofashionresource.com
FROM LOCAL DESIGNER JESS AUDEY (PARTICIPATED IN MACY’S SHOW LAST YEAR AND WILL BE IN THE
CHICAGO FASHION INCUBATOR SHOW THIS YEAR)
IYA: With Melissa Gamble’s departure as nology Chicago and the School of the Art Cultural Planning with DCA and the act-
Director of Fashion for the city of Chi- Institute Chicago. ing liaison with the Mayor’s Fashion Coun-
cago, how will it affect this year’s Fashion In its sixth year and running from October cil (MFC) working with MFC on industry
Focus? 18-24, Fashion Focus Chicago showcases needs and education opportunities in Chi-
KIRAN: This year, the Chicago Office of some of the city’s top designers. It also fea- cago fashion. I work with COT and handle
Tourism, a division of the Department of tures runway shows in Millennium Park and all programming, events, as well as media
Cultural Affairs, is partnering with the in- at various locations around the city with relations and am the spokesperson for all
dustry to help market and produce the run- shopping events and industry seminars. the fashion initiatives.
way shows taking place in Millennium Park. IYA: Other than the Chicago Fashion In-
Fashion Focus Chicago 2010 is a collabo- IYA: What are the next steps to promote cubator (CFI), what are some other initia-
ration with the headlining show producers fashion in Chicago? tives the city of Chicago has for aspiring
that include the Chicago Fashion Incuba- KIRAN: The responsibilities of the former fashion designers in the fashion industry?
tor, Macy’s, Mario Tricoci, StyleChicago. Director of Fashion, Arts & Events have KIRAN: Launched in 2007, ChicagoFash-
com, along with the city’s four fashion de- been divided among a couple of employees ionResource.com is a free website that
sign schools: Columbia College Chicago, within the Department of Cultural Affairs connects designers, boutiques and neigh-
the Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago, the (DCA) and the Chicago Office of Tour- borhoods to consumers, in addition to pro-
International Academy of Design & Tech- ism (COT). Julie Burros is the Director of viding resources and opportunities for the
local fashion industry. In addition to Fash- 2011 fashions from some of the most tal-
ion Focus Chicago, there are two shopping ented designers in the city. The kickoff
events that take place in the summer and show is presented by Macy’s and features
winter for designers to sell their merchan- 14 designers from the Chicago Fashion
dise to consumers. The Chicago Sidewalk Incubator (both past and present). The
Sale takes place annually in July at Daley following night, Mario Tricoci is hosting
Plaza and Glitter, a holiday shopping event, his own show and will be featuring looks
takes place in early December at the Chi- from five local fashion designers, and will
cago Cultural Center. The Mayor’s Fashion announce the winner of their 3rd annual
Council also hosts quarterly educational ‘Mario Make Me a Model’ contest. ‘Dress
and networking events for the Chicago Code’ is a great show to get a sneak peek
fashion community. into who is next in Chicago fashion. Pre-
sented by the four fashion design schools,
IYA: What should we look for at this year’s the runway show is the debut of up and
Fashion Focus? coming local fashion talent. The shows at
KIRAN: Fashion Focus Chicago 2010 is Millennium Park conclude with StyleChica-
a week-long celebration filled with spring go.com’s ‘Art of Fashion’ runway presenta-
FROM LOCAL DESIGNER LARA MILLER (PARTICIPATED IN MACY’S SHOW LAST YEAR AND WILL NOW BE
PARTICIPATING IN ART OF FASHION BY STYLECHICAGO.COM THIS YEAR)
tion that showcases looks from established discuss topics such as intellectual property, people choose to start their businesses here.
designers Elda de la Rosa, Lauren Lein, local and international sourcing and mas- IYA: What do you think are some challeng-
Lara Miller, Paul Sisti and others. tering social media. es within the industry in this city?
The week is also filled with independent KIRAN: The challenges for fashion de-
designer showcases from Horacio Nieto IYA: What do you see as some great features signers in Chicago are the same as they are
and Borris Powell, along with large scale about the Chicago fashion industry? for any designer working in today’s world.
shopping events like Modern Vintage and KIRAN: Chicago is an industry of entre- The economy is the biggest obstacle for
more intimate trunk shows with designers preneurial businesses and people continue them all. A great trend that’s homegrown
Elise Bergman and Alice Berry. to move here from New York City, Los An- is local retailers want to carry more Chi-
It all culminates with a full day of free geles and other cities to start their fashion cago designers. Hopefully, this will result in
education seminars hosted by the Mayor’s businesses. Fashion in Chicago is a lively helping to stimulate our economy and build
Fashion Council and featuring local fashion community and exciting because designers Chicago fashion businesses. In the mean-
organizations such as the Apparel Industry are not bound by the trends and commercial time, there are organizations, schools, busi-
Board Inc., Chicago Fashion Foundation, nature of the industry. Designers in Chicago nesses and the City of Chicago here to help
Chicago Fashion Incubator and Fashion push the limits of design. This city is dif- foster and grow the Chicago fashion scene.
Group International-Chicago. The semi- ferent, entrepreneurial-friendly and a sup-
nars also include Chicago businesses who portive community, which are reasons why
locallookbook.com
BY IYA BAKARE
ZAMRIE
Chicagoland native Ashley Zygmunt started her
own line, ZAMRIE, while she was a design stu-
dent at the Chicago Fashion Incubator. ZAM-
RIE features a couture look of tailored blouses
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAPHNE ORTIZ OF PRALLIANCE
BAR DEVILLE
Translated to ‘bar of the city’, this laid-back
location is everything a good bar should be.
Located in the Ukranian Village, this tavern
offers everything from awesome European
décor to free pool. Look forward to good
vibes and talented bartenders at this neigh-
borhood hangout.
HOT SPOTS
LET YOUR SOUL UNWIND
From low-key taverns to swanky rooms
with sultry sounds, soothe your soul at some
of Chicago’s hottest hangouts.
BY EMILY LUFT
FACTUALLY PINK
A PHOTO ESSAY
IN HER
WOMEN
LIFETIME
(OR 12.6%
WILL GET
OF ALL WOMEN)
BREAST CANCER
OF
EVERY
13 MINUTES
A WOMAN DIES
BREAST CANCER
77%
OF
ALL WOMEN
WITH
BREAST CANCER
ARE OVER 50
MODEL CHARDE MOORE STYLING/HAIR + MAKEUP KRISTA GOBELI
MORE THAN
1.7 MILLION
WOMEN WHO
HAVE HAD
BREAST CANCER
ARE STILL
ALIVE
IN THE U.S.
THE
FIRST SIGN
OF
BREAST CANCER
USUALLY
SHOWS UP ON
A WOMAN’S
MAMMOGRAM
BEFORE IT CAN
BE FELT
OR
OTHER SYMPTOMS
ARE PRESENT
YOU ARE
NEVER TOO
YOUNG
TO DEVELOP
BREAST CANCER
BREAST
SELF EXAM
SHOULD BEGIN
BY THE
AGE OF 20
PINK PARTIES
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS
Fill in your social calendar with these October events.
OCTOBER 1-31
prettycity.com
312 435 9391
bebrightpink.org
Hilton Towers
720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
lynnsage.org
violettarantula.blogspot.com
BY VALENCIA DAVIS
THE COLD CARESS OF FALL sent a chill across wood paneling throughout, and shades of great,” I said. “Thanks, so does yours,” she
me, leaving a tiny army of goose bumps be- browns, deep greens and oranges that were replied. I thanked her, giving my bangs a
hind, marching up the length of my body at the perfect setting for an early fall day. Af- shake across my forehead, combing my
the speed of light. The leaves had already ter routinely admiring all there was to see fingers through them. Finally I plopped
begun to die, whisking around my head, inside, my eyes shifted towards Stephanie down in the chair opposite her. “So what’d
dancing in familiar circular motions around who was sitting in a corner with a book you wanna talk to me about?” she asked as
my feet and the boots that it was finally in front of her face. The sun shone from her face quickly changed and became con-
time to pull out of my closet. My mind was outside the window she was sitting directly cerned. “Well, that thing we went to a
racing and the comfort of cold clay on my below, at a small weathered lime green ta- couple weeks ago, the networking event, I
palms was tugging deep, but there is a time ble. The rays of light poured down on her met a lady there who wants to work with
and place for everything. Fate was taking tresses of gold, making there appear to be me. This South African lady that had these
my mindset for a ride as my very last semes- rivers of shimmering satin pouring down black eyes like coals.” “South Africa! Very
ter of grad school was looming in my favor, the sides of her face, and along her sweater nice. This could be really good for you.
just as opportunity was knocking loud and that was a citrus pink and looked soft to How exactly does she want to collaborate?”
clear, louder than every before. Just a cou- the touch. I walked towards her and finally I was hesitant to answer her, as I hated even
ple weeks earlier, I had met this incredible her eyes rose from the text in her book and saying the reality of the situation out loud.
force in the body of a woman with black caught sight of me. Her eyes sparkled a “Well, she wants to include some of my
eyes and a presence that was striking in a bit as she gave me a smirking smile. “You pieces in a gallery show that she’s having in
sense that felt almost physical. A network- know you could learn a thing or two from a couple of months back in South Africa.
ing event that I’d attended with Stepha- this shit,” she said to me and held up the I gave her my card and she loved what she
nie aligned the woman’s path to mine. book’s cover in my direction that read Ac- saw on my website. She’s even considering
Stephanie, my opposite, was a presence in tions Speak Louder: The Modern Woman’s giving me my own show, and asked if I’d
my life that presented itself while we were Guide to Regal Behavior. be willing to give some of the proceeds to
still in undergrad. Superficially, Stephanie “Oh my GOD,” I responded, dragging needier parts like Sub Saharan Africa.”
and I had little in common, but our ideals, out the last with an exaggeratedly sarcastic “Ooo!” Stephanie squealed. “That’s such
beliefs, mutual understanding and interpre- tone, “says the woman who swears at me an incredible opportunity for you.”
tation of life made us stick like glue. I felt upon greeting me.” She giggled. I reached “Yeah, the only thing is, I’d have to be
it refreshing to learn things from her that into my messenger bag, palmed a book en- there for it, and I’m in my last semester of
I normally wouldn’t be attracted to or care titled The Unbearable Lightness of Being, grad school, and I don’t know if I can leave.
about. I felt lucky to have a relationship in and slapped it down on the table top in This is the most incredible interference I’ve
my life that gave me another way to grow. front of her. “How ya like these apples?” I ever experienced in my life.” Her eyes never
I was on my way to meet her for coffee asked in a sassy tone cocking my head just a left my face as she sipped her tea in an in-
and was dying to tell her of this woman bit to the side. “Ah yes, I am so compelled credibly still silence. “What experience do
and the possible changes that could take to over analyze my every action to the you think will benefit you more in your life
place. There was definitely a crossroad lay- point that my life makes so much sense... it at this point, Olivia?” She asked me in a
ing in front of me, and logic outside of my makes no sense at all!” she replied sharply. mother-like tone that she gets when there
own that I could trust always put things I smiled and rolled my eyes. “Whatever, is serious talk involved. I paused. I didn’t
a bit more into perspective. Finally, I had when I walked in here I wasn’t sure if it was respond. The answered seemed obvious,
reached the coffee house and swung open a wad of cotton candy or a person sitting but is the obvious always the right path to
the door on its rusty hinges. The smell of at this table.” Her giggle transformed into take? I felt my eyes gloss over as they slid
coffee was pleasantly invasive to my nos- an open-mouth laugh. “Nice boots, Tank towards the window. A life-altering deci-
trils and seemed to somewhat sweep over Girl,” she quickly said in response between sion needed to be made sooner than I was
me alongside the general feel of the old laughs, and I laughed with her. “Thanks ready to make it.
coffee house. I didn’t come to Rochambo Lila Fowlers. I think you missed your exit
often, but whenever I did there was always to Sweet Valley.” I said shaking my thumb
the question of why I didn’t frequent the towards the exit. I leaned forward and gave
place. Its interior was earthy with hard- her a kiss on the cheek. “Your hair looks
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