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 First Fashionista A conversation with Melissa Turner, Chicago's new fashion director
Last week, Mayor Daley announced the formation of Chicago's Fashion
Advisory Council, a group dedicated to keeping local talent from fleeing
to the coasts. The council will strive to help designers overcome career
obstacles that may be more prevalent in the Midwest than in
fashion-centric cities like New York and Los Angeles. Heading up the
group is Melissa Turner, who recently made the transition from courtroom
to couture as an attorney turned Director of Fashion Arts and Events.
Despite her chic title, Turner remains humble about her own
style-savvy--when we asked the former legal eagle which fashion faux pas
she would make illegal, she joked: "considering I was an attorney for
seven years and only wore `institutional suits,' I'll leave that
question to the stylists." However, when Newcity tracked Turner down
for a Q&A, she had plenty to say about style in the city. What led to the creation of a Fashion Advisory Council for
Chicago? After the huge response to Fashion Focus Chicago in 2005, it became
clear that Chicago has some dynamic designers but needs assistance in
centralizing the industry and pooling the many resources that are
already here. Tell us a bit about the individuals who make up the
nineteen-member council. The members were chosen by Mayor Daley and represent a cross-section
of fashion industry leaders. [Our board represents a variety of
perspectives, from] designers to a marketing, manufacturing, finance,
selling and distribution perspective. The young designers [in our group
will enlighten us on] what it takes to transition from being a design
student to a successful career in this very competitive industry. The
designers identify which tools are here for them and which ones are
not;
what works for them and what does not. Our overarching goal is to help
support and promote Chicago fashion, to elevate and educate our Chicago
designers and to help promote the amazing retail stores that call
Chicago home. What are some of the challenges that face designers who want to
stay in Chicago and how does the Council plan to provide transitional
assistance to young designers looking to start a career? [Chicago-based designers] face challenges with production and
learning the business of design. [We plan to] establish mentorships
with
successful designers and internships in designers' studios. What advice would you give up-and-coming designers looking to
make a name in Chicago? Young designers need to understand that they won't come out of
fashion school and immediately be design stars. They have a lot to
learn
and the best way to do that is to shadow an established designer and
take whatever jobs that designer gives you! How would you characterize fashion events in Chicago as compared
to similar happenings in NYC or LA? Fashion events in Chicago represent something for everyone, from
events showcasing avant-garde fashion in an avant-garde manner to
wearable, fiber art displays to multimedia and fashion events that are
on par with anything happening in NYC or LA. What kind of Chicago fashion events can we expect in the
future? Soon, Chicago is likely to have a Fashion Week of runway shows
occurring at the same level [as those in LA and NYC]. We are already on
our way with the second year of Fashion Focus coming up September
20-October 1. There will be runway shows in Millennium Park September
26-28 and shopping events. What are some of the most memorable fashion events you've
attended in Chicago this year? [I went to an] avant-garde fashion show at the Garfield Park
Conservatory labyrinth. The fashion shows for local design schools this
year [featured] student work that was really strong and exciting. There is so much talent out there right now! Some up-and-coming
student designers that stand out for me are Cassandra Scanlon, Xochil
Herrera and recent graduates Kristina Sparks, Moire Conroy and Ana
Cantillano. Can you tell us a bit about the Chicago Design Shop that is
planned for Macy's? I'm excited to let established designers know that the call for
Macy's Chicago Designer Shop is coming in July, so keep your eye out
for
that! [Buyers] will look for menswear, contemporary womenswear and
childrenswear designers. Also, young designers will have the
opportunity
to show a sketch or sample to Macy's experts during Fashion Focus at
"Distinctions in Design" on September 26. The Chicago Designer Shop
will launch this year on September 8. Now let's talk about shopping in Chicago! What are some of your
favorite local shops? Just a few favorites? What I love about Chicago retail is that you
can find anything here. If you want something that's limited edition
and
won't be seen on anyone else, or you just need staples, Chicago's
retailers can take care of any need. Are there any stores that are, in your opinion, underrated or
deserving of more attention? Not necessarily underrated, but there is a comeback story, Towanna
Mitchell, who will soon open a boutique at 1877 North Milwaukee. In the
1980s, she was happening! She designed for the likes of Oprah Winfrey;
she's incredibly talented! I look forward to seeing her again.
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