Walking into 900 N. Michigan Avenue shops last Tuesday night, we could hear the music emanating from the 5th floor. My friend Keely and I looked at each other, ready for anything, and wound our way up the escalators to the Launch/CFI event.
We gave our names at the entrance, passed by the empty food table (they ran out of food very early, due to overwhelming rsvps on Monday and Tuesday, and had to order more in the middle of the party. That means you’re at a really cool party, you know!)
Fall 2010 designs by Nora del Busto
As we wandered around, gazing at models on pedestals and making our way to the back bar, I wondered out loud to Keely, “Where are the clothes? I thought this was supposed to be a shop?” We got our drinks (made with Svedka flavored vodka; mine was cranberry fizzy drink with vanilla vodka and hers was a citrus vodka with lemonade–both pretty darn tasty), and made our way to the front of the space to look for my dear friend Lara Miller, who is the director of the Chicago Fashion Incubator.
Lara was smiling and happy, though tired; she had been there until 6 am the night before, preparing the space for the party. She had gone home and taken a quick, early morning disco nap before returning to 900 at 9 am, and had been there since then, finishing up last minute details for the opening. She looked fabulous, and very proud.
More Cupcake. Oh, my goodness!
We chatted for a few minutes, met some really great people, and left her to her crowds while we went to go find the famous cupcakes that were being served. And they were completely amazing, these little cupcakes!
What we had gone to first is the event space, hence the lack of clothing on racks; the tiny shop space is next door, and it is filled with lovely pieces by the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s designers in residence. Keely and I looked at every single item in the store, I swear. Every thing was beautiful, but some favorites included this gorgeous dress by Nora del Busto (actually, I loved everything by this designer—such detail and such grace), an asymmetrical jacket by Anna Hovet, and a simple sheath with waist detail by Agga B.
The CFI Retail Shop is open Thursday-Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sundays, 12 pm to 6 pm. There are events happening throughout the month in both the Shop space and the Event Space. Here are a few of them, in March and April:
- March 26, 8-11 pm (Event Space). Anna Hovet, Fall 2010 Fashion Show at 9 pm
- March 27, 10 am -7 pm (Shop). Zamrie Spring 2010 Trunk Show
- April 3, Noon-6 pm (Event Space), Nora del Busto Trunk Show & Champagne Reception
- April 8, 7-19 pm (Shop), Kristin Hassan Summer 2010 Event and Show
- April 9, Noon-6 pm (Event Space), Yana Collection Fall 2010 Trunk Show
- April 10, 10 am-7 pm (Event Space), Evil Kitty Trunk Show
- April 15, Noon-8:30 pm (Event Space), Agga B Trunk Show
- April 17, 10 am-7 pm (Shop), Anna Hovet Trunk Show
- And every single Friday in the Shop is Kate Boggiano Custom Friday.
After we left the party, we wandered around 900 N. Michigan a little bit, then rode the Red Line home, stopping along the way to pick up a bottle of wine. We stayed up late talking about clothes and parties and cupcakes, and the next day went to Legoland with the kids. Quite a juxtaposition.
Seriously, though: you should definitely stop into the CFI Shop and the Event Space. It’s only there a short amount of time. It’s worth a visit.
(you can find Chicago Fashion Incubator on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter as well. For more information, you can also use an older form of technology, the phone—312.781.5267)
