A model wears garments by Mallory Fifer. Credit: Isa Giallorenzo
Street View is a fashion series in which Isa Giallorenzo spotlights some of the coolest styles seen in Chicago.
Last month Amanda Harth, Asia Vallot, and Michael Ashley of the blog Runway Addicts, and Ciera McKissick of the online magazine AMFM promoted Indigo Nation, a denim-centered event held in Pilsen. Runway Addicts founder Harth wanted to celebrate the popular material after spending a whole year researching it: “We conducted a study on dyeing techniques, what denim looked like in different parts of the world, the history of the textile, and why it’s the most versatile fabric.” The result was a three-day-long festival that included art installations, garment displays, workshops, performances, a denim swap, and a pop-up shop.
During their opening at the Chicago Art Department, models walked among the guests and sported all-denim looks by designer Mallory Fifer. Later on designer, artist, and activist Michelle Janayea did a “live sewing” session by putting together pieces of used garments selected by the attendees. In an adjacent room, denim-inspired works by artist Jane Georges were displayed alongside creations by local up-and-coming brands Amara Black by Alenda, Michael White, Hightower by DaShaun Hightower, Iridium, Reformed School by Peter Gaona, Phera by Ron Louis, and Iicky Genes. Their garments—plus items by local brands Create the New World, Jaja, and Jaeoli—were sold the next weekend at a pop-up shop hosted at the Maybe Sunday boutique. Check out photographs of some of this denim extravaganza right after the jump.
Designs by Amara Black. The grommet vest on the right sold for only 80 bucks!Credit: Isa GiallorenzoDesigner Amara BlackCredit: Isa GiallorenzoGarments by Iicky GenesCredit: Isa GiallorenzoCreations by Hightower and PheraCredit: Isa GiallorenzoMichael White stands in front of his designs.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoDesigns by Michael WhiteCredit: Isa GiallorenzoDesigns by Reformed SchoolCredit: Isa GiallorenzoDesigns by IridiumCredit: Isa GiallorenzoDenim collection created by Mallory Fifer.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoMallory Fifer’s designsCredit: Isa Giallorenzo3-D character artist Jordan Filipovich models Mallory Fifer’s creations.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoWardrobe stylist Michael Ashley of the Runway Addicts blog stands in front of denim pieces later used by Michelle Janayea in her on-demand live sewing.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoOrganizers Amanda Harth of the Runway Addicts blog and Ciera McKissick of AMFM online magazine pose in front of an installation by Jane Georges.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoZel wore a skirt and a headband put together by her parents during the children’s denim workshop.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoDenim galore during the kids workshopCredit: Isa GiallorenzoChildren painted denim pieces they picked at the Chicago Art Department.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoCredit: Isa GiallorenzoWardrobe stylist Troy Hubbard during the Indigo Nation pop-up shop at the Maybe Sunday boutiqueCredit: Isa GiallorenzoCreate The New World designer Lyntuan Jones during the Indigo Nation pop-up shop at Maybe SundayCredit: Isa GiallorenzoCredit: Isa GiallorenzoDesigner, artist, and activist Michelle Janayea did live sewing throughout the event.Credit: Isa GiallorenzoMichelle Janayea was wearing earrings by artist Jane Georges.Credit: Isa Giallorenzo
